This is where Pyramid Massage School students should post their short essays about one moment in the history of massage. Also, please read posts from your classmates, and respond if this seems appropriate to you.
Indian Hair Massage fascinates me, because of its origin in the Himalayas, but also because it continues to this day as a bonding experience Western families rarely experience. The word shampoo is derived from "Champi", the Indian word for hair massage!
Though it's difficult to pinpoint a date,Champi dates back thousands of years, with mothers traditionally stroking their daughters heads to promote growth and health. Evidence suggests that around 1800 bc, holy men used it in Ayurvedic medicine practice to treat mind, body and spirit,by massaging the head and stimulating pressure points in the scalp.
Today, head massage is part of typical Indian life. Babies' heads are massaged from birth. Older children are encouraged to join in family massage treatments to demonstrate love and respect. Barbers offer head massage to men as a service on street corners,shops,even on the beach.
Western practice has expanded head massage to include the neck, upper back, shoulders and arms. Head massage is more readily found in england, but is growing in popularity in the United States.
Mara! This is really fascinating! I had no idea that this originated in India. My hair dresser integrates a little massage into her practice. Thank you for posting this! So interesting.
I chose the Ayurveda medicine dating back to 1800BC. This intrested me because it is considered to be the oldest form of health care in the world. It is often referred to as the "Mother of all healing", because of it's influence in Chinese, Unani & Hippocrates in Greece.
Ayurveda, which translated means "The science or knowledge of life". It is the traditional holistic medical system of India. It places great emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of massage with aromatic oils & spices. They believe that mind, body & spirit are intimately connected. When they are seperated it creates a physical inbalance in the body, which is the first step in the disease process.
The knowledge of Ayurveda is believed to be of divine orgin and was commincated to the saints of India who received it's wisdom through deep meditation. It's knowledge was passed down orally through generation and is considered the sacred text of India.
Today Ayurveda remains a secondary system of health care in India. It is a growing trend with Westren & Ayurveda physicians often working side by side. By sharing their knowledge they have inspired the popular movement toward body, mind and spirit medicine.
Massage originating in India from approximately 3000 B.C.E.
Massage is thought to be the oldest form of medical care that has been practiced since the beginning of civilization. Physical touch with the intention to comfort or sooth physical or emotional pain is common among civilizations which have developed their own methods of massage therapy.
India has some of the earliest written records of massage. These records from a medicinal or therapeutic nature are included in the Hindu writings called the Ayurveda which the techniques are still in practice today. Ayurvedic principals and practices were widely accepted in Southeast Asia and India. The main view was that sickness and disease occurred when the individual started to live outside harmony and against the environment. The treatment of the conditions was to rejuvenate the person’s natural mental and physical balance. This was accomplished by creating harmony between themselves and their surroundings. This was a journey that involved natural healing.
The patient was examined and the imbalance of health determined. The treatments were prescribed with consideration of the Time of Year and incorporating the 5 senses. The treatments would include the following:
Massage Therapy Dietary changes Herbalism Aromatherapy Color Therapy Sound Therapy
Examples of Indian Massage are:
Indian Head Massage (Champissage) – Originally used by Indian women to keep their scalp healthy and ensure thick hair. Patients suffering from eye strain, headaches, insomnia and lack of concentration will benefit from the physical benefits of this massage technique which include improved blood flow, muscle relaxation and reduced stress levels.
Chavutti Massage (Massage by Foot Pressure) – This type of massage was created to enhance suppleness and flexibility. During a massage the practitioner uses their feet to execute a certain stroke.
Ayurvedic Massage (Pancha Karma) – This is a detoxification, rejuvenation form of massage. It utilizes strong massage strokes with warm oil and herbs in an effort to eliminate toxins
I have chosen the Ayurvedic Massage history time period and researched various websites as well as a few books I had. I recorded information on Ayurvedic medicine, the culture of the time and a little about my experience with Ayurvedic theory. At first all's I could find was information on the medicine and not on the time period. Finally I found some period information which proved to be interesting but did not mention massage. I do believe it existed at the time period, it was just not in the information I used.
Ayurvedic medicine comes from India, it is the Sanskrit word for “Science of life”. It is a holistic lifestyle that is inclusive of all aspects of life: physical, mental, spiritual, and it's believed a balance of the three will prevent illnesses, help with acute issues and contribute to a longer and healthier life. Some of the therapies of this lifestyle would include, massage, meditation and cleansing therapies. It takes into account a person's exercise, nutritional need, hygiene, social aspects, etc. It was recorded over 5000 years ago, in Sanskrit, in the four sacred Veda texts. They cover a wide variety of topics including, health, astrology, spirituality, government, art, and behavior. Some of the ayurvedic medicines purchased from India have poisoned people, arsenic, mercury, lead were the metals of blame. www.takingcharge.sch.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/ayurvedic-medicine. Ayurvedic medicine believes that individuals get sick and diseased when they live out of harmony with their environment. Individuals must restore their natural mental and physical balance by reestablishing harmony between themselves and the world around them. At that point, they can begin to heal naturally. Then based on imbalances, time of year, etc. Ayurveda uses the five senses to interact with the environment in order to create balance. Treatments include diet, herbalism, aromatherapy, color therapy, sound therapy and touch therapy. Www.naturalhealers.com/qa/massage-therapy-history/shtml
In 1922, archeologists found evidence dating back to 3000 -2,500 BCE. Known as Indus Valley it included Harappa and Mohenja-Daro, two cities (of many) with 35,000 people in each. The homes were rectangular in shape, streets were straight, and they were all built next to each other for protection and formed a huge city. Each house had a court yard, the windows faced the courtyard, and there were no windows on the walls that faced the streets. The bathrooms had piping to an underground sewer, which drained into nearby rivers. Each house had it's own water well. Clothing was colorful and the women wore jewelry of gold and gem stones. Also found was a large pool surrounded by smaller pools, either used for ceremonies or community bathing. They seemed to be great farmers who put all their goods in a town container from which all could get what they needed. Seems they were also good metal craftsman as many metal items were found as well. Noted is that the metal items were made of metals that were not from that region, so either the items were imported, or the metal was imported and made by them. The valley flooded many times, so there are levels of cities on top of cities. The best built city is on the bottom, in the most ancient time. http://india.mrdonn.org/indus.html
The origins of massage in ancient Egypt are clear, yet surprisingly little is known about the type of massage that was practiced all those centuries. References to aromatherapy, and herbal medicine are many, and the medical papyri are full of information on the healing traditions. Theirs was a culture that richly practiced holistic healing and preventative medicine. In tying together pieces of history we can create a clearer picture of how massage may have been used in Egypt. Egyptians saw illness as the work of the gods, and cleansing the body was the way to rid it of the gods poisons or evil spirits. Treatment and prevention often included the injection of medicines into the body’s orifices, prayer, the wearing of amulets, and incantation.
In seeking some details about the style of massage used one piece of information pops up repeatedly, and that is the likening of the body to the pyramids. One passage by a modern day Egyptian massage therapist relates, “The body is divided into pyramids. The head, shoulders and waist form one pyramid. Another pyramid extends from he waist down to the feet. The energy is collected from these two parts of the pyramids and accumulates at the middle.” Other practitioners define the pyramids in other ways. This aspect of their healing system deserves it’s own volume of work on the symbolism of the triangle and the pyramid. Another way the Egyptians divided the body was into seven metals: gold, silver, iron, mercury, copper, tin and sulpher, each person having one metal that is prevalent in their body. The body was warm, cold, moist or dry and categorized as fire, water, wind, or dust. Using these three characteristics as a guide the healer infers much information about the body’s nature before the massage begins.
The health of the body being so tied into the health of the soul and the purpose of a healthy soul being to lead you to the afterlife is a keystone to how Egyptians treated the ill, and who did that job. There is evidence of massage in healthcare as early as 4000BCE and that mortal goddess queen Isis included massage as treatment for health and healing. One writer sites, there is “no evidence from other ancient river valley cultures of any female healers, so it is probable that she was the first. She trained her priestesses to perform the duties of a physician, massage being one of them.” Incantation is another reference in the massage work of ancient Egypt that brings that sanctity of healing to the forefront. The therapist murmurs ancient words corresponding to the part of the body being focused on. The theory is that the brain reacts to the quiet tones and information by allowing cells to become capable of renewing themselves. The ancient Egyptian culture was aware of health and wellbeing and intricately wove this with spiritual wellbeing and tradition. How inspiring these healers were and how whole the approach to the work and body were. They are a reminder to today’s massage therapists to bring wisdom that addresses the person as a whole, to remember that the spirit, the mind and the body are all present on the table and the flow between the three are ever present and affecting one allows healing on all levels to occur.
Andrea, I learned so much from reading your essay! What a fascinating culture! I was especially intrigued by your mention of the body being divided into pyramids and seven metals. It makes me think of Ayurveda. The egyptians had such a knowledge base in so many things.
Wow--you guys are doing a great job! Excellent posts! Very interesting and informative! Be sure to give citations when appropriate! Thanks for your hard work!
The head massage information is so interesting Mara. In my experience I have found that American heads are so rarely touched that when head massage does happen it is deeply healing. Often people feel vulnerable at the thought of having 'command central' in someone else's hands, but if there is a safe environment brought to the table then it can be a very sweet and deeply needed healing that takes place when one lays down their brain power for some relaxation time.
Thank you for the reminder to pay some extra attention to the heads that come across the table, and the chair.
Introduction of Massage in The United States In 1865 Pehr Henrik Ling’s Swedish massage techniques were introduced into the U.S. by the Taylor brothers. Ling, a physiologist and gymnastics instructor developed his system by combining massage with physiology. The Taylor brothers studied these techniques in Europe and then transferred them to the United States. Johann Mezger has been considered to have played a big role in expanding the use of massage in the U.S. by making it a key component in physical rehabilitation. He is also credited with being the first to categorize soft-tissue manipulation into the categories of effleurage, petrissage, friction, and tapotement. During World War I massage techniques were used on soldiers in the hospital. Men who came in displaying signs of shell-shock were categorized into two groups: those whose breakdown was “paralysis of the nerves” and those whose problems came from a psychological origin. If it was determined that the problem was physical, or nerve related, then the men would be treated with massage, rest, strict diets, and electric shock to get the nerves flowing correctly again, ending the “paralysis”. If the problem seemed to be psychological, then the men would undergo talk therapy, hypnosis, and rest to speed recovery. The fact that soldiers were analyzed and treated differently based on their symptoms, instead of being treated the same as every other soldier with shell-shock, improved the discouraging one out of five recovery rate that had been seen before. Popularity of massage in the United States declined in the 1950s due to the fact that massage parlors were often “used as a cover for prostitution”. New forms of medical treatment were also rising in popularity, pushing massage to the side as a useful treatment. In the 1960s, though, massage began to be reconsidered for its therapeutic value and it has been growing in popularity ever since.
Works Cited: http://www.studymassage.com/massage-information.html http://www.creatknewlife.com/theevolutionofclassicalmassageswedishmassage.php http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwone/shellshock_01.shtml
I chose to write my short essay on the time period of 776 BC when the Greeks of ancient times participated in Olympic sports. This time period and topic intrigued me, not only because sports massage is a main interest of mine, but also because I have visited Greece and have seen and been in the stadiums that these ancient sports have been played in. The sheer size of them are intimidating.
These stadiums held competitions that required the athletes to be in the best physical condition as possible. If the athletes didn’t meet these physical requirements, then they weren’t allowed to compete. Such competitions included running, wrestling, boxing, chariot racing, racing in armor, and the toughest and most dangerous event was pankration which “involved throwing one’s opponent.” The ancient Greeks were very competitive, so you can imagine how they would have had to physically strive to be successful at those events.
A lot of preparations took place before each competition and massage was among one of them. Massage was very common in ancient Greece and was used in the medical field by Aesculapius and Hippocrates as well as many others.
Aesculapius was known to have “treated patients with relaxation, diet, hydrotherapy, herbs,” and massage. Serpents were also used as “tools in curing patients” which is where our medical symbol (Staff of Aesculapius) originated from.
Hippocrates was the “founding father of medicine.” He treated sprains and dislocations with friction, and treated constipation with kneading. He believed that “all disease results from natural causes and should be treated using natural methods.” He believed that this would restore the body back to its original healthy state, and it would encourage the body to heal itself.
In sports massage, we focus on the athlete’s individual needs as they did in ancient times. There are many techniques that are frequently used today with sports massage. Such techniques include: deep Swedish massage, compression massage, cross-fiber massage, trigger point massage, and lymphatic massage. When used with sports massage, these techniques produce many benefits such as reduced chance of injury, improved ROM and muscle flexibility, and improved power and performance. During the competitions and events, these techniques are generally used before, during time-outs, and after much like the sporting events in ancient Greece.
Massage has been introduced in the field of sports medicine and has also been integrated into athletic training programs. It has had its ups and downs throughout the years as it has evolved but it is now growing in popularity in today’s world.
Works cited: 1. http://www.brainmac.co.uk/massage.htm 2.http://www.greecetaxi.gr/index/OlympiaHistory.html 3.http://www.holisticonline.com/.../mas_sports.htm 4.http://www.wischik.com/lu/massage/ljwhistory.html
The correlation between ancient use of massage in athletics and modern use of massage in sports medicine is a fascinating topic. I enjoyed reading your essay.
The modern and popularized western massage practices that we see in American culture today mirror our culture’s eclectic approach to spirituality and health care. This approach can be both beneficial and a disadvantage. Eclecticism can be beneficial in that having the ability to look at a problem from a variety of perspectives is useful. However, the eclectic approach suffers a number of weaknesses if care is not taken including a tendency to explore breadth to the exclusion of depth, to be subject to the changing winds of fashion, and to eschew scientific data in favor of current trends. It is clear, then, that if one desires to embrace an eclectic massage practice, one must take care to avoid the pitfalls.
