Although the massage therapy clinics are a relatively modern creation, the actual practice of massage goes far back in time. In fact, massage as a treatment is goes back before the building of the Great Pyramids of Egypt.
Today, for those among us who have suffered an injury, stress or suffer from physical pain, massage therapy is current and relevant practice. Here’s a historical review of massage as a therapy:
3300 BC – Proof of massage appears in Sumerian Cunieform clay tablets.
2598 BC – The oldest existing medical book, the Nei Ching, from China refers to massage.
2500 BC – Massage practices are documented in Egyptian hieroglyphics in the crypts of kings and depicted “animal healers” using massage techniques.
1500 BC – Evidence of massage is present in Tibet, India and China.
377 BC – The Greek surgeon Hippocrates declares “A doctor must be experienced in many things but assuredly also in rubbing”.
300BC-500AD – In The Roman Empire, massage was part of the bathing ritual. Those that could afford it might be bathed by attendants and have stiff muscles rubbed with warm plant oil.
500s-1700s – The western Church bans massage for its connotations with “sensual pleasure”.
1770 – Publication in France of the manuscript by the Jesuit Amiat, “Chinese Pressure Point Massage” which becomes the foundation for “Swedish Massage”.
1813 – Per Henrik Ling creates the Royal Gymnastic Central Institute in Stockholm, Sweden where “Swedish Massage” is developed.
1817 – First published book on massage by Cornelius E. De Puy, MD in the United States.
1819 – French surgeon Piorry researches the physiologic effects of massage.
1850′s – Systematic Massaging Therapy is introduced in the USA by physician brothers George and Charles Taylor who studied in Sweden.
1863 – The French publication Du Massage documents the consequences of each massage technique on specific body systems.
1900 – Finnish College of Massage develops first system of Sports Massage, evolving from Swedish Massage system.
1916 – Swedish Institute set up in N. Y.
1927 – New York Society of Medical Massage Therapists established.
1939 – Florida State Massage Therapy Association organized.
1960s to present – Evolution of human complementary health-care, greater approval and knowledge of massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy. Many variations and specialties of bodywork are defined.
Key words:
Frank Giambagno, president, Med Rehab Group, invites you to discover more about rehabilitation and massage therapy at the Med Rehab Group Website.
categories: Massages,massage,massages care,massages therapy,massage therapy,rehabilitation,rehab
