Notes

Massage therapy has a long history that dates back to 3000 BCE (earlier) and 3000 CE (or more) in India. It was believed to be a holy medical system to heal the body. Used primarily by Hindus in Ayurveda medicine massage therapy has been passed through generations to relieve pain, heal injuries, prevent and even cure diseases. One of the earliest and possibly the most well-known uses for massage is that of sports massage, which uses strokes of massage as a means of helping muscles recuperate or reach highest performance levels. This practice isn't limited to physical therapy or sports. It is also used to lessen the stress and swelling caused by a variety of daily activities.
The history of massage can be traced back to the time of ancient Greece where Hippocrates who was the father and founder of medicine, was interested in the benefits that massages to the body's tissues might have. He noticed the similarity between human skin and that of sheep on the mountain. He realized that rubbing your body would increase circulation and ease tension in muscles, which would lead to better general health and well-being. Hippocrates was the first person to discover modern massage techniques during the Hellenistic period. Hippocrates was probably in some way influenced by Indian techniques and massage techniques were introduced to western cultures by Hippocrates.

Over time massage techniques have changed from one culture to another. Certain, such as the Chinese massage, are totally different. The primary purpose was to promote healing and to ease pain. As this type of massage spread throughout Europe and Asia it became known as shiatsu in Japan and much suvarna in India (also known as Indian Head Massage), talmyasa in China (also known as Chinese Tantra Massage) and Ludwig in Germany and Scandinavia. Modern day Chinese massage is called Chinese Acupuncture Massage.

A variety of countries from the east and west have adopted this art, along with the many ancient traditions. There are many different styles of this massage. However, they all share an holistic approach to healing. The treatment isn't only focused on reducing discomfort, but also to promote healing within the body. Certain Chinese massages also include herbal acupuncture, acupuncture, as well as meditation. They are believed to work in conjunction to improve overall well-being and health. Furthermore, the art is rooted in the Asian people who have had experience with treating joints and muscles for centuries, so it is thought to be very stable and effective.

One of the major branches of modern day massage therapy is reflexology, which is a type of massage that originated in China. Reflexology is a form of massage that applies pressure to certain areas of the feet, hands as well as the soles of feet to relieve aches and pains. Although it was thought to be extremely effective by the ancient Egyptians, today's techniques are more sophisticated. Reflexology can be combined alongside any of the other basic massage techniques, or can be used on its own. It was initially utilized to treat foot problems such as leg pains and aches. It is now considered to be a part of Chinese Acupuncture Therapy.

The old Egyptian massage techniques were similar to the techniques used by the Egyptians. pressing, rubbing, and kneading using hands or the palms of the hands as well as fingers. Massage oils were also utilized for lubrication, nourishment. Their techniques also included massage cushions that were worn underneath or wrapped around the buttocks and thighs to create friction.

Effleurage and gliding strokes are among the most significant techniques in ancient Chinese massage. Effleurage is a stroke that is used to warm up and loosen muscles before glide strokes are employed to ease soreness and improve circulation. Gliding strokes are referred to as ping-pong strokes, and are employed to stretch muscles. Both gliding and effleurage are beneficial for soft tissue injuries. The Chinese also employ the concept of lymphatic drainage, which means that the body cleans itself through the flow of lymph.


Looking at ancient Rome and Greece We can observe that both Hippocrates as well as the Romans employed traditional massage techniques. Hippocrates who was the father of medicine, believed that all sickness originates within the body. Therefore, prevention through preventative care is the most effective treatment. Romans employed massage therapy, and Hippocrates's ideas were later applied by Sigmund Freud, an Roman physician.

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