One look at the displays in any “New Age” store and we can see that religious eclecticism is alive and well in America. Typically one can find items taken out of the context of their original culture and placed on a shelf for the lost and searching shopper, quietly promising happiness and peace for a few dollars. Purchased, the items are placed in a bag for the purchaser who likely does not know the origin of the piece, the original use of the item or the depth of the symbolism the piece offers to the traditionalists who first envisioned the object. This isn’t solely the fault of the purchaser or even the vendor – it is rooted in the existential crisis in which western culture is enmeshed yet unable to articulate to a meaningful degree. I am reminded of the tool chest that I inherited from my father, a gifted handyman. One could argue that I have many tools to choose from but I understand how to use most of them only vaguely, some I don’t recognize at all and others that I’m sure I use inappropriately and unskillfully. I believe this is exactly the situation western culture finds itself, and massage specifically, today.
A quick browse across several massage practice websites and one can find a plethora of techniques that span numerous religious, philosophic, medical and cultural practices. An anthropologist would have difficulty understanding most of these practices with any depth, but we have someone who claims to understand them well enough to apply them to someone’s body in an effective manner? What we end up with is a hodgepodge of techniques poorly understood, poorly applied and the end result is cheapened for all, let alone the culture from which the technique originated. One does not visit a Japanese restaurant to order the pasta and likewise, one does not expect excellent miso at the local donut shop. We don’t expect that of dining establishments, why do we expect that of our massage therapy practitioners?
This is not to say that today’s therapists shouldn’t avail themselves of various techniques and traditions that interest them. The benefit of today’s globalism is that we can explore the offerings of other cultures and perspectives and bring to the marketplace to benefit our clients. But, in fairness, we have a responsibility, I think, to embrace the techniques fully, to understand them within their culture context for ourselves and for our clients but perhaps most importantly out of respect for the cultures that have produced them. We can do better than throw around terms like Ayurveda, Chi, and Reiki as if they were ten dollar mass produced statues in a store window. They are the products of hundreds, if not thousands of years and the fruit of the lives of countless men and women. They, at least, deserve better.
Was founded over 2500 years ago by Shivago Komarpaj a Buddha’s physician from Northern India. He was the father of medicine at that time and treated many Buddhist monks, including the Buddha. He became the central figure to the Buddhist medical systems held in high regard within the scriptures. Buddha also influenced Thai massage with balance, which he tried to attain through year of discovery and meditation. Buddhism eventually traveled to Thailand and so did their teachings.
When Buddhism traveled to Thailand the temples were built and dispensaries and medical schools. Massage and other healing arts were taught. Massage was verbally passed down by families for generations. The techniques were eventually preserved in pictures, which were saved by the Wat Po University in Bangkok. Through out Thailand there are variations of the technique depending on the region.
“Nuat boran” is the Thai name for body work (nuat= pressure, boran= ancient) 1 The theory is that the body is permeated with “lom” or “air” which is inhaled into the lungs and travels throughout the body along 72,000 pathways called “sen,” or vessels” similar to “meridians” and “energy”. 1 The difference is Sen lines are not connected to the internal organs. 1
The therapist works with the sen lines by pressing certain points along the lines. The sen lines originate at the navel and spread throughout the body to terminate at the orifices. 1 To stimulate the sen and to move the lom through the body stretching and breathing exercises are incorporated with pressure points. 1
May 1962, Moh ponl tomyanim, the first manager of The Wat Po Medical and Massage School opened the massage course. Standards were then recommended in 1991, by Mr. Kumthorn Tangtrongchitr who had also been a former chairman of Wat Po’s medical and Massage Association. Through many seminars basic massage lines were based on important points of the Ten Major Massage Lines. 2
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_massage 2. Thai healing Therapy 2007 3. Thai Traditional Massage Manual, Predee Tangtrongchitr B. Sc., M.Sc., on
This is an informative essay on the practice of massage in Buddhism. I did not know a lot about this topic. Thank you for your essay. I enjoyed reading.
I found massage therapy in India to be interesting, primarily because of the studies of Ayurveda healing. This is an area I have briefly read about, and have been seeking more information on this area. By choosing this piece of history I also learned a little more about Ayurveda and about the specific massages.
The India culture began practicing massage around 3000 BCE. With their traditional holistic medical system called Ayurveda, India incorporated massage into a treatment and a belief system. Many past research and meditations provide the history of this belief, it was the work of ancient believers and natural scientists that helped develop the foundation of the Ayurveda.
So, what is Ayurveda? The word "Ayurveda" comes from Sanskrit (an ancient Indian language), and it means "Knowledge of Life". Ayurveda provides us with methods and ways to prevent, cure, or treat us on a path towards health (in all areas of well-being). This is more than simply medical care, Ayurveda offers a philosophy where one can prevent suffering and live a long, and healthy life.
Ayurveda acknowledges that daily habits and benefits are different for each person, because each person has a unique combination of the three biological principles, which are called "doshas". There is Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and everybody has all three energies. In Ayurveda, once you understand your own body type (or dosha), you can then plan a diet or exercise plan for yourself which will make you feel totally balanced and harmonized. One of the views on illness and disease was that such instances occurred when someone started to live outside of their spiritual harmony, health, and against the environment. In order to treat their conditions, it became important for the patient to restore their natural, mental and physical balance. After analyzing the imbalance of health in a patient (and take environmental factors in to account), treatments would then include massage therapy (and would also combine dietary changes, herbalism, aromatherapy, color therapy, and sound therapy).
The Indian Head Massage is a type of massage that follows the ancient Ayurveda healing system. Ayurveda Head Massage has been practiced in India for more than a 1,000 years. Indian women would use this form of massage to ensure they would have thick hair, and it would keep their scalps healthy. Providing circulatory movements to the scalp it can provide nourishment for the hair and roots. In the beginning, this style focused only on the head, but now, the massage includes the shoulders, neck, upper arm area, face and ears. The benefits of this type of massage are muscle relaxation, improved blood flow and lowered stress levels.
Another massage style is "Chavutti Thirumal" (pressure from feet), it is another form of Ayurvedic medicine, and this type of Indian massage has a history that goes back to ancient times. This massage was created to enhance flexibility, it is a full body massage that uses oils, and the practitioner uses their bare feet to do specific strokes. The strokes may consist of long or short movements.
Then there is the Ayurvedic Massage, here through massage a traditional detoxification and rejuvenation program of India was known, called ''Pancha Karma''. During this process or type of massage, the whole body is deeply and strongly massaged with heavy amounts of herbs and warm oil, in an effort to eliminate toxins from the body.
I am especially interested in learning more about the Ayurvedic massage, and more on the detoxification process that occurs through this type of massage.
**I am not sure how to comment on the above history papers.... So I am just going to type a few comments here. (Please let me know if its easy to comment and I am just missing it, ha).
Trista- After reading yours it made me think, have you ever taken a Greek art history course, or seen any of the artwork from ancient Greek times (I bet you would find them to be really interesting). The depicted a lot of the events you mentioned. I took a course at Castleton, I think it was Survey of Western Art 1, and it touched upon many areas of ancient art history. Just a thought. Great Paper!
Andrea Larson- I enjoyed reading about the Buddha's physician, and the history of Thai Massage.
Ayurveda is a form of medicine originating in the Vedic Period of India around 1500 B.C. It remains a highly influential and form of complementary and alternative medicine to this day in South Asia and much of the western world. It includes a focus on the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and ether – which are believed to compose the Universe and the human body. Exercise, yoga, meditation, massage, and the use of natural herbal remedies are also major focuses of Ayurveda. It is all about the mind, body, and spirit being kept active and healthy, and working in unison with each other. Doshas also must be in balance.
The Vedic Period...
The Vedic Period spanned across nearly a millennium of Indian culture. From 1500 B.C. to 600 B.C. new dynasties with new religions emerged, creating vast developments in every aspect of life in India at the time. Spirituality and philosophy changed drastically during the time, with the Vedic name being based on the four new sacred scriptures (called Vedas) created during that time. They are Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. Interestingly not only are these scriptures one of the only peeks into the lifestyle during the Vedic Era, but are also the foundation of the Hindu religion. Atharva Veda focused on the way to healthy mind body and spirit, and on medical practices. From this scripture, Ayurveda was born, giving it what many believe to be a Divine origin.
The culture of the Vedic Age is broken down into to main portions: the Early Vedic Period and the Later Vedic Period. It began a somewhat crude and unrefined era, but as time went on and the new scriptures spread, change began to take place. Using new spiritual guidance as well as the contribution of more and more people’s belief and new ideas, the Vedic Period began to blossom into a time of reform and betterment of society that had major influence on what India has become today. Ayurveda in that same way continues to influence modern healthy lifestyles we see and live today.
In the early 1900s, advocates of natural healing were using non-conventional therapies which included massage and the Swedish movements. The practitioners treated different ailments with natural remedies. They generally rejected allopathic methods of drugs and surgery. They believed in the bodies innate healing powers, which could be assisted by rest, sunshine, hydrotherapy, exercise, massage, proper nutrition, laughter, and herbal remedies.(Tappan’s Handbook of healing Massage Techniques, 29) One of the most famous of these practitioners was John Harvey Kellogg(1852-1943). He ran the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Battle Creek, Michigan. He invented flaked wheat and corn cereal and the breakfast cereal industry. He also wrote books. One of which was “The Art of Massage”, published in 1895. “The heyday of Swedish massage was from about 1920 – 1950. During this time, the genre called Swedish massage came to include massage, Swedish movements, various forms of hydrotherapy, heat lamps, diathermy, and colonic irrigation.”(Tappan’s Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques, 29) Private vocational schools such as the College of Swedish Massage in Chicago were training practitioners. “Women and men were separated, and there was very little crossgender legitimate massage outside of medical facilities. Graduates of colleges of Swedish massage could find jobs at the YMCA, private health clubs, resorts, hospitals and with professional sports teams. Many practitioners work with alternative medical practitioners, especially chiropractors and naturopaths.”(Tappan’s Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques)
Works Cited Benjamin, Patricia J. and Francis M. Tappan. Tappan’s Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques. New Jersey: Upper Saddle River, 2005.
Rolfing® is one of the relatively new bodywork techniques that publically emerged in the 1960’s, after a decline in the overall practice of massage therapy in western culture. There is some debate about whether Rolfing falls under the category of massage (Rolfers will say no), but it unequivocally falls in the bodywork spectrum. Ida P. Rolf, founder of the Rolfing technique, began her practice in the 1930’s. Coincidentally, this is about the same time that Wilhelm Reich began his work in Bioenergetic Massage. Reich, a student of Freud’s, tried to cure neurosis by releasing muscle tensions by using movement and massage. Interestingly, Freud himself prescribed massage to treat hysteria. Ida, however, was a pure scientist with a doctorate in biochemistry. She also studied mathematics and atomic physics in Switzerland. Simultaneously, she studied homeopathic medicine to search for answers to her family’s health problems. Ida’s fundamental quest was to identify “what conditions must be fulfilled in order for the human body structure to be organized and integrated in gravity so that the whole person can function in the most optimal and economical way’. In other words, to attain balanced structure in every aspect – energetically, physically and emotionally. Her quest through the 1940’s in her Manhattan apartment lead to her developing what she called Structural Integration. Ida was not so much concerned with ameliorating symptoms, but with human potential, from a scientific perspective.
“This is the Gospel of Rolfing: when the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through. Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself. - Ida P. Rolf
Ida founded the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in 1971. Traditional Rolfing is given in a series of 10 treatments. The first three sessions focus on the surface layer of connective tissue. The next four sessions concentrate on the core layers. And, the last three sessions integrate the surface and the core. Ultimately, a person potentially can grow half-an-inch to a whole inch in height(!), and transform energetically, physically and emotionally.
In the name of research, I recently began the Rolfing Series 10. I have a session every other week, and I just completed session #3 this week. Let me tell you, Rolfing has brought deep tissue work to a whole new level for me. During the first session, I learned that I have not, ever to my knowledge, been breathing to my full capacity. I learned how to fill my lungs, which is HUGELY impactful. I can’t say that I feel taller or look any different…yet. But my hopes are high.
Citations: www.rolf.org www.rolfguild.org www.wikepidia.org/wiki/structuralintegration Tappan's Handbook of Massage Techniques, Patricia Benjamin and Frances Tappan, 2005
Hi all... So I'm a slacker and haven't done my report yet. But I'm so excited and have to share with you all that I got a brand new table and have officially started massaging!!! (for practice of course)I LOVE IT and apparently so do my friends :) I swear Ill do my report soon Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!
"Trigger Points" ... A term coined by Dr. Janet Travell in 1942, refers to palpable nodules (small contraction knots in muscle bands). Although the medical community has not completely accepted this practice because they have no way of consistently diagnosing them or proving a specific pattern of how and why they "refer" pain. In Biopsy tests it has been concluded that "Trigger Points" were "hyperirritable" and electrical activity is high in the spindles of the muscle. Trigger points cannot be found by neurological examination. Diagnosis in our field seems rather simple by examining symptoms, signs and pain patterns. We are able to feel them with perpendicular finger movements to the muscle's direction. To us they appear as tumors or knots and bands or cables in the muscle. When compressed or stimulated they can result in local tenderness as well as "twitch responses" or muscle spasms. Clusters of trigger points can often be found in the larger muscles. Activation of triggers can be caused by many factors such as: acute/chronic muscle overload, referred activation, psychological distress, disease, direct or widespread trauma which can cause Instant trigger points. Infections and even smoking can cause them as well. Trigger points NOT caused by trauma, inflammation, degeneration or infection are often described as "hyperirritable spots of skeletal muscles." Skeletal Muscles being muscles attached to bones by "tendons" (Collogen fibers). Skeletal muscles show a distinctive banding pattern.As well as the principle proteins "Myosin and Actin" (which cause contraction). These trigger points most often cause a reffered pain to other parts of the muscle. Trigger Points have a number of specific qualities and classifications. Active triggers which actively refer pain along nerve pathways. Latent Triggers exist in the muscle but do not currently refer any pain. They can and often do influence muscle coordination and balance. Latent triggers can become Active when the muscle which contains them becomes strained or endure great pressure. Key triggers are points that refer pain along nerve pathways activating or creating latent triggers along the pathways. These activated triggers are called Satellite triggers. By treating the Key trigger you are able to reverse active to latent satellites or even treat it all together. Separate from Key triggers, Primary trigger points most often biomechanically activate Secondary trigger points to show up in other muscles. Treating the Primary will NOT treat the Secondary.
