Скачать или смотреть 1.The Evolution of Wellness and Massage

History and Development of Massage

Ancient Beginnings
The earliest evidence of massage can be traced to cave paintings, depicting people massaging each other. Archaeological finds also show early use of oils and herbs, suggesting their application for healing and beautification.

By 3000 BC, the Chinese practiced massage to treat illnesses and enhance overall health. Texts like The Cong Fau of Tao-Tse describe various techniques and exercises. The Chinese also developed pressure-point therapy, known as amma, which laid the foundation for acupressure and acupuncture. These methods spread to Japan, where tsubo point massage evolved into shiatsu—still widely practiced today.

In India, massage was part of daily hygiene and wellness as recorded in the Ayur-Veda, written around 1800 BC. It emphasized rubbing and shampooing to reduce fatigue and enhance cleanliness.

Egyptians and Persians also used massage both cosmetically and therapeutically. Cleopatra was famously massaged with oils after bathing in milk. Containers with oils and ointments have been discovered in tombs, proving its importance in ancient culture.

Massage in Greece and Rome
In Classical Greece, massage was part of a holistic lifestyle that included bathing and exercise. Athletes and soldiers received massages for performance and recovery. Physicians like Herodicus and Hippocrates used massage therapeutically. Hippocrates emphasized the healing benefits of upward strokes—centuries before blood circulation was understood.

Romans continued these traditions. Public and private baths offered areas for massage and relaxation. Roman baths were built across Europe, including in Britain. Massage techniques like squeezing, pinching, and pummeling resemble today’s petrissage and percussion.

The Middle Ages to the Renaissance
Between 500–1400 AD, interest in massage declined due to war, religious restrictions, and superstition. However, the Renaissance revived interest in health and the body. In the 16th century, Ambroise Paré, a French surgeon, classified massage into gentle, medium, and vigorous forms, similar to modern categories.

Modern Massage Evolution
Modern techniques were influenced by Per Henrik Ling (1776–1839), a Swedish physiologist who created a system of therapeutic massage and movement, using terms like effleurage, petrissage, and vibration. Dutch physician Johann Mezger applied massage scientifically to rehabilitation, helping to legitimize it within the medical field.

Massage gained medical acceptance, especially in England where John Grosvenor used it to treat joint issues. In 1894, the Society of Trained Masseuses was founded in the UK, establishing formal training and professional standards.

20th-Century Developments
Massage played a key role during World War I in treating injuries. The Society of Trained Masseuses later became the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, gaining state recognition in 1964.

With advances in electrotherapy, massage lost its place in mainstream medicine. However, demand remained strong in wellness centers, clinics, and spas.

In the 1960s, massage was reintroduced through beauty therapy courses in the UK, with the City and Guilds offering formal qualifications. Organizations like the British Association of Beauty Therapists and Cosmetologists helped standardize training.

Today, the rise of holistic health and complementary medicine—such as aromatherapy, reflexology, and shiatsu—has renewed interest in massage. Accredited programs ensure that therapists meet national standards, providing quality care in various health and wellness settings.