The History and Evolution of Massage Therapy
The use of touch in healing has been practiced by many different civilizations throughout the course of history. From both ends of the world, people knew that massage was the single most effective natural way of relieving pain, healing a variety of injuries, and even treating diseases and illnesses. But in the modern sense of the word, massage has significantly evolved. In this post, we look at the history of massage from the perspective of the different ancient cultures.
Originally, the concept of massage therapy was designed as a sacred system of natural healing. However, different cultures eventually realized that massage therapy at http://www.hongkong-hotelmassage.com/stories.htm could be utilized in many other instances other than religious purposes. It is definitely the most popular and important form of holistic healing today and it is present in every single culture.
Massage is Unveiled in India
Historians claim that the people of India started practicing massage in 3,000 BCE while some claim it can actually be earlier. The proof goes by the name of Ayurveda, a type of holistic medical system practiced in the area and was passed down from one generation to another orally. According to Ayurveda, a man obtains illnesses and diseases when he lives out of harmony with nature and the environment. To get rid of diseases, man needs to restore that harmony and balance using the five senses. Ayurveda promoted different treatments including touch therapy, herbalism, diet, and sound therapy. View http://www.mahalo.com/massage/ for some tips about massages.
Massage Appearing in China and Egypt
The same form of healing using touch therapy began appearing in the regions of China and Egypt between 3,000 and 2,500 BCE. In Egypt for instance, the proof is the tomb paintings showing individuals being kneaded by others. Also, majority of historians agree that it was the Egyptians who discovered reflexology in 2,500 BCE.
China on the other hand has ancient texts dating back to 2,700 BCE, containing information about the medical benefits of massage therapy from this website.
Monks, Massage, and Japan
The Japanese eventually got into the trend of massage healing by 1,000 BCE. The Japanese monks who were studying Buddhism in China were the ones who brought massage therapy to their land. The unique technique in Japan was called "anma," and eventually evolved into the popular Shiatsu.
European Spread
Though there was a decline in the spread of massage therapy because of medical technology advancement and breakthroughs, it still was able to reach Europe by the 17th through 19th centuries. Both doctors and scientists observed and documented the proven benefits and healing power of massage. One of the most important European contributions was made by a Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling, who created the Swedish Gymnastic Movement System which used massage and combined it with physiology and medical gymnastics.
Finally, it was in the United States when massage parlors began appearing, thanks primarily to the emergence of the wellness boom.