Bonnie Pruden, who has spent her life dancing and rock climbing has written 19 books on physical fitness and later developed, along with Hans Kraus a form of treatment for trigger points called "Myotherapy" which is based on the research of Dr. Janet Travell. Myotherapy includes many treatment "modalities" including: massage, cupping, streching, excerise regimens, dry needling and joint mobilization. I have found in my reasearch that there are at least 650 trigger point locations in the human body and that it is possible to map them out correctly to be used as a guide for all humans. I am planning to do more research on this and hope to use it often in my own pursuits. I for one believe that this Trigger Point and Myotherapy approach to massage is very sucessful and I plan to obtain as much knowledge and practice in these areas as I can to improve/perfect on my techniques.
I have always been fascinated by acupuncture and this is what I have learned. Traditional acupuncture was developed prior to the understanding of human anatomy and cell theory upon which modern biology is based. Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of needles in the body. Its proponents variously claim that it relieves pain, treats infertility, treats disease, prevents disease, promotes general health, or can be used for therapeutic purposes. Acupuncture typically incorporates traditional Chinese medicine as an integral part of its practice and theory. However, many practitioners consider 'Traditional Chinese Medicine' (TCM) to narrowly refer to modern mainland Chinese practice. Acupuncture in Japan and Korea, and to a certain extent Taiwan, diverged from mainland China in theory and practice. In European countries such as the UK almost half the practitioners follow these non-TCM practices. The most notable difference is that these other approaches often are primarily acupuncture, and do not incorporate Chinese herbal medicine. The term “acupuncture” is sometimes used to refer to insertion of needles at points other than traditional ones, or to applying an electric current to needles in acupuncture points. Acupuncture dates back to prehistoric times, with written records from the second century BCE. Different variations of acupuncture are practiced and taught throughout the world.
I chose to read more about Ayurveda our oldest healing science. Ayurveda simply means the "Science of Life", One living in harmony with nature. Ayurveda offers a body of knowledge that helps people stay vital, while realizing their full potential. The goal of Ayurveda is to identify a persons ideal state of balance and to offer interventions in the form of diet, herbs, aromatherapy, massage treatments, music and meditation to reestablish balance. It was interesting to take the Dosha Quiz. Based on my answers I am a Kapha-Pitta. In order for me to achieve my perfect state of balance and harmony, Ayurveda suggests to me to"Learn how to express myself in mind and body to make lifestyle choices that optimize my vitality and well-being." Wow, I'll try. Anyways, its been an interesting ride so far. Thea
According to Britannica Encyclopedia, “In 1866 the [Seventh Day] Adventists founded the Western Health Reform Institute (renamed Battle Creek Sanitarium, 1878, and Battle Creek Health Center, 1959). Under the direction (1876–1943) of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the sanitarium experimented with health foods, leading to the manufacture of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, which became the city’s main industry.” 1852-1943 - John Harvey Kellogg, was born in Tyrone, Michigan and died in Battle Creek Michigan. He was the director of Battle Creek Sanitarium. In 1931 Kellogg established the Miami-Battle Creek Sanitarium at Miami Springs, Florida. 1860-1951 W. K. Kellogg, John Harvey’s brother, was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and died in Battle Creek Michigan. W.K. was an American industrialist and philanthropist who founded the W.K. Kellogg Company in 1906. 1854 –1914 C.W.Post was a patient at the Battle Creek Sanitarium. He started the Post Breakfast Cereal Company In 1866 the Adventist's Health Reformer newsletter was in circulation. In 1872 J. H. Kellogg became editor. In 1876 he renamed the newsletter Good Health Magazine.
John Harvey Kellogg accomplished more in one day than most people accomplish in a year. He has many merits to his legacy. He held over 30 patents on wellness products. He took a holistic approach to his clients and served over 7,000 clients at the SANS. He was able to turn an Advent clinic into a spa experience with pools, baths, massage, diet, and exercise, for the rich and famous.
His thoughts and treatment must have been on the right tract. He lived past his 91st birthday. Considering his time during the great depression, this is amazing on its own. I agree that he should be called the father of natural health. “Many of the things advocated by Kellogg would later be shown by scientific research to be on a path to good health and longevity.” (Natural Health Perspective).
John Harvey Kellogg. (2011). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/314401/John-Harvey-Kellogg
The time frame that I chose to write about is 100-44BC, when Julius Caesar used Massage therapy to relieve his neuralgia and epileptic seizures. I chose this period because my niece was born with Dravet syndrome, a type of epilepsy that 30-80% of the time is caused by defects in a gene required for the proper function of brain cells. She had genetic testing done, and it was confirmed in her case, that she had the defect in the gene. Medication doesn’t control her seizers, and I am interested in finding alternative ways to help her. In those times, there were no medical licensing laws, and anyone could act as a doctor. Some of the first doctors in Rome were Greek slaves, and only knew by experience. Other health remedies included medications or potions that someone put together that rarely worked, and caused side effects, and when priests would exorcise or cajoled demons. Julius Caesar "granted freedom to all freeborn Greek physicians practicing in Roman territory" in 46 B.C.E., wrote Douglas Guthrie, in A History of Medicine, “that they were able to escape from the domination of their rich-household owners and the general scorn of the Romans, and rise to the heights of social and professional status”. It is said that Julius Caesar got “pinched” daily, and that it helped his seizers, as well as his neuralgia. Greek physician Asclepiades 124 - 40 B.C.E., known as a master in massage, believed in hydrotherapy, exercise, and massage, in that order, and without the use of drugs. He had his own theory called corpuscular theory, that life was due to the constant motion of atoms in the body; that disease and death result when this movement is obstructed or disrupted. He believed that freeing the movement of the atoms would help cure the person. He was once said to bring a man back from the dead, out of a coffin with this method. He advocated for those with mental illness, that they be set free from institutions, and treated with natural, humane remedies. His teachings were modern, therefore Asclepiades is considered to be a pioneer physician in psychotherapy, physical therapy and molecular medicine. Doctors today are also trying the benefits of massage therapy on their patients that suffer from seizer disorders. In some studies, 50% of patients that received relaxation techniques, such as massage therapy, showed a decline in seizer activity. Some of the advantages of massage therapy in people with epilepsy include, deep relaxation and stress reduction, relieves muscle tension/stiffness in joints, relieves acute or chronic pain, strengthens the immune system, increases circulation of blood, promotes feeling of safety/comfort/well-being, enhance self-esteem, and reduces anxiety and depression. On children, there is a pediatric training, CPMT, which teaches how to provide massage therapy for children with special health care needs, who are hospitalized or have been diagnosed with a terminal illness in hospice care. There is also an infant certification as well, CIMT. http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2004/issue112/history112.php http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html http://www.articlealley.com/article_888988_27.html http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/massage-therapy http://www.liddlekidz.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepiades_of_Bithynia
That is very interesting Julia, I didn't know the story behind the Kellogg company. It is nice that he was able to use some of his money to improve the quality of his life as well as others.
I'm really interested in Ayurveda. Over this past summer, I took a trip to India and stayed at an Ayurvedic Spa where I received several different treatments including a full body massage. It was quite the experience as I was completely nude with the exception of a tie-on g-string they provided!
Anyway... ;) Here is some information I gathered: Ayurveda is practiced in India and is known to be the oldest form of medicine aging back to the mid-first millenium BCE. It literally means "The complete knowledge for long life."
Ayurveda involves the physics of the five elements that compose the universe; earth, water, fire, air, and sky. It also looks as the three elemental energies, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurvedic practitioners, these three "Dosas" are important for health because when all three are in balance within an individual, the body will be healthy. This is similar to our Western idea of "homeostasis" within the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine examines the whole mind, body, and spirit of an individual. Meditation, diet, physical fitness, and proper hygiene are all examined among many other things.
Included in Ayurvedic treatments is the use of plant-based medicines such as cardamom, turmeric, and cinnamon. Diet consultations also take place. Also, different types of body work techniques are used. These include massage, face masks, steam baths, and different types of oil treatments.
According to my sources, the Indian Medical Central Council Act started to standardize qualifications for Ayurveda in 1970. They also started to provide accredited institutions for its study. Today, over 100 colleges offer degrees in the practice with five and a half years of study.
I picked the Greek times of massage because I found it fascinating, and have always been drawn toward Greece to begin with. I was very surprised to find out that massage started in Greece so long ago, (700-800 B.C.E. to be exact). I found a website called Greek Medicine.net that I found very intriguing. These are some of the aspect that I was most interested in. the part I found particularly interesting was the rather large section about Hippocrates and his findings/ opinions on massage; he had four different modalities, they are as follows: “Vigorous massage constricts and firms up the body. Gentle massage relaxes the body. Much massage thins and lightens the body. Moderate massage thickens the body, and increases the flesh.” The second section of the website was about the early days in massage in Rome. One of the first things stated on that topic was that medical profession wasn’t taken seriously, and from the powerpoint that I read, massage didn’t help too much. I can understand (to a point) while massage was taken the wrong way, but that was just by the simple-minded people. I was glad that eventually everyone looked passed the somewhat sensual aspect of the art of massage therapy. In my opinion, the only reason why massges in the public bath were outlawed is because I think the wealthy found out and became angry that lower-class people or “commoners” were able to have the same joys of massage as they did, which in turn made them equal in some way, and we all know that in those times the rich wanted nothing to do with the poor.
Sharlene Seymour Indian Ayurvedic baby massage India’s massage possibly came from China around 1800-500BCE developing Ayurvedic medicine from the Vedic people. Six days after birth and before the bath, they practice a cleansing massage with a soft wheat-dough ball with almond oil and turmeric to help enhance circulation, expulsion of toxins, and digestion. Keeping the three doshers balanced, massage and the wheat-dough ball and almond oil repeats every day for three weeks. After the baby has reached its one month birthday, the body has became strong enough for hand massages and continues every day for three months to increase strength for body support. The spine is crucial in baby massages. Once the infant lifts their head on their own and can support its own body weight with its arms, massages are continued for 18 more months then on alternate days building strength and happiness within the baby. Massage can also boost immunity, helping the release of growth hormones, increase blood circulation, reduce stress and tension with muscle development, develop their sensory and neurological systems, improve sleeping patterns, and create calmness for the baby. Massage between a mother and baby creates a stronger bond between them and a type of communication. Ayurveda’s definition is “life knowledge or right living.” The source of the vital life force is similar to what we call the meridians but instead they call it the Marmas.
That is very interesting Sharlene, it would have been nice to know about things like this when my children were babies.Touch with babies is so vital, so this has many positive benefits.
Massage history goes way back but it’s fairly new to this country. Massage was first introduced to the United States in 1856 by George and Charles Taylor. The Taylor’s were actually born in Williston, Vermont. The history of massage therapy in the United States started close to where we all are now. George Taylor was born on January 4, 1821 and was an educator before he was eighteen years old. His first research was based on his belief that woman are more likely to be harmed by disease. He wrote a book called An Original Work on Diseases of Women but found no evidence that would support it. Charles Taylor was born on April 25, 1827 but didn’t get into the medical study that his brother did at quite an early age. He was twenty eight when he studied at the University of Vermont in the medical department. It was Charles who went to Sweden and later introduced the Swedish Movement methods to New York. George, on the other hand, had already created an exercise therapy for women and later heard of training being taught in Stockholm, Sweden. The Taylor’s were taught by Mathias Roth. Charles received Swedish Movement Gymnastics training with him and Roth was the one who translated Ling’s Swedish Massage movement into the English Language. Charles created orthopedic equipment that cured hip disease, club-foot, and spinal deviations.
(P.S.: I removed my previous post because I’d forgotten to add my citations! Here it is again.)
Birth of Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of massage therapy which involves the application of pressure to the feet or hands based on a system of zones that reflect the whole body. Since our feet and hands represent our whole body in reflexology, manipulating a certain area can affect change by stimulating the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Sensitive points on the feet and hands are referred to as reflex points.
Reflexology is believed to have been developed by ancient Egyptians. Roman general Mark Antony was reported to have massaged the feet of Cleopatra, around 60 B.C. The earliest documentation of this popular form of massage therapy is said to be on the wall of the tomb of Ankmahor, an Egyptian physician, in Saqqara, Egypt dating back to between 2330 and 2500 B.C. The bas relief carvings at the entrance of Ankmahor’s tomb depict one man working on a man’s feet, and another man working on a man’s hands. On the pictograph, the hieroglyphic inscription of the patient says, “Do not hurt me,” while that of the therapist says, “I shall act so you praise me.” Some scholars who have studied this pictograph and many others claim that the foot and hand manipulations depicted are manicures and pedicures, not reflexology. Closely studying other bas relief carvings, some scholars argue that the position of the manipulator depicted confirms reflexology, not that of a manicurist or pedicurist. Looking back at the inscription in Ankmahor’s tomb, it is firmly believed that the words of the patient and therapist strongly suggest that therapeutic effect is intended, and would discount manicures and pedicures.
Sources:
“Egyptian Reflexology.” PEOPLE WHO KNEAD PEOPLE – Therapeutic Massage – Reflexology, Best in Indianapolis 317- 408-0381. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2011.
Whysong, Master Helen. “History of Reflexology – Corrections.” Holistic Local – Holistic Health, Green Living and Personal Growth. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2011.
After reading the handouts in massage history, I realized that is lots of info regarding the modern history of massage and also mentions to Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, ancient European and modern practices of the massage techniques, however it was minimal mention of the ancient use of massage and body work techniques in our continent, so I decided that even though there is little mention of this in the material I will like to focus this blog in that information.
