TLDR;
This video explores the extensive history of massage, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to modern practices. It highlights the integration of massage in various cultures, its role in medicine, and its journey through periods of decline and revival. The video also touches on the evolution of massage therapy in New Zealand, emphasizing the importance of tradition and scientific advancement in shaping its future.
- Massage has been used since ancient times, with evidence from Babylonia, China, and Egypt.
- It played a significant role in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was valued for its therapeutic benefits.
- The practice of massage experienced a decline during the Dark Ages but was preserved and advanced in the Islamic world.
- The modern era saw a revival of massage, with key figures like Pierre Henrik Ling and Dr. Johann Mezger contributing to its development.
- New Zealand has its own unique history of massage, with traditional Maori practices and the establishment of massage therapy as a recognized profession.
Ancient Origins of Massage [0:10]
Massage has a history dating back to ancient times, with evidence found in ancient Babylonia around 2350 BC. Around the same time, massage was also practiced in China and Egypt. In China, massage, known as "armor," was one of the five main treatments, involving rubbing and finger pressure along the body's meridians. Egyptians used massage, as depicted in artwork from the tomb of Akmanoa, showing physicians performing foot and hand massages. Trade routes helped spread massage to India, where it was integrated with yoga for health, spirituality, and vitality. In Japan, the Chinese philosophy of armor evolved into shiatsu, using finger and thumb pressure on energy points.
Massage in Ancient Greece and Rome [1:11]
In ancient Greece, Asclepius was revered for his healing arts and favored massage over medicine, believing it restored nutritive fluids and natural movements. Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine, promoted natural medicines and hands-on techniques, considering "triptus" (rubbing) a primary cure. Alexander the Great's conquests spread Greek practices to India, and returning soldiers brought Indian head massage. Greek physicians in Rome gained respect for their healing arts, with Julius Caesar endorsing massage. Claudius Galen, a physician to gladiators, used massage to treat injuries, lecturing and demonstrating its theory and practice. Aulus Celsus's medical textbook, "De Medicina," strongly advocated rubbing and exercises for therapeutic relief. Greek gymnasiums and Roman baths were central to massage practice and social interaction.
The Dark Ages and the Islamic World [3:11]
The Dark Ages, starting around 400 AD, saw a decline in learning in Europe, with Christianity discouraging bodily pleasure and considering it sinful. Folk healers who used massage were often punished. However, during this time, Islam was founded in Arabia, and by 750 AD, Chinese paper-making reached the Islamic world, allowing for the transcription of texts by Hippocrates, Galen, and Celsus. New medical texts were developed in the Arab world, with Razi writing an encyclopedia on massage, exercise, and diet for health. Avicenna, a Persian philosopher and physician, promoted medicine, massage, and exercise in "The Canon of Medicine."
The Revival of Massage in the Modern Era [4:30]
Around 1450 AD, the Gutenberg press enabled the mass production of books, spreading knowledge of massage back through Europe. In the 16th century, French physician Ambroise Paré wrote about using massage for post-surgery treatment and joint fractures. Italian physician Girolamo Mercuriale promoted massage and exercise together in "De Arte Gymnastica." In Germany, Hoffman used massage and exercise, influencing medical practices in Germany, France, and England. In 1813, Pierre Henrik Ling opened the Swedish Royal Central Institute for Gymnastics, teaching Swedish massage with active and passive exercises. Despite initial ridicule, Dr. Johann Mezger gave credibility to Ling's work, introducing terminology like effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement.
Massage in the Late 19th and 20th Centuries [6:14]
By 1856, Ling's work gained popularity, and by 1880, medical research on massage benefits was conducted in New York. Numerous massage schools emerged in England, but the British Medical Association investigated them due to scandals in 1894, revealing questionable tactics and unskilled graduates. This reinforced the link between massage and prostitution, with terms like "masseuse" and "massage parlor" becoming euphemisms. The Society of Trained Masseuses was formed to combat these issues, establishing high academic standards and regulating schools. In 1920, Dr. James Mennell divided massage's effects into mechanical and reflex actions. Emil Vodder developed manual lymphatic drainage, which was accepted in medical institutions after extensive research. Dr. James Cyriax developed transverse friction massage and established a department in St. Thomas Hospital in London. During the world wars, massage was used to rehabilitate injured soldiers.
Massage in New Zealand [8:44]
In New Zealand, Maori healthcare included rongoā (herbal medicine), karakia (spiritual healing), and mirimiri (massage). Herbs or animal oils were used as lubricants, and there were three forms of mirimiri: romiromi, taught daily by an elder woman involving squeezing and pinching strokes; tōtōtō, infant massage to aid development; and takahi, walking on parts of the body to relieve stiffness. In 1913, Dunedin Hospital established a massage department, and the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association created a school with Otago University to train massage therapists. The Masseuse Registration Act was created in 1920, modified in 1949 to become the Physiotherapy Act, requiring 600 hours of training. Currently, there is no mandatory licensing or registration of massage therapists in New Zealand. In 1985, Bill Wareham formed the Massage Institute of New Zealand Incorporated, and in 1989, Jim Stanford created the Therapeutic Massage Association. In April 2007, the TMA and MINZ merged to form Massage New Zealand, the official body of massage in New Zealand.