History of Massage

Since the dawn of civilization, massage therapy has been used cross-culturally to promote healing, health and wellness. Massage therapy began as a sacred system of natural healing in India, over 5,000 years ago from ancient Ayurvedic practices, through sages and scholars. Treatments in Ayurvedic healing include herbs, diet, aromatherapy, color and sound therapy and touch therapy (massage). Ayurveda was widely adapted throughout India and Southeast Asia. Today, it is a natural healing system practiced worldwide.

Massage culture appears in Egypt and China. 3,000-2,500 BC. Reflexology, the ancient art of foot massage began in Egypt. In Asia, Buddhist and Taoist monks viewed touch as essential to their yoga and spiritual training. Through the Chinese principle that diseases arise due to an imbalance in the energy flow of specific channels or “meridians” in the body, acupuncture and acupressure developed (a type of massage that utilizes the meridians). By 1,000 BC, Japanese monks studying Buddhism in China observed the healing methods of Chinese Medicine, Japanese massage of “anma” grew into Shiatsu.

The ancient Greeks and Romans, between 800 BC-100 CE, derived many of their healing modalities through Eastern philosophies using massage therapy to heal the body. It flourished in Greek athletics and in Roman baths. Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, promoted a combination of massage, diet, exercise, fresh air and music to restore the body naturally. Much like today’s holistic practitioners propose. 

In Europe, massage therapy began to decline in popularity, manual methods faded from view. A resurgence began in the methods of touch and healing between 1600 to 1800 CE, where many physicians and scientists began to recognize and document the “benefits” of massage and other manual healing methods.

Fast forward to the 20th Century. An increasing number of new massage techniques were discovered and ancient practices revitalized. Today, the health and wellness industry has a respectable form of alternative and complimentary medicine, with over 4 trillion dollars globally!!

Modern society’s wellness boom focuses on disease prevention and maintaining quality health through prevention and wellness practices throughout the life span. Nearly 50 million Americans have discussed massage therapy with their health care providers and over 20% have received a massage in the past year. Healing touch is not only therapeutic, but necessary for our health and well-being.

So, if you have never received a massage from a professional, it is time you did.

A Better You- Today                                                                                                       Luna Therapy