Based in :Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD Coyote Medicine, Coyote Healing, and Coyote Wisdom Avery, Charleen. "Native American Medicine: traditional healing." Ken Bear Hawk Cohen, “ Native American Medicine” And other internet sources….
Native American medicine refers to the combined health practices of over 500 distinct nations that inhabited the Americas before the European arrival at the end of the fifteenth century. Specific practices varied among tribes, but all native medicine is based on the understanding that man is part of nature and health is a matter of balance. Native American healing traditions date back at least 12,000 and may be as old as 40,000 years. These cultures never developed written language as it is understood by western cultures; however, they had pictorial and codex like ways to pass the information although mostly it was the oral tradition and hands on training what they preferred as teaching methods. Without written language, native medicine never crystallized as a formal body of knowledge with standard practices, so there was no documentation of Native American medicine until Europeans arrived 500 and some years ago.Native American medicine historically included many sophisticated interventions that have been lost in whole or in part, such as various forms of bodywork, bone setting, midwifery, naturopathy, hydrotherapy, and botanical and nutritional medicine. Mostly the Ceremonial and ritual medicine is the most popular and recognized piece of Native American medicine today, but is still only a small part of what was available 5 centuries ago. Massage and body work in the Native traditions is deeply spiritual in nature, it was passed down from generation to generation and practiced by the kahunas, the shamans or healers, to align a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies, renewing the mind-body connection and facilitating the body’s innate ability to heal. They understand that there are endless ways to achieve balance, and that effective treatment is a marriage of a skilled, compassionate practitioner and committed patient. Different tribes of North America were well versed in body therapies and energy healing. They developed comprehensive, sophisticated bodywork systems that encompassed forms of osteopathic massage and manipulation, breath, and energy work. Central to these techniques are the alternation of deep pressure and gentle rocking release. The breath was also used to reanimate the body and “draw spirit” into affected tissues. They also used crystal scanning and healing as well as the channeling of spirits and energy medicine. Native Americans also used heat and massage with herbs to treat many problems. Various tribes rubbed their warriors before they went to war and when they returned. Massage was used to ease the labor pains of women and colic in infants.The Cherokee located in North America were also familiar with acupuncture meridians and used acupuncture, with needles made of thorns or porcupine quills, in healing. Some resources even claim that after living among the Shawnee for 20 years A.J Still learned the techniques of Shawnee bodywork and rendered them mechanical as fitted the European paradigm of the day so creating what we know as osteopathy. The Hopi people and their practices were the source of inspiration for a type of massage now called Hakomi. Native American practices, in which hot and cold stones are used to deeply penetrate muscles and tissues to reduce pain and inflammation, are what we now know as stone massage. In Hawaii the natives use strokes in a technique called Lomilomi where pressure with fingers at certain points similar to Shiatsu. The Zuni pueblo in New Mexico practice a technique very similar to the high-velocity adjustment of the neck and spine popularized as chiropractic. While researchers, practitioners and opponents argue the effectiveness and validity of such approaches as Therapeutic Touch and Reiki, indigenous healers throughout the Americas are carrying on the work of their ancestors without a thought as to its legitimacy. Body work and energy healing has been for generations, and continues to be an intrinsic part of their existence.
I viewed again the PowerPoint presentation on the history of massage. I'm fascinated by just how ancient the art of massage is in many cultures. I began to browse the Internet to learn a bit more about something that interested me. The kind of massage that I chose to focus on is Shiatsu. Shitsu means finger pressure. In Japanese Shi means finger and atsu means pressure. Shiatsu massage
I discovered that it was a fairly modern form of massage that emerged in Japan in the early part of the 20th century. Although it is a more modern form of massage, its roots are from the ancient art of massage in Japen called Anma, and in the Chinese art of acupuncture. One of it's founders was a man named Tokujiro Namikoshi. When he was a young boy in Japan, he began to use his thumbs and his palms to help his mother who had Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have a close friend who suffers from this, so it was interesting to learn that massage can be helpful. Although, I do recall, from the weekend training that it's best to massage clients who suffer from this during times or remission.
An interesting thing that I learned about Shiatsu Massage is that women and blind people were most often the practitioners who preformed this kind if massage in its early history. In the US, after World War 2, Japanese medicine was outlawed by Mac Arthur. It was then Hellen Keller was responsible for getting the laws reversed for practicing Shiatsu because of the fact that it was a dominant profession of visually disabled people.
Although the art of Shiatsu Massage was being practiced in Japan since the 1920’s, the Japanese government did not recognize it as a separate therapy from Anma until 1957. Currently practitioners in Japan need to attend 3 years of training which totals 2200 hours in order to be certified to practice Shiatsu. The Japan Shiatsu College in Tokyo is one place to study, and this is the new name of the school that was first opened by Tokujiro Namikoshi in 1940.
I thought it was really interesting that mostly women and blind people were shiatsu practioners, and that it was Helen Keller who ultimately brought it back into popularity. Learned something new today, thanks!
The Evolution of A Healing Era “Enjoy your body, use it every way you can... don't be afraid of it, or what other people think of it... it's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.” - Baz Lurhmann
Learning about the history of massage should be an integral part of all massage therapists journey, as it not only follows the flow, development, and thought process of massage therapy, but it also coincides with human evolution of the self. In the haste to understand the true emergence of the holistic healing era, it is imperative that its origins not be forgotten, nor for learning massage therapists like ourselves to become misinformed about the development of Western techniques. In particular, I found it interesting to learn that Swedish massage, the basis for most of the Western massage therapy methods, did not originate in Sweden, nor was it developed by a Swede. The development of Swedish massage is most often attributed to Pehr Henrik Ling, who was a skilled fencing master, poet, and teacher (Benjamin & Tappen, 25). In 1813 Ling founded the Royal Institute of Gymnastics in Stockholm in order to develop his views on the benefits of gymnastic movements (Calvert, Bemjamin & Tappen 26). 1840, one year after Ling’s death, his manifesto on general practices in gymnastics was published and changed how the united states would view the health of the self forever. Ling’s take on the scientific and medical benefits of practiced gymnastics and their respect importance became the foundation for most public schools in the U.S. and was soon referred to as the Swedish movement cure, or Swedish gymnastic movement (Calvert). Ling’s book described both passive and active methods of healing for the body, including shaking, hacking, pressing, and stroking (Benjamin & Tappen 25). His contributions to the world of healing is largely due to the fact that his work consisted of scientific reasoning sound medical knowledge, while maintaining that a certain amount of balance and respect be attributed to the self. Even so, the basic principles behind what we call Swedish massage did not develop with Ling, but with Johann Georg Mezger, a physician from Amsterdam. He has largely been credited with the development of the four French termed techniques that make up the western practice of basic massage, or Swedish massage: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction (rubbing), and tapotement (tapping) (Benjamin & Tappen 26). Although Mezger never published any of his work, his colleagues wrote about his massage techniques and were later adopted in the United States by various entrepreneurs of massage therapy and ultimately lead to its reemergence as a respectable and beneficial practice.
Works Cited:
Calvert, Robert N. "Pages From History: Swedish Massage." Massage Magazine Exploring Today's Touch Therapies. Web. 31 Jan. 2012.
Tappan, Frances M., and Patricia J. Benjamin. Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques: Classic, Holistic, and Emerging Methods. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005. Print.
I chose to research Dr. William Fitzgerald, and reflexology. On our timeline "1913 - Dr. William Fitzgerald rediscovered Reflexology and called it Zone Therapy" caught my eye. All of these names became familiar during our weekend training, but were things I was still curious about, and felt the need to learn more.
I learned that The Zone Theory was the precursor to modern Reflexology. In 1913 Dr. Fitzgerald found that pressure on certain reflex points helped the corresponding organ functions and decreased pain. He divided the body into ten equal, vertical zones which ended in the fingers and toes. Pressure on one part of the zone, could effect the rest of the zone. Dr. Shelby Riley further developed the Zone Theory by adding horizontal zones across the hands and feet, together with the longitudinal zones. Fitzgerald's zones, five on each side of the body have their own nerve stimulation pattern. When pressure is applied to a reflex point on that zone, a stimulation is sent to a corresponding organ or gland.Reflexology has been rediscovered several times throughout history, around the world. Archaeological evidence points to ancient reflexology medical practices in Egypt (2330 BCE), China (2704 BCE) and Japan (690 CE).Reflexology shares many similar benefits as massage therapy; relaxation, pain reduction, aids in post-operative surgery, benefits mental health, stress reduction, and more.
I found an interesting diagram at http://www.reflexology-research.com/whatis.htm that shows the pressure points on the foot in relation to other parts of the body. Very cool!
June 23 and 24 were very eye opening days for me. I was second guessing my decision to go back to school. I graduated college a year ago, and was SO sick of school work. I could not find a good job in the past year, and started looking for careers I could go back to school for. Massage Therapy has always been a love of mine. Two days jam packed with skills, and new ideas really made me realize I was making the right decision to further my education and do something I enjoy. I had never learned much about reiki, ear candling, fire cupping, or pictures of auras... all of these things I found really interesting.There were many moments throughout the weekend where I just got cold chills and realized, this is where I should be right now, and something great is going to come of my decision to be here, that was my favorite part. Learning how to properly give a professional massage was very important to me, it made me so eager to begin practicing.
Mackenzie Adams-Brown Pyramid Massage School History of Massage 7/16/12 History of Shiatsu
Shiatsu meaning “Finger Pressure” in Japanese has been an integral part of Chinese medicine for centuries. Although originally created in Japan in the 6h century by a Buddhist Monk Shiatsu has become a large part of Chinese medicine alongside of Acupuncture and Herbalism. Shiatsu was in large a part of Japanese and Chinese medicine for many centuries. The Japanese creates special treatments and ways of diagnosis that use Shiatsu. This caused Shiatsu to become very popular and it was used for many centuries that was until massage started to separate from medicine practices. It was at this point that the art of massage was looked at as a luxury and often found dishonorable. Shiatsu was one of the methods that were over looked. It wasn’t until the 20th century that Shiatsu appeared back on the medical radar. When Tamai Tempaku started to use piece of Western medicine with the older methods of treatment. These Western methods included Anatomy and Physiology, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatments. He started to mix these with the basic Shiatsu methods and found that they were very effective. Orignally he called this method Shiatsu Ryoho or “Finger Pressure Way of Healing” the name was then shortened to Shiatsu Ho “Finger Pressure Method”. This method is now just know as Shiatsu a way of balancing the who body including ones mental and spiritual being. The Japanese government in 1964 finally recognized Shiatsu as a form of therapy. Shiatsu can now be found all over the world and has grown into many different types of treatment.
Ayurvedic medicine is categorized in America as a CAM, or “complimentary and alternative medicine”, as well as a whole system of medical practice outside the realm of conventional western medicine. It’s purpose is the integration of the whole being - body, mind, and spirit - to bring balance, enhance wellness, and ultimately, prevent illness. It is also used as a treatment for specific physical and mental health issues. The major premise on which ayurvedic medicine is based is the idea that disease comes about when a person is not in harmony with the universe. Developed in India, the word ayurveda means “the science of life”. This ancient practice, older than written word and handed down by word of mouth, has been the primary system of healthcare in India for over 5,000 years. Some believe it was divinely inspired knowledge issued from the gods. Lord Brahma is commonly considered to be the originator of ayurvedic medicine, although the actual origination isn’t clear. It is believed to have begun in small tribal groups and passed along by the wise persons of the group until it evolved into a systematic approach. Established as early as 2500 b.c., it evolved into the School of Physicians and the School of Surgeons. In around 600 b.c., it further branched to include several specialty areas of internal medicine, including pediatrics; psychiatry; surgery; eye, ear, nose and throat; toxicology; geriatrics; and eugenics/aphrodisiacs. The essence of the practice was to identify imbalance in the body systems, or doshas, and then treat those holistically to bring the body into balance and good health. Some writings say ayurveda was used in the time of the Buddha with a medicine primarily based on the combination of mercury and sulphur mixed with herbs. The Buddha period (520 b.c.) is considered a golden era of ayurveda, with great growth and progress primarily because of the inventions of Nagajuna, a well-known herbologist who followed the Buddha. Further changes occurred around 300 b.c., when King Ashoka banned bloodshed in the kingdom, based on buddhist teachings, and surgical practices were discontinued and replaced with new methods. Ayurveda has survived the centuries because the Indian people consider it a sacred “science of life”.
sources: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm “Ayurveda: a historical perspective and principles of the traditional healthcare system in India, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov “Ayurveda - Ancient Indian Medical System”, http.//www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/concepts/ayurveda.asp
Reflexology has been around for many years but is not well documented. However, on the walls of an Egyptian tomb (2450 B.C) there were drawings of two men getting a massage on their hands and feet.
Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the feet, hands, or ears that correspond to organs and systems in the body without the use of oil and lotion. Reflexology is believed to relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body by the manipulation of the feet. Some people say that the pressure on the feet send signals that release chemicals like endorphins that reduce pain and stress.
Reflexology can be great for many things such as headaches. When you are suffering from a headache and you use hand reflexology you “generally treat on the first joints of each finger and along the sides of the fingers. Working the sides and bottoms of the fingers helps to relax tight neck and shoulder muscles that can cause headaches. Working tender areas on the thumb is also useful. Sinus and allergy headaches may be relieved by rubbing the top joint of each finger, but not the thumb.”
I felt that you did a fantastic job on your research for 'Reflexology'! This essay was to the point, it was easy to read, I felt that I have have gained a lot of information and knowledge on using this type of massage technique and the importance on the healing/health and its effects on the human body in a beneficial way.
The use of massage therapy to rehabilitate veterans of wars seems to have coalesced with the veterans of WWI. While the timing may seem fortuitous, numerous incidents in the field of massage and massage licensing set the stage for this development. And while the use of massage as a therapeutic aid to recovery from wounds was the main use of massage, many wounded veterans trained to become masseuses.
