In it's simplest form, massage is the external manipulation of
the structures of the body (such as skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments,
bones) with positive intentions of relaxation, psychological or
physical benefit to the receipient. Massage is therefore thought
to be as old as humanity, or older - if one includes it's use
by other animals before upright homosapiens evolved !
The earliest known history of massage is associated with Ancient
China, where healers used pressure techniques similar to those
practised in modern Accupressure and Shiatsu. Archeology has also
established the use of oils on the bodies of Asiatic women. Similarly,
various oils and creams believed to be for use on the body have
been excavated from Ancient Egyptian Tombs.
There is evidence of the evolution of massage in Europe over
the last 2500 years, from Ancient Greece to the modern era. Much
was written down during the 17th and 18th centuries when the terminology
increased significantly and there was much debate about pressure,
direction of motion, patient position, and so on.
Swedish practitioner Peter Henry Ling is famous for founding the
'Swedish' system of massage which includes specific techniques
and associated terminology including the modern terms "effleurage"
and "petrissage".
Massage did not become a respectable or reputable practice until
the 19th century.
In 1894 a group of women formed "The Society of Trained
Masseuses", that eventually became "The Chartered Society
of Physiotherapy", which still exists today : www.csp.org.uk.
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