Massage therapy's history goes back to 3000 BCE (earlier) to 3000 CE (or even earlier) in India in India, where it was once thought of as an ancient medical method of healing pure. Massage therapy was initially utilized by Ayurveda practitioners, mostly H
Massage was first discovered in the earliest days of Greece, when Hippocrates, the founder of medicine, began to study the healing properties of rubbing up the tissues of the body. He observed the similarity between human skin and that of sheep on the mountains. He realized that rubbing your body would increase circulation and ease tension in the muscles, which could result in better overall health and well-being. Hippocrates was the first to discover modern massage techniques in the Hellenistic period. It can be stated that massage was the first introduced to the western world by Hippocrates who, in turn was likely in some way influenced by Indian techniques.
Over the course of time diverse cultures from all over the globe began to adopt and develop different massage techniques, with some, like the Chinese massage with its distinct origins. The primary purpose was to encourage healing and ease pain. As this type of massage spread across Europe and Asia, it was referred to as shiatsu in Japan and much suvarna in India (also called Indian Head Massage), talmyasa in China (also known as Chinese Tantra Massage) and Ludwig in Germany and Scandinavia. Modern day Chinese massage is also known as Chinese Acupuncture Massage.
Today there are many eastern and western countries have adopted the art of massage and many of the ancient traditions associated with it. There are many different styles of this massage. However, they all share a holistic method of healing. This means that the treatment is not only focused on relieving discomfort, but also to promote healing within the body. Some forms of Chinese massage include acupuncture, herbs, and meditation. These are believed to be in synergy to improve overall health and well being. Additionally, the practice is rooted in the Asian people who have had experience with treating joints and muscles for centuries, and it is considered to be very solid and effective.
One of the most important branches of modern-day massage therapy is reflexology, a form of massage that was developed in China. Reflexology relies on pressure being applied on specific parts of the feet, hands, and soles of feet to ease aches and pains. It was believed to be extremely effective at the time it was first utilized by the ancient Egyptians, although today's techniques differ. Reflexology can be utilized in combination with any of the four basic massage therapies and it is also a viable option on its own. This technique was originally used to treat foot problems such as leg pains and discomforts. It is now a part of Chinese Acupuncture Massage.
The old Egyptian massage techniques were similar to those used by the Egyptians. Using your hands to rub, knead or press with your hands or using your palms of your fingers and hands to apply pressure. Massage oils were also used for lubrication and nutrition. They also used massage cushions that were either worn under or wrapped around the buttocks and thighs to add friction.
The ancient Chinese massage employs effleurage as well as glide strokes. Effleurage is a stroke that is used to warm up and loosen muscles before the gliding strokes to ease soreness and improve circulation. Gliding strokes are also referred to as ping-pong strokes and used to stretch muscles. Both gliding and effleurage are beneficial for injuries to soft tissues. Lymphatic drainage is a notion that the body cleans itself by permitting the lymphatic system to flow.
When we look at the history of the past of Rome and Greece We can see that both Hippocrates as well as the Romans used classic massage techniques. Hippocrates was the founder of medicine and believed that all disease begins within the body and the most effective method of treatment therefore was prevention through preventative care. The Romans on contrary, embraced massage therapy and Hippocrates's ideas were later adopted by the Roman physician Sigmund Freud.