Although interest in massage therapy seemed to languish during the Middle Ages, scientific developments during the Enlightenment contributed to the development of massage theory. In particular, the discovery of the cardiac venous system, the process by which blood returns to the heart and thus circulates, supported massage such as effleurage. Massage techniques could now be based in (western) science and could also be developed with a better scientific understanding of their benefits to the body.
The turn of the century (19th to 20th, that is) saw a struggle between legitimate massage and sex trade massage practitioners. (This timing is critical to later events.) As a result of the efforts of dedicated nurses and therapists, guidelines for massage training and practice were developed. In addition, professional societies formed, especially in Great Britain. Leading theorists also published textbooks that were used in newly established massage training schools. Licensing became standardized and required as well. By the time WWI broke out, the infrastructure to support the widespread use of massage therapy had been established.
And just in time. In fact, perhaps not soon enough. So widespread was the use of massage therapies during the war and immediately following that initially there were not enough therapists. Canada, for example, trained around 100 therapists after the war started, most of whom were sent to England, where hospitals were flooded with wounded soldiers from many countries. Therapies included massage, hydro-therapy, electricity, physical therapy, and “gymnastics” (calisthenics and physical training). James Mennell, author of the premier textbook of this period, stated, “The value of massage as an aid to the orthopedic treatment of our wounded is now too well-established to require defense.”
It is interesting that this period saw the expansion of physical therapy treatments as well. In fact, R. Tait McKenzie, pioneer of physical therapy methods and exercises, assisted the British in establishing protocols and service centers for treated returning veterans. In fact, during this time, McKenzie “published in 1918, Reclaiming the Maimed. In this book he describes his methods and equipment for the ‘gradual coaxing back toward normal’ of those who had suffered in the war. He also felt ‘we must consider the whole field of physical therapy as applied to and affected by the Great War.’”
Lastly, massage therapy training was offered to disabled veterans, in particular soldiers who had been blinded, as career and occupational therapy. Rather than being doomed to a life of begging or subsistence living, veterans now had a method of providing for themselves and their families. And as anyone who has been injured knows, caring for others has a way of helping one care for oneself.
Jessica O’Brien Introduction to Massage Part 3 Swedish Massage Therapy
Evidence of massage has existed since around 3000 BC. During this time is when the Chinese recognized its benefits. The Chinese found that applying pressure techniques was very effective on specific parts of the body. An ancient Hindu book refers to massage as something called the Ayurveda. The Avurveda translated is known as the Art of Life. This practice focuses on rubbings of each other. These techniques can be used to relieve fatigue, increase energy and improve overall general health. They believed that massage strengthens the muscle and firms the skin, possible even reduce fat. After this time period there were some artifacts from the Egyptians practicing reflexology on their tomb paintings. Another big era of message was 776 BC during the first Olympic Games athletes massaged before their contests. The history of message is very long lasting and from originates from all around the world. Most massage textbooks give credit to a man named Henri Peter Ling for inventing the Swedish massage techniques. Henri Peter Ling did develop his own system of massage, combining his knowledge of Chinese, Greek, Roman and Egyptian massage techniques, and physiology, gymnastics. However it does not really matter who developed it because the strokes are based on massage techniques from all time periods and places of the world. Swedish massage is generally considered a full body massage, as it usually works on all major muscle groups in the body. There are a vast array of tools and techniques used in massage. In Swedish massage oil is used to ensure the smoothness of the specific strokes. Many of the stroke techniques Henri Peter Ling devised are still used today, including the effleurage, petrissage, vibrations, friction, and tapotement. The effleurage consists of long, gliding strokes from the neck down to the base of the spine or from the shoulder down to the fingertips. When done on the limbs, all strokes are toward the heart to aid blood and lymphatic flow. It is done with the whole hand or the thumb pads. The Petrissage massage stroke goes deeper, and is meant to gently lift muscles up and away from the bone. Then the muscles are gently rolled and squeezed. The kneading and compression motions are to stimulate circulation deep in the muscles. Friction being the most penetrating of the strokes, and consists of deep circular or transverse movements made with the thumb pads or fingertips. The therapist applies deep, circular movement near joints and other bony areas. Friction breaks down adhesions, which are knots that result when muscle fibers bind together during the healing process, thus contributing to more flexible muscles and joints. Then the tapotement strokes are better known to other people as the karate chops. It may be applied with the edge of the hand, with the tips of the fingers, or with a closed fist. The Tapotement stroke attempts to release tension and cramping from muscles in spasm. Last but certainly not least, Vibration or shaking involves the therapist pressing his or her hands on the back or limbs, and rapidly shaking for a few seconds. It boosts circulation and increase the power of the muscles to contact. There are so many benefits to the touch of massage. Swedish massage can increase one’s flexibility because it stretches the ligaments and tendons. The Swedish massage is specifically designed to relax and loosen the muscles. It also helps flush the body tissues of uric and lactic acid and other metabolic waste allowing the body to heal itself.
Work Cited
Benjamin, Patricia, "Notations to the General Principles of Gymnastics by Pehr Henrik Ling." Lars Agren and Patricia Benjamin, trans., Journal of the American Massage Therapy Association, winter 1987.
The weekend was vary good the ear candling will come in great use to me both personnel and professionally. the amount of information we learned on message and reki was good to get me started so i can practice my skills. I feel that message is a very good therapy to relax the mind so people can focus on any issues in a more relaxed manner which would be good to see the problem with out as much anxiety which can cloud the issues. anyway that thought just came to mind, but more on the weekend it was a good overview of skills we will learn more about and one thing i think was vary useful was the information on creating lotions and i feel i am going to be using aroma therapy.
One moment in history dealing with massage that I’ve always been curious about is during the time of the Egyptians. Their hieroglyphs depict people massaging feet and hands at certain points. The more I started reading the more interested I became about reflexology and how it progressed until present time. Around the time of 2500 B.C. is when the Egyptians started using reflexology (or were at least thought to). All we have to go by are the hieroglyphs of massaging the feet but no word on what exactly was being done. It’s interesting to me that the Buddhist and Indian culture also view the feet as being “the unity of the entire universe” or “expressions of a higher reality”. This says a lot if different cultures looked at the feet in a same sort of manner. Traveling in time towards the future, we see that reflexology traveled further east onto China and then Japan. This is when reflexology started being tied in with Acupuncture and moxibustion. In 1582, Dr. Adamus and Dr. A. A'tatis published the first book dealing with zone therapy (application of pressure to the feet that correspond to a body part, back, liver, lung, etc.) and shortly thereafter another book was written by Dr. Bell. It wasn’t until 1917 that Vladimir Bekterev was the one “coined” the term reflexology. After reading that the practice wasn’t called reflexology until 1917 I did some research to see what it was called before that. I came across something called Zoku Shin Do, which is an ancient Asian foot technique dating back 5000 years. At the end of all my reading, it’s apparent that there are many different techniques in many different cultures all practicing a on the feet in a special way. If this thought of specification through the feet is so widespread I can’t help but admire and want to learn more about reflexology. Works Cited(Links to pages): 1. http://www.reflexology.co.nz/history 2. http://www.hapifeetmassage.com/reflexology.htm 3. http://www.advancedreflexology.co.uk/reflexology.html
China has one of the oldest known forms of massage therapy which dates back to 2700 BCE. Massage originated from an ancient principle that diseases and illnesses arise due to a deficiency or imbalance in the energy in specific pathways or meridians that represent physiological systems. So far I have learned through massage and other forms of Chinese bodywork techniques, energy will flow more harmoniously through these pathways, allowing the body to heal itself naturally. The most popular term for massage during this time was “anmo” which means pressing and rubbing. During an excavation of the tomb of the Ma Wang Dui, many scrolls were found with handwritten methods of medical formulas with specific references to anmo techniques. It is shown to have been used in seventeen different branches of medicine, for example one prescription found in the scrolls for anuria is to massage the sacrum while applying burning moxa leaves to points on the back. The Chinese did an excellent job of documenting the practices of massage and its healing properties. Massage was used for almost anything in their culture where rubbing and pressing could be used to bring the chi back to harmony and heal. Sources: http://www.acupuncture.com/qigong_tuina/tuinahistory.htm
For my essay I chose Rome. This time era focused on full body massage, which fascinates me because evidence has shown the results of the benefits for healing a human body which includes; pain relief, temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and state of anxiety, and depression! Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. This technique involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, and feet.
Highly popular in Roman culture, during the first century between 200 and 100 B.C.E., many of the wealthy Roman Emperors received a full body massage to stimulate circulation and loosen their joints in their homes by personal physicians, trainers and doctors. Eventually the public baths unfortunately gained a reputation of the “pursuit of pleasure” instead of as an avenue for healing. In the fourth century C.E., the Roman Emperor Constantine condemned the public baths for adding to the abuse of sex in Roman culture.
Galen, who is considered one of the most notable figure associated with massage in Rome acquired his knowledge of anatomy and physiology from his experience in constructing extensive surgery by healing the gladiators. Massages was known for its ability to treat different types of physical injuries, diseases, maintaining a healthy body, stimulating circulation and loosening their joints with the use of oils to benefit the skin. By advocated massage treatments this helped eliminate the waste products of nutrition and the poisons of fatigue in the human body. "Life," he said, "exists better in moderation—work, food, sleep, drink and sex."
While studying the history of massage I found the practice of Ayurveda to be rather appealing to me. The connection to nature that it has is strong in this culture, making practicing with the hands and feet appealing in their medical practices. If not for Veda Vyasa, a famous sage from India, there would not be any evidence of writings about the complete knowledge of Ayurveda, nor the spiritual insights of self realization into the body. The scriptures are known as the Vedic literatures. Ayurveda, the science of life, is a medical system that has been practiced since 300 B.C, and is one of the oldest systems of medicine still in use. The purpose of the medical practice is to bring the individual back to a balanced state of mind within the mind, body and spirit. Once we are in balance our physical body will be cleared away from illness and disease. The theory is that disease comes about when the person is out of harmony within the universe. Before there was technology to help reduce pain or to rid away illness or disease the use of massage was practiced frequently. The word massage is derived from the Greek word rubbing or to knead. What massage does is actually manipulates the tissues in the body, creating calmness and releasing tension within the body.
Work Cited: (1)http://www.ayushveda.com/ayurvedic-massage/history.htm (2)http://www.indiaayurvedatours.com/history.html (3)http://www.floridavediccollege.edu/ayurveda/history.htm
Massage is one of the oldest forms of health care that uses touch as a healing method. The practice of massage began approximately around 3000 B.C.E. However, there is belief that massage was practiced before that. The healing method of touch first evolved in India and soon spread to China, Japan, Arabic nations, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It wasn’t till the 17th century that massage was used in Europe; The “wellness boom” occurred in the United States in the 20 century and is still practiced to this day. I choose to further research Reflexology; which is a form of bodywork that focuses mostly on the feet. Throughout history numerous cultures utilized the feet as a way to treat the body and health. Practice of reflexology dates back to 2330 B.C, where there was the discovery of a wall painting. The painting was discovered in the tomb of Ankhamahor at Saqqara. Variations of reflexology existed in all ancient healing cultures and have been historically found in Tibet, India , and China. Dr. William H. Fitzjerald developed the initial practice of reflexology that is well known in our contemporary western society. Research also accredits two European physicians, Dr. Adamus and Dr. Atatis that published the oldest books on reflexology 1582. Reflexology is the application of pressure to the feet and hands to effect corresponding parts of the body. The body is reiterated as a mirror image on the hands and feet. Today reflexology has been incorporated into alternative health care in several countries and has profound relaxation and pleasure. Works Cited:
I chose to research on athletes and philosophers introducing massage to Greece. I have always found Greece fascinating, and I love the beneficiary effects massage has on athletes. Massage in Greece was mainly used to keep athletes in peak physical condition before competitions. They also used massage for relaxation. In The Odyssey massage is described as “welcome relief to exhausted war heroes” So not only did they use massage medically, but also as a common form of relaxation. The art of massage holds an important place as a therapeutic modality in Greek Medicine. The ancient Greeks defined massage as therapeutic rubbing. The classical Greek term for this is anatripsis, which simply means "friction" or "rubbing". This art of rubbing can include auxiliary medicinal agents, like creams and medicated massage oils, or it can be just simple dry massage. Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician, had a high regard for massage and believed that all well appropriate physicians should be trained in the art off massage. He also believed that all massage strokes should be made towards the heart. This way the massage would help assist the heart and the circulatory system. This technique was thought to further the detoxification of the body at a much faster pace. In matters of massage, Hippocrates outlined four principal guidelines: Vigorous massage constricts and firms up the body. Gentle massage relaxes the body. Much massage thins and lightens the body. Moderate massage thickens the body, and increases the flesh. These basic massage techniques laid down the basics of massage that we currently use today. Other options for massage that were used were hot or cold massages, as well as wet (oils) or dry (no oils). I believe that the Greeks really set the guidelines for what massage has become today. They expanded the art of massage’s full potential in helping the body function more fluently.
Jeffrey R Ketcham 10/15/12 Hippocrates and message Hippocrates is known as the father of modern medicine and his finding and understandings in early Greece are the roots of our understanding about the healing methods we use today. The method of healing that I will present historical view on is message and the understanding that Hippocrates had about this method. The research that I have view was presented in the massage magazine by Robert Noah Calvert he tells of Hippocrates way of thinking towards how it is very important for the physician to be trained in rubbing, for rubbing a joint could bind a joint if it be too loose and at the same with a different course of rubbing and pressure it could relax a joint that is too tight. This Is shown in the recordings of the time which is the fifth century. Hippocrates also talks of the different “passive and restive” movements in the art of message which can increase circulation and help muscles, tendons, and ligaments grow and have better motor action. Another point he came to a understanding of was what we call “knots” could be removed in order to gain more of a relaxed state so the body could heal the muscles and the joints gained more flexibility. Another understanding that Hippocrates brought to light was the use of massage as a therapeutically tool as in physical therapy. This was employed by the athletes to be used before computation to keep their body in peak physical conditioning. There is also documents that show that oils and herbs were used to treat medical conditions and for relaxation. Many other physicians stemmed from these practices and followed Hippocrates philosophy of healing. These were used in the bath houses of Rome where people could come for the healing effects of massage and some used oils.
