Relax-!The History of Massage Made Simple

by

Justinsy Ber

Have you ever had one of those days where you ache all over? Nothing you do seems to be comfortable. The only solution is either a nice hot bath or a soothing massage preferably both! In this day and age there are many different massage options available to you. Here we are going to look at some of them and how the art of massage actually began.

What Is Massage?

A simple enough question, but it needs to be addressed. Massage is the art of healing aches and pains in our bodies. It is instilled in human nature; we rub our painful areas and have been doing this for millennia. The proud mother will rock her baby to sleep or to stop them crying. It is the very essence of human contact that makes us feel relaxed and loved again. The word \’Massage\’ originated from the Arabic root \’Mass\’h\’; this means to hold or squeeze. It is widely believed that the art of massage is the original version of all manual therapy practices.

The Beginnings

The first recorded practice of massage was over four thousand years ago in China. A medical text contained details of how to apply massage therapies to patients. Reflexology has been recognized as an ancient Egyptian practice; this has been displayed via the hieroglyphic illustrations. Sadly, many of the ancient techniques have been locked away, along with the Pharaohs of that era.

The Greeks

In Europe, the Greeks were actively practicing massage as early as two and a half thousand years ago. It was part of the physician\’s skill set to be able to apply a soothing massage in times of stress and pain. If we examine the famous Hippocrates of Cos\’s memoirs, we can learn that: \’Rubbing can bind and loosen; and can make flesh and cause parts to waste\’.

The Romans

When the Romans took over world domination from the Greeks, they also continued the medical trend of development. Galen was originally a physician to the gladiators of the Circus Maximus. This is where he developed and practiced many sports injury related massage techniques. He was the originator of what we know today as orthopedic massage.

Decline Of Massage

During the Dark Ages, people rejected the art of massage as it was believed to be unacceptable and sinful. This was the age that religion decided what was good or bad for us.

Swedish Progress

Pehr Heinrick Ling was a Swedish sports therapist. He used his techniques with international athletes and soon rebuilt the reputation of massage as a healing art. He is regarded as the father of modern massage; the Swedish massage is his gift to the practice.

Different Styles of Massage

Here is a list of the main types on offer these days:

Swedish Massage Therapy

Aromatherapy Massage

Hot Stone Massage

Deep Tissue Massage

Shiatsu

Thai Massage

Reflexology

Sports Massage

Back Massage

As you can see, there is an astonishing variety of massages available; all you need to do is show up and relax!

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Article Source:

ArticleRich.com