The History of Body Massage

Massage is an art form that is likely as old as humanity itself. Historical evidence shows that it was has been practiced for thousands of years and stands as one of the simplest forms of medical treatment. Most of us have instinctively rubbed an aching neck or head - applying gentle pressure to relieve pain is a natural human response.

Ancient Origins

Dating back over 3,000 years, civilisations such as the Romans, Greeks, Chinese, and Egyptians have used massage as part of their health and wellness routines. Among the wealthy, it was common to be massaged with olive oil after bathing - helping to keep the joints supple and the skin nourished. What began as a practical ritual eventually evolved into full body treatments. It's even recorded that Julius Caesar received regular massages to help manage his epilepsy.

In both Africa and Asia massage has long been valued as a healing tool, and today, it continues to be widely used in the UK for health, relaxation, and preventative care.

Shaping Early Theory: Herodotus and Hippocrates

The formal principles of massage were initially outlined around 500 BC by Greek physician Herodotus, who advocated for massage movements directed away from the heart to treat injury and disease.

However, in 300 BC, Hippocrates - often called the "Father of Medicine" - proposed the opposite: movements should be directed toward the heart, a conclusion he reached well before the cardiovascular system was fully understood.

Hippocrates emphasised the importance of touch in medicine, stating:

A physician must be experienced in many things but assuredly in rubbing... Rubbing can bind or loosen; can make flesh or cause parts to waste... Much rubbing causes parts to waste, moderate rubbing makes them grow.

In essence, Hippocrates recognised that the same stroke, when applied at different speeds or intensities, can produce very different effects - a foundational idea in modern massage.

Galen's Contribution

In 130 AD, Roman physician Galen discovered that arteries carried blood, not air, as previously believed. He emphasised adjusting massage techniques based on the specific disease or injury being treated. Galen coined familiar terms like pummelling, squeezing, and pinching, and prescribed massage to Roman gladiators for recovery.

He once wrote:

Massage eliminates the waste products of nutrition and the poison of fatigue.

Galen authored more than 16 books on massage and exercise, greatly influencing medical practices for centuries.

The Middle Ages to the 18th Century

Massage continued in various forms, but little was formally recorded until the 16th century. By then, physicians and surgeons began to once again recommend it for treating injury and illness.

In the 18th century, massage experienced a revival - though it also became controversial. A lack of unified techniques and unclear treatment guidelines led to confusion. Unfortunately, massage's association with non-medical "pleasure services" also tarnished professional reputation - a challenge that ethical therapists still work to overcome today.

A Turning Point: Professionalisation and Swedish Massage

In 1894, a group of nurses formed the Society of Trained Masseuses after British doctors called for massage training within nursing. The society introduced regulations, set examinations, and helped restore the therapy's professional credibility.

The most transformative contribution, however, came from Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish medical expert who emphasises the importance of a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. Ling developed a scientific system of massage and introduced techniques we still used today: effleurage, petrissage, vibration, friction, rollling, and slapping.

He established an institute in Stockholm to teach Swedish massage and medical gymnastics. While it took time to gain medical acceptance, by the late 19th century, massage became widely recognised as an effective treatment method.

Ling's Swedish massage techniques now form the foundation of modern massage therapy.

Massage: The Root of Modern Therapies

Massage is considered the parent therapy of several modern health practices, including Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, and Osteopathy Many practitioners in these fields originally trained as massage therapist and build upon those core techniques.

In 1920, the Society of Trained Masseuses merged with the Institute of Massage and Remedial Exercise and was granted a Royal Charter, becoming the Chartered Society of Massage and Medical Gymnastics - known today as the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (since 1943).

Modern Recognition and Training

In1995, massage courses were formally validated by the Health & Therapy Training Board (H.B.T.T.B.) through the National Council for Vocational Qualifications (N.C.V.Q.) These competence-based qualifications allow students to gain a nationally recognised certification - a vital step in today's growing holistic and wellness industry.

Final Thoughts

Massage has evolved from ancient rituals to a respected therapeutic practice, supported by centuries of knowledge, cultural influence, and scientific study. Its journey continues - rooted in history, but more relevant than ever in the modern world.