I find it fascinating when I rediscover how advanced our ancestors were, especially relating to a higher understanding of the human body. This is why I chose Shiatsu, which is said to have started in 1,000 BCE. Shiatsu practice connects the energy pathways throughout the body to organ functions and our body’s natural resistance to illnesses. Rooted in ancient Japanese and Chinese traditions, Shiatsu massage not only achieves relaxation but also contributes to improvements in health including emotional well being.
In 1,000 BCE Japanese monks began to study Buddhism in China. There they witnessed and brought back with them to Japan the healing methods of traditional Chinese medicine which included Oriental Bodywork, Tao-yin and Anma. During this time Japan used massage-type methods for diagnosing and treatment. After adopting the Chinese style into their original methods, they began to enhance it by introducing new combinations which eventually transformed into its’ own unique method called Shiatsu.
Shiatsu massages evolved out of Anma, an ancient Japanese massage involving tapping, rubbing and applying pressure, and acupuncture a form of Chinese therapy. Shiatsu is a Japanese word derived from “shi” meaning finger and “astu” meaning pressure. Shiatsu massage involves pressure application, gentle manipulation and assisted stretching. For thousands of years, Qi (a term for energy flow throughout the body) represented the essence of life in the Japanese culture. Qi brought nourishment for the body, mind and spirit, which flows to different organs through specific pathways. Thus, Shiatsu massage primary goal is to eliminate energy imbalances within the organ systems and clear the pathway for proper energy flow.
Since the beginning Shiatsu practices, Shiatsu has transformed and experienced many up’s and down’s. During the Edo period (1603-1867) in Japan, Shiatsu reached its’ peak and was required mastery. However, things took a turn during the 19th century as a result to European influences, as Shiatsu became a practice which was discouraged and forbidden by many. Finally, with the influence of Tamai Tempaku, in 1964 the Japanese government recognized Shiatsu massage as a form of medical therapy. Today Shiatsu massage is practiced by many, and through the different influences over its’ history, Shiatsu practices has transformed into different styles and methods for achieving balanced energy flow. Shiatsu massage contributes to the overall well being of body, mind and spirit, and continues to grow in practice.
Reference: □ Brown, Judy. “History of Shiatsu Massage”. March 23, 2012. October 15, 2012. www.livestrong.com/article/90568-history-shiatsu-massage/ □ “Shiatsu History”. Shiatsu Practioners Association of Aotearoa (New Zealand) Inc. October 15, 2012. www.spaanz.kiwinz.net/shhiatsu-history.html □ “History of Massage”. October 13, 2012. Article provided by www.massagelotion.net.
Felicia Buzzell Pyramid Massage 1-Page History Research December 19, 2012
I chose to focus on Ancient Greece and how massage was use as a healing form in that era. The medical profession was not “held in very high regard” (Massage). Due to the fact that there was no licensing, and so people generally went with their own instincts when treating ailments. Families who had more money kept slaves called Aleiptes. These people were around for medical purposes and helped the family if there was an illness in the home (Massage). One Greek physician Asclepiades(124-40 BCE), is now known as the consummate master of massage. He was able to bring people back from the dead by using his “corpuscular theory: that Life was due to the constant motion of atoms in the body; that disease and death result when this movement is obstructed or disrupted” (Massage). From another source I found yet more information regarding this time period. “Athletes in Ancient Greece employed massage to keep their bodies in peak condition prior to competitions” (History). Not only did they use massage techniques, but they used massage oils mixed with various herbs in order to maximize the relaxing treatments. “In the fifth century B.C.E., Hippocrates prescribed "friction" to treat physical injuries and instructed his physician colleagues on the benefits of rubbing to help the body heal itself” (History). Hippocrates promoted a holistic approach to the massage treatment by recommending all sorts of complimentary treatments to cure ailments. ‘Prescriptions’ such as rest, music, fresh air, diet and exercise were also told to Hippocrates patients as a form of healing along with massage (History).
"History of Massage Therapy." History of Massage. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Dec. 2012. .
Kimberly Martel History of Massage April 5, 2013 Massage is one of the oldest forms of healing. It’s fascinating to me that massage was practiced by so many different cultures throughout ancient history. Areas of the world that had little or no contact with each other instinctually used some form of massage and energy healing and in so many ways they were remarkably similar to each other. I chose to focus on a type of massage called Lomilomi. An explorer by the name of Nordhoff explored the Hawaiian Islands in 1874. He described a wellness massage called Lomilomi performed by the Hawaiian natives which had evolved from the early Polynesian settlers. It was practiced by everyone from child to chief. It is a holistic healing tradition that goes beyond simple massage. The Hawaiians philosophy is that everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love. When harmony is lacking stress, muscle tension, and illness can occur. Lomilomi is not just a physical experience but also facilitates healing on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels, The Hawaiians view all aspects of the body as one, believing that the physical, emotional and spiritual are all part of the whole self and when healing is effected on one level all levels are affected. Lomilomi works the muscles deeply but gently with continuous flowing strokes that nurtures the body and enables the recipient to relax and just be. So while the technique is important, having a loving heart and the focus of the practitioner on the client is just as important. Hawaiians believe everything is energy and that thoughts or beliefs can block energy as much as muscle tension. The continuous long flowing strokes combined with intention and a loving heart relaxes the entire being assisting in letting go of old beliefs, patterns, and behaviors that are stored up inside us even on a cellular level. After American missionaries arrived in 1820 many were converted to Christianity and laws were enacted that prohibited “heathen” worship and Native Hawaiian healing practices. Lomilomi as a way of life and healing system went underground however Lomilomi as a restorative massage was still practiced by Hawaiians and then eventually foreigners. Today Lomilomi is a popular modality and some therapists may incorporate other massage techniques into a session. True Lomilomi as traditionally taught is still practiced and may include prayer, meditation, diet changes and anything else that helps create optimum health and balance. Citations: Tappans Handbook Healing Massage Techniques pg 20 The history of Lomi Lomi, written by Tamara Mondragon, appeared as the Cover story in the July 2000 issue of Massage Magazine. Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage by Tracey Lakainapali http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lomilomi_massage
I find it so amazing. The idea of healing and treating disease with the touch of hands and feet. The ancient Egyptians were definitely a civilization ahead of their time when it came to engineering, agriculture, literature, astrology and medicine. I chose to focus on the roots of reflexology because it is a personal interest of mine. I am looking forward to learning some reflexology during my massage therapy certification. Learning techniques in reflexology will be a benefit and alternative to treating problems in the body. It was mentioned in the presentation that reflexology was created by the ancient Egyptians around 2500 BCE. In some research I completed I learned that early Egyptian artists painted scenes of surgical operations, medical treatments and anatomical observation. During this time period a physician and influential official to the king named Ankhmahor practiced Reflexology. Paintings and engravings found in Ankhmahor’s tomb at Saqqara depict the practice of reflexology. The knowledge of what a physician like Ankhmahor could practice was displayed on the walls of the tomb. His tomb has six wall engravings: childbirth, pharmacology, circumcision, embalming, dentistry and reflexology. The preservation of the dead was very important to the ancient Egyptians. The idea of engraving the physician’s biography on the wall with scenes of their life helped aid the soul when it returns to earth again. The scenes are believed to act as guides for the soul when choosing the right body to continue the practices. I can’t help but feel that there is some truth behind this. Maybe that is why the ancient wisdom of medicine comes back through the ages. I believe there is a force in all of us connected to this ancient world and it is time to bring it back. Some people are more sensitive than others, but the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians make a lot of sense to me. My personal belief is that we are all just spiritual beings having a physical experience. It is that physical experience that we are all just trying to figure out and work with, until our energy moves on to other pieces of the universe.
Slade, L. (n.d.). History of hand and foot reflexology. The Universal College of Reflexology, Retrieved from http://www.universalreflex.com/article.php/20040315123726347s
Isaac Muffoletto I think it is interesting how the Greeks used massage as a very common method of healing and preventing injury. I was not entirely surprised that their motives to perfect their massaging techniques were to increase the athletic abilities of their competitors. Their also always seemed to be an inherent competitive nature behind Greek culture. An example would be the Olympic games. Massage was used all throughout the Olympic games to bring the competitors to their peak physical state to preform the best they could. Hippocrates, I have found, was always a very in tune person with the needs of the patients that he had to treat. Hippocrates had held massage very high; he stated how it could firm up or relax muscles and organs. To him it was a very well rounded and crucial aspect of promoting good health. He had always looked at the massage helping to move the humors in a more healthy way. Humors were the main way that the Greeks looked at the illness; they are fluids such as mucus, blood, yellow bile, and black bile. Hippocrates thought that with massage they could regulated the balance of the humors in a healthy way. Herodicus a teacher of Hippocrates was thought to be the first to be thought to use massage as a treatment of disease. He was thought to be very particular about starting a massage with gentle touch then slowly getting more forceful. He had also mentioned the combination of oils and herbs with massage to make it more beneficial for the patient.
While looking up some information about massage, I came across the part about Rome and that peaked my interest in the history part. Wealthy Roman people kept slaves who were call Aleiptes and were their medics and masseurs. Between 124-40 BCE there was a Greek physician called Asclepiade. He was considered a master of massage. His top three modalities of treatment were hydrotherapy, exercise, and massage, in that order. Asclepiade was famous for bringing a seemingly dead person back to life by several minutes of manipulation to the body. He said that the body stayed healthy by constant movement of atoms in the body and that being still and not moving things around created disease and death. Dr. Asclepiade gave up all medicine in the end and only practiced massage. Hippocrates also had a high regard for massage. He said that art of massage doesn’t come quickly and takes lots of hands-on practice but he believed that physicians should be well rounded in massage. According to the way the massage was applied, it could firm up muscles, release tension. Shamans began using massage but in the reverse direction that todays massages are done. They went from the center out toward the extremities. Hippocrates switched the direction stating that the strokes should be toward the heart so that the circulatory system could get rid of the toxins and waste. These were Hippocrates four principles about massage; Vigorous massage constricts and firms up the body. Gentle massage relaxes the body. Much massage thins and lightens the body. Moderate massage thickens the body, and increases the flesh. Reference: http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html
Swedish Massage; It’s Classic Having done some research I have found that what is commonly known as the Swedish massage is really called, all through Europe and in Sweden, classic massage. In fact the man who has been dubbed “the father of Swedish massage” isn’t even well known in Sweden. Apparently around the year 1805 a gentleman by the name of Pehr Henrik Ling, from Sweden, created a system called Swedish Gymnastic Movement System that consisted of therapeutic movements similar to calisthenics, aerobics and joint movement. Part of the therapy included a “passive treatment” where the therapist would move the client’s legs and arms while the client stayed in a relaxed state. While doing these movements, the therapist would also apply some movement to the muscles including; holding, pressing, shaking clapping and sawing. This aspect of the system was only a small part of the treatment. Then, in the mid to late 1800’s a Dutch, Dr. Johann Mezger, wrote about and structured the process of massage and proceeded to use French words for the muscle manipulations that we are now familiar with; effleurage, petrissage, friction, and tapotement (vibration was added later). His focus in treatments was using these specific strokes on the muscles. He then created the first organized association of massage called the Dutch Association for Medical Gymnastics and Massage. It is said that somewhere around 1850 the two different systems were confused by researchers and it is thought that since Ling’s system preceded Mezger’s, he got the credit for the massage system and terms thus, Swedish massage. Ling’s systems focus was on the calisthenics and aerobic exercises he developed and Meger’s research was primarily on the soft tissue manipulations. One thing I have definitely learned from my research is that the history is a little unclear about who should be credited with the system of Swedish massage. I suppose it doesn’t really matter who made it poplar in the mid 1800’s because massage is an ancient way to manage pain and heal the body. The concept was not new it was just fine tuned which is what we continue to do today with new and advanced modalities. So, as I move through my learning of massage I will give nod to Pehr Henrick Ling and Dr. Johann Mezger for all of their work and research that has brought massage back to Western society. For that I am thankful. www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2002/issue100/history100.php, www.holistichealthand me.com/massage/Swedish-massage, www.abmp.com/textonlymags/article.php?article=325, www.massageschoolsguide.com/techniques/swedish-massage
The most interesting time period in massage therapy history is when massage emerged into India. They believed that when people leave their normal environment, they become sick; the only way to treat this is by using their new form of massage called Ayurveda. This treatment is about as easy as it is to keep a healthy lifestyle! Ayurveda consists of "cracking" of the joints, toes, fingers, and neck. Cracking all of these will help you to relax. The individual must find their balance with their surroundings, and must also find harmony with the world around them.
Heidi Nelson 10/14/13 The time period that interested me the most was the emergence of shiatsu. Shiatsu massage therapy came out of Anma, an old type of Japanese massage, and acupuncture, a type of Chinese therapy. I found this part of massage history interesting. Anma involves tapping, rubbing and applying pressure to different points on the body, stimulating and influencing the muscular and circulatory systems. Tamai Tempaku invented Shiatsu massage at the beginning of the 1900s. It was recognized as a form of medical therapy in 1964. I look forward to learning more of shiatsu as I further my education.
History Assignment Jillian Gee I am fascinated by the idea that reflexology can be traced back in time to as early as 2500 B.C. The Egyptians were a society that was thought to have pampered themselves more than other cultures perhaps. Egyptians are believed to have practiced many different methods of alternative medicine including heliotherapy,hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and reflexology. Many of these practices are depicted in ancient Egyptian tombs. The first account of reflexology was found in the tomb of the Physician Ankhmahor. This tomb was the burial place for Egyptain pharaohs. Pictographs in this tomb showed care being given to feet and hands which is believed to depict manicures and pedicures. Also on the tomb were pictures showing the therapist using a tool to work on the feet of another. As well as using reflexology on pharaohs, a temple built by Ramses II has carvings that depict soldiers receiving treatment to their feet. The practice of reflexology still exists in some parts of Egypt today.
