Massage has probably been around since humans have been social and interactive beings. But the first records of massage date back to India where it was used as part of their sacred system. They believed that there was a natural balance within the body and that massage could help to naturally heal and restore this physical balance. This practice is known as Ayurveda - life health. This ancient practice was passed down through generations - healing injuries, relieving pain and preventing and curing illness.
From India the practice of massage travelled to China where it evolved to incorporate Chinese medicine, martial arts and spiritual yoga of the Buddhists and Taoists. The Chinese also believed that disease was caused by the deficiency and imbalance of energy in the body. This method led to the birth of - acupuncture, acupressure and herbal remedies.
In Egypt we can see depictions of massage in tomb paintings dating back to 2500BC. It is thought that the techniques of reflexology began here. Reflexology promotes healing in the body by applying pressure to points on the hands and feet.
In 1000BC Shiatsu emerged in Japan - possibly from the Japanese monks studying in China. Shiatsu regulates and strengthens organs by rebalancing the energy within the body. This is done through stimulation and pressure points, helping to provide natural resistance to illness.
The Greeks and Romans were strongly influenced by Egypt. The Greeks used massage to strengthen and condition the body for competitions and herbs and oils were used to treat medical conditions. In 5BC Hippocrates used massage, diet, exercise, fresh air and music to restore a healthy balance in the body.
The Roman physician, Galan, used massage to treat the Emperors illness and injury in 1BC. Wealthy Romans enjoyed massage in their homes, and the general public would go to the Roman baths for spa treatments and body massage to stimulate circulation and loosen joints.
The popularity of massage in the West then went into decline, and it was only in the 17th century it started to be recognised again for its health giving benefits. The Swedish doctor/teacher/gymnast, Per Henrick Ling, started using techniques such as stroking, pressing, squeezing and striking as a means of restoring the body to good health. This was the birth of the Swedish Movement Cure.
George Mezger, a Dutch physician incorporated effleurage, petrissage, tapotement and friction into Ling's method, and this is where massage as we know it today was born.