The word “massage” that we use today originated from the French word massage which means “friction of kneading,” which accurately describes the method that modern massage therapists use to practice their trade. But where did the actual physical act of massage begin? Many people attribute the beginning of massage to Hippocrates, who wrote in 460 BCE about the “friction” of rubbing and the necessity of healers to incorporate this rubbing into their practice.

According to Wikipedia, many references to massage have been seen in writings from ancient civilizations including Rome, Greece, Japan, China, Egypt, Mesopotamia and India. Others who mention these ancient writings about massage date them as far back as a part of the practice of Ayurveda in India during 3000 BCE. Wikipedia also acknowledges a biblical reference within Esther 2:9-12 that mentions massage with oil of myrrh for the wives of Xerxes.

Many people attribute the beginnings of Swedish massage, known as classic massage in Europe, to Peter Ling’s Swedish Gymnastic Movements, which were founded by Ling in 1813. However, there is some debate over the veracity of this assertion with others claiming the origins should actually lay with Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger, who actually adopted the French terms used in modern massage therapy today. Massage gained popularity in the United States during the 1850s when it was introduced by two brother physicians, George and Charles Taylor. The Drs. Taylor studied in Europe and brought the scientific use of massage therapy back to the United States to treat patients.

The medical use of massage therapy continued throughout the years in the United States until after World War I when it was used to treat soliders suffering from the nervous condition known as shell shock. With medical advancements, massage therapy fell out of favor and was considered a luxury of the very wealthy. Later, as “massage parlors” became a cover for illegal sex trade, legitimate massage therapy fell further out of the mainstream. Fortunately, with the popularity of natural healing methods in the latter part of the 20th century, massage therapy made a comeback. Regulations governing the field have resulted in massage therapy once again gaining respectability among the populace. During the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta, massage was offered as a core medical service.

Today there are over 80 types of massage including Swedish, Shiatsu, hot stone, trigger point, deep tissue, Reiki, Thai massage, reflexology, and more. Massage is used in a number of environments ranging from healing in physician’s offices and rehabilitation clinics to relaxation for those on vacation to stress reduction for the overworked. The benefits of massage therapy are enjoyed by a growing number of people and it is gaining attention as a legitimate form of healing with foundations funding research and providing community service.