The period of time that I chose to look at was Ancient Rome. The practice of massage in Ancient Rome began between 200 and 100 BC. A few forward thinking men and the practice of public baths heavily influenced Roman massage. The practice and beliefs of massage in Roman times are still heavily reflected in modern massage. With ideas of sports massage, relaxation and aromatherapy massages coming from the Romans are still in use today. In ancient Rome the public baths were the social hub for all members of society. With the exception of royalty, who received massage in their homes, it was here that massage was practiced frequently. The use of hands for rubbing muscles and joints, bathing in warm and cold water, and applying warm oils was the basis of massage during this period. The Romans had rooms at the baths that serve the same purposes that you can find at spas today: the concamerata sudation or wet steam room; the laconicum or the dry steam room; and the clada lavation or the warm bathing room. As great as the Roman baths were, they eventually we closed down by Emperor Constantine for the reputation of excess pleasure instead of a means for healing. There were great believers and practitioners of this time. Galen, a physician, used massage therapy to treat many emperors for their physical injuries and disease. He believed that exercise, healthy diet along with rest and massage were ideal to maintain a healthy body. Not only did Galen promote massage he also wrote volumes of medical and philosophical texts. He was one of the first to correlate anatomy and physiology. His work had many detailed descriptions of the bones and muscle. In his work, Galen used a detailed description of massage: “ the rubbings should be of many sorts, with strokes and circuits of the hands, carrying them not only from above down and below up, but also sub vertically, obliquely, transversely and sub transversely…But I direct that the strokes and circuits of the hands should be made of many sorts, in order that so far as possible all the muscles fibers should be rubbed in every direction.” Galen worked on both the Roman Gladiators and Emperors. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, was also an advocate of massage. He advised an aromatic bath and massage daily to maintain health. Hippocrates is responsible for the code of ethics know as the “Hippocratic Oath” that is still acknowledged today. Now, in modern times we still follow and have adapted all these rudimentary practices started so long ago by the ancient Romans and many other civilizations. Although, now we now have very fancy and expensive spas and resorts to relax at, we still are giving and receiving the same fundamentals that the ancient people started so long ago. http://northstartherapies.co.uk/moremassage.aspx www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2005/issue115/history115.php www.electronichealing.co.uk/articles/history_of_massage.htm
Consider putting that prescribed pill down and indulge instead in aromatherapy. “Aroma” means spice/fragrance and “therapy” means treatment; therefore aromatherapy is curative fragrance treatment. Aromatherapy is the use of natural essential oils distilled from plants. Aromatherapy, also known as essential oil therapy, is a holistic healing method that was used as a whole body treatment for multiple ailments over 3000 years ago and is coming back as a more popular practice today. Aromatherapy is used to relieve emotional problems, physical conditions, as well as for beauty care. Aromatherapy massage relieves emotional problems by promoting positive mood, as well as relieves tension and stress. Essential oils can either be inhaled or absorbed by the skin and then into the blood stream. The scents can alter your emotions by relaxing the mind and creating a soothing feeling or they can even be invigorating. When used during massage, this allows the muscles and mind to relax, while the scents calm and uplift. This treatment is also useful for insomnia and depression, as endorphins are released. When using the proper oils, the mind can be revived and the body can be energized, creating an overall feeling of well-being, naturally. Physical conditions may be treated and illness can be avoided by utilizing natural essential oils. There are over 300 essential oils that are used today. They contain chemicals that are important for hormone, vitamin, and energy production. As previously stated, the oils can be used during massage when they are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Essential oils can benefit blood circulation, rid the body of toxins, treat infections or calm the body and mind, as well as induce sleep. The most commonly used essential oils are: lavender, tea tree, peppermint, chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium, rosemary, thyme, lemon and clove. These oils have the following properties: antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, detoxifying, immune stimulating and anti-inflammatory. When inhaled or massaged into the skin or bathed in, the body is provided the aid to heal naturally. Illness can also be avoided by burning oils with antibacterial and antiviral properties. This is ideal for gatherings of multiple people. Aromatherapy is an optimal holistic healing method, as the essential oils enter and exit the body while leaving no toxins behind. Aromatherapy beauty preparations can be used daily to clear up imperfections and maintain youthful skin. Aromatherapy facial massage stimulated blood circulation, helps renew cells and removes toxins. One can even apply essential oils, based on skin type, to the face and neck via massaging movements to firm and smooth the skin for your own natural facelift. Essential oils can be bathed in or used in self-massage on the hands, elbows, abdomen, hips, thighs and feet. Cellulite can be improved, the skin appears smoother and tighter, and fluid retention can be eliminated, and the uplifting, relaxing aroma provides a sense of well-being. This is a natural pampering treatment that can be done each day to stimulate, cleans or nourish the body with a scent you love. A multitude of every day ailments can be treated naturally with the practice of aromatherapy and massage. By utilizing essential oils as your preventative maintenance or your natural alternative to conventional medicine, your body has a chance to naturally heal itself. Aromatherapy massage is an enjoyable way of treating the whole body, while being highly effective, non-toxic (be sure to use properly or consult an expert), as well as non-invasive, aromatherapy can benefit emotional problems, physical conditions and is a highly effective beauty treatment.
I am new to this.........I hope that I am typing in the right place.......
MODULE 1 - HISTORY! With my personal HISTORY, I was very interested in a piece of history about how there has been research about massage and Autism, ADHD, Anorexia, Allergies (etc.). Through advanced training, the participants can learn to provide massage therapy, nurturing touch techniques, touch therapy, tactile introduction, sensory stimulation & integration for people who have been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Working with people with Developmental Disabilities, this piece in history has touched a spot in my heart.
The following articlethat I found lead me to look closer at the EARLY 2000’s. With my personal interest of Autism I looked further for articles of Autism. For children with Autism, massage MAY provide relaxation, stress reduction as well as calm muscle spasms. Over time, it was believed that touch therapy also helps the child to become more accustomed to tactile stimulation and aides in body awareness. This has been something that people with Autism have a difficult time with. Often by incorporating massage therapy into a daily routine, children with Autism experience decreased issues with their sleeping patterns. Research has now demonstrated that this style of intervention may promote more “on-task and social relatedness behavior” during their playtime, they show less unpredictable behavior, and are more attentive after receiving massage therapy. This safe, nurturing touch, along with regular sensory integration, is beneficial in reducing inattentiveness, touch aversion and withdrawal
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T. & Thimas, E. (2001). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: benefits from Tai Chi. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 5, 120-123. •Thirteen adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) participated in Tai Chi classes twice a week for 5 weeks. Teachers rated the children's behaviour on the Conners Scale during the baseline period, after the 5 week Tai Chi session period and 2 weeks later. After the 10 Tai Chi sessions the adolescents displayed less anxiety, improved conduct, less daydreaming behaviours, less inappropriate emotions, and less hyperactivity. These improved scores persisted over the 2-week follow up (no Tai Chi period). Escalona, A., Field, T., Singer-Strunk, R., Cullen, C., & Hartshorn, K. (2001). Brief report: Improvements in the behavior of children with autism following massage therapy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31, 513-516. •Twenty children with autism, ages 3 to 6 years, were randomly assigned to massage therapy and reading attention control groups. Parents in the massage therapy group were trained by a massage therapist to massage their children for 15 minutes prior to bedtime every night for 1 month and the parents of the attention control group read Dr. Seuss stories to their children on the same time schedule. Conners Teacher and Parent scales, classroom and playground observations, and sleep diaries were used to assess the effects of therapy on various behaviors, including hyperactivity, stereotypical and off-task behavior, and sleep problems. The children in the massage group exhibited less stereotypic behavior and showed more on-task and social relatedness behavior during play observations at school, and they experienced fewer sleep problems at home. Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Largie, S., Diego, M., Manigat, N., Seoanes, M., & Bornstein, J. (2005). Cerebral palsy symptoms in children decreased following massage therapy. Early Child Development and Care, 175, 445-456. •Twenty young children with cerebral palsy recruited from early intervention programs received 30 minutes of massage or reading twice weekly for 12 weeks. The children receiving massage therapy showed fewer physical symptoms including reduced spasticity, less rigid muscle tone overall and in the arms, and improved fine and gross motor functioning. In addition, the massage group had improved cognition, social and dressing scores on the Developmental Profile, and they showed more positive facial expressions and less limb activity during face-to-face play interactions. Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Largie, S., Diego, M., Mora, D. & Bornstein, J. (2006). Children with Down Syndrome improved in motor function and muscle tone following massage therapy. Early Child Development and Care, 176, 395-410. •Twenty-one moderate to high functioning young children with Down syndrome receiving early intervention (physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy) were randomly assigned to also receive two 30-min massage therapy or reading sessions (control group) per week for two months. On the first and last day of the study, the children’s functioning levels were assessed using the Developmental Programming for Infants and Young Children scale, and muscle tone was assessed using a new preliminary scale (the Arms, Legs and Trunk Muscle Tone Score). Children in the massage therapy group revealed greater gains in fine and gross motor functioning and less severe limb hypotonicity when compared with the children in the reading/control group.
In reading through the History of Massage I found myself very intrigued by the “Monk bring Massage Therapy to Japan”. The Monks, whom were studying the Buddhist ways, adopted the Chinese practices of medicine and massage therapy. The Chinese form of massage therapy was known as Mashuo , later known as Amno and Tui-na. The Chinese used pressure points to energize the body by massaging these points which would also help with blood circulation in return. After the Japanese fine-tuned these practices, Shiatsu emerged and massage therapy was taken to another level. By stimulating specific areas of the body, the Japanese learned that energy levels could be raised within the body and stabilized the way the body and all of it’s organ systems. This was a profound discovery and great for preventative care, which the Western world needs to take into their lifestyles.
I also read that many blind people in Japan around 1000 B.C.E made very good massage therapists due to their sensitivity to touch. The blind were very limited in choosing a profession, especially during this time in Japan, so when massage came about they were able to make a better living and became respected as body workers. The Japanese made many forms of bodywork but Shiatsu was the most popular and used more often than most.
Both the muscular and the circulatory systems are awakened during massage and series of techniques. “Shi”, meaning finger, and “atsu”, meaning pressure, describe how this massage form works. The practice of Shiatsu essentially nourishes the energy flow of the body and is not only good for the body but also the mind. Shiatsu was medically recognized by the Japanese in 1964, but was created by Tamai Tempaku at the start of the twentieth century.
Brown, Judy. “History of Shiatsu Massage”. Oct 12, 2013. September 19, 2014. http://www.livestrong.com/article/90568-history-shiatsu-massage/
Braun, Mary Beth. "Introduction to Massage Therapy" Third Edition http://books.google.com/books?id=emaaAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=massage+therapy+in+1000B.C.E&source=bl&ots=gzzEaGwZDJ&sig=VCkfXEbAEQcEaS3BcARE6LSSxmQ&hl=en&sa=X&ei=hW8cVM-rCsSqyATn6YKwBA&ved=0CEwQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=massage%20therapy%20in%201000B.C.E&f=false
This essay planted another seed of hope to continue to pursue my interest in building a practice around teaching massage therapy to the deaf and blind.
Massage is pretty amazing in general, being that the first evidence of massage was on the walls of cavemen about 18,000 years ago! And as years progressed the practiced expanded, and more people began to understand the importance of their bodily health and wellness. The ancient Egyptians in 3,000 B.C.E showed massage in their hieroglyphics and were credited for the development of reflexology and in later years started to pair massage with aromatherapy which has an abundance of healing properties alone, but together the possibilities for the improvement of wellness are endless. In the tomb of Ptahhotep - who reigned during the fifth dynasty – is maybe one of the earliest reference to massage and reflexology in ancient Egypt depicting Ptahhotep receiving a manicure and pedicure while having his legs massaged by servants. During the sixth dynasty, hieroglyphics show a pharaoh getting a massage at the same time that servants are preparing oils. These oils were likely to be the early preparations of essential oils used during aromatherapy and massage therapy. These are just a few small examples of the wonderful aspects of massage therapy and its partners in healing and wellness. Massage is a great healing modality dating back thousands of years and progressing and adapting to the needs of the people, both client and practitioner, who use it.
In reading through the History of Massage time line it is amazing how energy /body work is documented as far back as 3000 BC. I am particularly interested in Reiki that is believed to date back to the 1800's. It is believed that a Japanese philosopher and educator, Dr, Mikao Usui was one of the great teachers. Born on the 15th of August 1865, he studied hard most of his life to fine tune his abilities. He believed in giving or sharing his reiki with many people and to not use it exclusively for his family members. With this thought in mind he moved to Tokyo in 1922 and established an institute where he serviced the public in giving treatments. Kind and gentle in his ways, it is understood that he practiced Reiki not only as a cure or treatment of disease but also to correct the mind. He understood the power of the mind/body connection in keeping the body healthy and creating a positive quality of life.
Rand, William Lee. Reiki, The Healing touch Copyright 2011
Brief History of Champissage Champissage (Champi) is the Indian practice of head massage. It has been practiced in India for more than a thousand years. Originally it was practiced by the women to help keep their long hair strong and in beautiful condition. Depending on the season either coconut, sesame, olive, almond oil, buttermilk, henna or various herbal oils were used. It was often a highly individualized practice from person to person. Eventually it was integrated into the barber’s practice when they traveled to give men their haircut and shave. While for the women it was often a very relaxing massage, the men were treated to a much more vigorous and invigorating scalp massage. It was also not to be considered a part of a man’s beauty routine. This version of Champissage was shortened to Champi, which is the Hindi word for ‘massage of the head’. This is also the same word that ‘shampoo’ was derived from. Narendra Mehta was an Indian man who moved to England in 1973 to become a physical therapist. Growing up in India he was shocked to learn that the head was not often included in the massage practice or offered as a service by any barber. As a result when he returned to India in 1978 he began to research the origins and therapeutic value of Champissage/Champi. Although he noticed a slight improvement in well being, the effects were to fleeting to be of any therapeutic benefit to the client. He decided that he would attempt to formalize Champi by using his heightened sensitivity to determine which part of his body reacted in during particular moves or sequences. After his studies he came away with two conclusions: 1. Champi could benefit by including the face, neck, upper arms and shoulders. 2. By introducing Ayurvedic qualities to the practice, the body’s entire energy system could be rebalanced. Narendra’s holistic approach to traditional Indian Champi was first officially introduced at the 1981 ‘Mind, Body and Spirit’ exhibition at Olympia, England. At this point in time it has not made much of an appearance in the US, but it has certainly begun to spread throughout the UK and other parts of Western Europe.
