Massage is one of the oldest forms of human care. Long before spas and massage tables, people around the world used touch to comfort, relax and connect. Learning about this history adds depth to something many of us enjoy simply as a pleasant way to unwind.
Ancient Roots
Many ancient cultures developed traditions of touch and massage.
- In China, massage practices have a long history and are described in early texts. A tradition known as tui na is still practiced today.
- In India, massage with oils is part of the traditional practices associated with Ayurveda, which has been followed for many centuries.
- In ancient Egypt, tomb paintings have been interpreted by some historians as showing people receiving foot or hand massage.
These traditions developed independently, which suggests just how natural touch is as a form of care.
Greece and Rome
The ancient Greeks valued bodily care as part of daily life. Athletes were massaged with oils, and the physician Hippocrates wrote about the practice of rubbing. In Rome, massage was a regular part of visits to the public baths, where people bathed, socialized and relaxed.
Japan and Thailand
In Japan, a massage tradition called anma developed over centuries, and shiatsu, which uses finger pressure, emerged in the twentieth century. In Thailand, traditional Thai massage combines pressure with assisted stretching. It is often performed on a mat with the receiver fully clothed. In 2019, Thai massage was added to the UNESCO list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Birth of Swedish Massage
Much of the massage commonly offered in Western spas today is called Swedish massage. Its history is often linked to Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish gymnastics instructor of the nineteenth century who developed a system of movements. Later, the Dutch practitioner Johann Georg Mezger is credited with organizing and naming many of the strokes still used today, such as effleurage, the long gliding stroke, and petrissage, the kneading stroke.
Massage in the United States
In the twentieth century, massage became more widely available in the United States, first in health clubs and later in spas and wellness studios. Today, massage therapy is a licensed profession in many states, including Georgia. Licensing requirements vary by state, so it is wise to check that a massage therapist is properly licensed.
Massage and Aromatherapy
In the mid-twentieth century, practitioners such as Marguerite Maury helped popularize combining essential oils with massage. Aromatherapy massage, in which diluted essential oils are applied during a session, remains popular today. Many people enjoy how the scent adds to the relaxing atmosphere.
Massage is a relaxing experience many people value, but it is not a substitute for medical care. If you have a health condition, an injury or are pregnant, talk with your doctor before booking a massage, and share any health information your therapist requests. Whether you enjoy a professional session or a simple hand massage at home, you are taking part in one of humanity’s oldest ways of caring for one another.