Hippocrates said: “hard rubbing binds… much rubbing causes parts to waste… and moderate rubbing makes them grow.” “but assuredly in rubbing… for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid.”
As the art of massage has evolved throughout 5000 + years of history, encompassing various religious and medical theories of health benefits, during the 1800s to the present time, massage developed a new personality, and has flourished into a highly lucrative and respected profession in America. However, it is noteworthy to mention, the medical communities, in both France and Britain, are highly responsible for the legitimacy of “Swedish Massage” in America. Two prominent men, Per Henrik Ling, (1776 - 1839), a theologian and scholar from Sweden, and Johann Georg Mezger, (1838 - 1909), a Dutch Physician are both accredited with creating, developing, and teaching the techniques we now classify as “Swedish Massage”. In the 1850’s, two physicians from New York, Charles and George Taylor, brought this modality of healing touch to the United States. Per Henrik Ling, known as “The Father of Physical Therapy” is the creator of the “Swedish Movement System”; sets of mechanical movements, he coined as “Medical Gymnastics”. This is the movement therapy we know as calisthenics. He personally developed, practiced , and educated his students about physiology and anatomy helping to balance the body and mind. He believed it helped the body and mind feel whole, and he, himself, experienced positive change with his own physical chronic pain and ailments. His contribution to our massage profession is paramount. In the mid 1800s, Johann Georg Mezger, known as “The Father of Swedish Massage” and creator of the “Swedish Massage System” and his followers, built on the foundation laid by Ling. Mezger began his contributions to massage by further categorizing many of these movements and developing the five strokes incorporated into the “Swedish Massage System” we practice today. Effleurage: long strokes with an open hand, Petrisagge: kneading and lifting, Friction: Deep, firm circular motion, Tapotement: Percussion movement, and Vibration: Rapidly shaking a specific muscle. These techniques are a massage student’s foundation and among the first massage techniques students are taught in virtually every massage therapy school across the country. In the 1940s and 50s, the massage interest declined during advancing medical technologies. Soon after, in the 60s and 70s, interest began to increase again, especially with athletes, and through the 80s, 90s and beyond, the industry has exploded into a wellness boom.
Massage as an art and science has ancient roots in Egypt, China, Greece, Rome, and India. Forms of massage have been used by natural healers at all times throughout human history. At many points throughout the past century in America, massage has been touted as a way to prevent and treat disease and people have enjoyed the benefits and sought out treatment. However, the modern gold standard for medical care is that it be evidence based, which means treatment that is grounded in and supported by scientific research, not just anecdote and personal experience. My interest was sparked by the way massage as a healing modality has become a topic for medical research and experimentation in the last thirty years. Tiffany Field, who founded the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami Medical School is one of the most important researchers in this area today. She and her colleagues at the TRI have studied the effects of massage and gentle touch on premature infants, autistic children, adults with Alzheimer’s disease, people suffering from fibromyalgia, aggressive adolescents, arthritis patients, post-operative cardiac patients, among many groups and have documented health benefits of massage in a vast number of cases. Less pain, less aggression, stronger hand grip, lower cortisol and perceived stress levels, and lower blood pressure are some of the positive outcomes documented by the institute. The American Massage Therapy Association was instrumental in founding the Massage Therapy Foundation, an independent organization that not only funds research but publishes a peer reviewed journal, the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and holds annual conferences to highlight and share current research. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health funds research through the federal government. Clinical trials on massage are being carried out at hospitals and universities nationwide. A search on clinicaltrials.gov shows that 374 clinical trials on massage are or have recently been carried out. These endeavors specify some of the biological bases of the effectiveness of the treatments provided by massage therapists and help to establish the practice as a legitimate therapy in the modern Western world. http://blog.legitmassage.com/2012/03/19/tiffany-field-pioneer-in-the-science-of-touch/ http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/Massage.html http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/massage-therapy/what-does-research-say-about-massage-theraphy http://www.dartmouth.edu/~biomed/resources.htmld/guides/ebm_resources.shtml Calvert, Robert N., The History of Massage. 2002. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont.
I was most interested in Ayurveda which originated in India over 5000 years ago. It is considered a form of alternative medicine. It is based on theories of health and illness and on ways of preventing and treating health conditions. An Ayurvedic practitioner can perform an assement which can determine an individual's balance of doshas. There are three doshas. Vata dosha is the combination of space and air, Kapa dosha is the elements of water and earth and finally the pitta dosha combines fire and water. An imbalanced dosha can interrupt the natural of a persons vital energy. An Ayurvedic treatment plan can include changing ones diet as well as cleansing and detoxification, herbal medicine, yoga, mediation and massage. Once your dosha's are balanced your are thought be healthy. I truly believe that your mind body and soul need to be in balance to be a healthy person. .
Shiatsu is a form of massage created in japan around 1912. The word "Shiatsu" is thought to have been used first by Tenpeki Tamai about the year 1900, however Tokujiro Namikoshi-sensei is credited with bringing Shiatsu to a more modern age. Tokujiro Namikoshi-senei developed the establishment of an anatomical and physiological theory of Shiatsu. In 1925 Tokujiro Namikoshi-senei opened the first Shiatsu clinic located in Hakkaido. In 1964 Ministry of Health of the Japanese National Government recognized Shiatsu as a uniquely Japanese therapeutic treatment. Shiatsu has become very popular and widely studied since then not only in japan but also across the world. The word “Shiatsu” is a Japanese word meaning “figure pressure”. A Shiatsu practitioner uses thumbs, fingers, and palms to press on certain points of the body called “Tsubo”. By targeting these Tsubo points the practitioner can stimulate multiple body systems including the Integumentary, Muscular, Nervous, Circulatory, Skeletal, Endocrine, and Digestive systems. Shiatsu was evolved from Anma, a style of massage brought from china by Japanese Buddhist monks studying Chinese medicine. Unlike most forms of massage Shiatsu is performed with no table. The massage is done with the client laying on the floor. Shiatsu is different than many traditional massages that only target the muscles and physical body in that with Shiatsu the practitioner is targeting certain points to promote healthy energy flow. Energy in the form of ki, chi, qui, ect… by targeting certain points the practitioner opens energy blocks and helps bring the ki of the whole body into balance.
There are several forms of Shiatsu massage they include. • “Tsubo Shiatsu” a form of Shiatsu using Tsubo points to induce healing. Not related to meridian points or acupuncture points. • “Meridian Shiatsu” A form of Shiatsu using certain points on the meridians to induce healing • “Zen (Ioh kai) Shiatsu” Another form of Shiatsu using the meridians however the practitioner uses elbows, knees, and other bony parts of the body to apply stronger pressure to the meridian points. Because of this some don’t consider this Shiatsu considering Shiatsu means figure pressure. There are many more forms of Shiatsu that have been created by people who have studied Shiatsu and have grown their own theories and practices.
I am most interested in the acient practice of Ayurveda. I think that it is so important to be mindful of our thoughts, actions, and lifestyle, as it is creating the world around us. I believe that our experiences are manifestations of thought. We are creating our relatity with each thought and they way we approach this experience called life. Ayurveda teaches that we manifest disease and injury through our own imbalancements. We create these issues, so we can also treat these issues by addressing our five senses. We are taught that we are all connected. We can prevent and treat issues by changing our relationship with the one thing to affect the harmony of the whole. Humans have the power to hurt and to heal. Through Ayurveda, we learn to create a system of wellness synergy!
The history of massage dates back thousands of years and to many different regions and cultures. I found myself being very intrigued with the Egyptian approach to holistic health and massage. Dating back to 3000-2500 BCE the presence of massage can be seen depicted in drawings and pictures on temple walls. The importance of Reflexology and Aromatherapy was a part of the daily habits of all Eygptians. Early references of Reflexology can be seen depicted on the tomb of Ptahotep. Pictures of him getting his feet and legs rubbed by his servants are detailed on the temple walls. This is considered the first record of reflexology and possibly the first Mani/Pedi! The Egyptians believed in ridding the body of stuck toxins. By applying pressure to certain meridian points in the hand and especially the foot. You could aid the body in eliminating the blockage and stimulate better circulation. The Egyptians new the importance of massage, and its many beneficial forms. Not only for relaxation, but to speed up recovery, and aide in overall wellbeing. Egyptians are also credited in being the first culture to extract flower essence to incorporate with essential oils and perfumes. They believed pleasant smells brought on good fortune and health, while foul smells were attributed to sickness and death. The use of Aromatherapy can be seen in the use of perfumes, the burning of incense and the daily use of scented oils. All sexes and classes of wealth used essential oils. Essential oils were commonly used as wages for the lower class Egyptians. Not seen as a luxury but a basic human necessity. These oils were rubbed on daily to help with skincare and to keep the body smelling as holy as possible. They also were added to massages to help with circulation and purify wounds and aide with detoxification. It does seem the Egyptian practice of Aromatherapy and Reflexology massage is coming back into vogue. We see essential oils and natural flower essence replacing chemicals in a lot of beauty products. The use of pressure points in hands and feet to combat stress and tension instead of the use pills. It seems the adage is right “All that’s old is New again”.
I really enjoyed reading the many student essays posted over the past six years for “Module 1 : History of Massage Assignment”. Such fascinating details and insight to support the rich history of massage, bodywork therapies!
I have gained so much insight and respect for this truly remarkable, multicultural, therapeutic system of healing. It is evident in this body of research, that massage therapy stands the test of time!
Reading over student research essays greatly supplemental our PowerPoint and pdf material regarding the history of massage. It is an optional exercise, but well worth the time.
Subsequently, I had difficulty deciding my topic of research. There were many areas that I had been curious about: Rolfing, Trigger Points, Greek History of Massage, Galen’s work, Egyptian History of massage and acupuncture, use of Massage during WWI to present work for soldiers suffering from PTSD, History of Massage in the United States,etc.
I decided that I’d like to write about something that hadn’t been covered. I thought that in this way I could contribute to the collective whole, of student research postings… adding a little variety.
While I read over student essays I found myself researching Galen and found a very interesting guide to massage oils, which referenced the four humors (a system developed by Hypocraties).
I also had this interest in the “Laying of the Hands” as I had been impressed by the mention of Jesus’ work in our Reki workshop with Bill Kelly.
So I decided to write two essays…. I tried to keep them brief.
In 130 A.D Claudius Galenus was born into a household of wealth, and culture of learning and medicine. Pergamum, the location of his birth, was an old city along the Aegean Coast. Today this area is to the north and west of the modern city Bergama in Turkey.
Pergamum had an Asclepium, or a temple of healing. People with health troubles could bathe in the water of the sacred spring. Later, in their dreams, Asclepius, the god of healing, would appear as a vision and explain their remedial path. Archaeologists have found evidence of gifts and dedications that patients made, such as small terracotta body parts.
Galen’s father, an architect, had a dream in which Asclepius appeared and told him to let Galen study medicine. Young Galen was brilliant and had been receiving the best tutors in all arts and sciences. After the dream his father sent him to the Asclepium to train with the elder priests.
Galen received medical training first in Smyrna. He finished his study in Alexandria. Afterwards, he worked as a physician and surgeon to the Gladiators in Pergamum where he soon developed considerable skills in anatomy and surgery.
Galen worked later in Rome, where he became Marcus Aurelius’s personal physician.
It is said that Galen was a master of medical philosophy. He was known for his contribution Greek Medicine in his theories of the three pneuma, or viatal energy, and the four faculties of the organism. He also developed and expanded upon Hippocrates humeral physiology and pathology.
In his treatise on Hygiene Galen discusses how to blend massage oils based on humeral physiology. Galen preferred olive oil as a base, as he believed it was balanced in temperament. He preferred “Sweet Oil, or Sabine Oil” from the region of Sabine Italy, since it had no traces of harsh, bitter or astringent qualities.
Here are the other oils that he explained; due to their special qualities they could be suitable for those of different temperaments and conditions:
“ Castor: A very thick, unctuous, heavy oil, slightly heating. Great at dispersing obstructions, congestion, plethora, and at drawing out pus and purulent toxins. Excessive use can aggravate heat and choler. Very penetrating. Coconut: A rich, thick, heavy, cooling oil that nourishes the Phlegmatic humor and cherishes the inherent moisture of the organism. An excellent moisturizer indicated for all dry conditions. Contraindicated for Phlegmatic. Grapeseed: A very light, subtle, penetrating oil. Great for Phlegmatic and Sanguine types, and conditions of phlegm and dampness. Not favorable for Melancholic, who need a heavier, more grounding oil. Sesame: The base oil of preference for Melancholic. Rich, heavy, soothing, warming and unctuous. Sunflower: The most cooling oil. Best for Choleric. Contraindicated for Phlegmatic, or those suffering from conditions of coldness and phlegm.” (http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html)
• Sanguine: associated with air. People of this temperament tend to be lively, sociable, carefree, talkative, and pleasure-seeking. The are warm hearted and optimistic as well as flighty and changeable. They struggle with following tasks and can be chronically late or forgetful.
• Choleric: associated with fire. These people tend to be egocentric, extroverted, excitable, impulsive, and restless, with reserves of aggression. They are task oriented and focused on efficiency. They are ambitious, strong-willed and like to be in positions of power.
• Melancholic: associated with the earth element. These people are serious, introverted, cautious and even suspicious. They can get caught up with the cruel and tragic events in the world. They are susceptible to depression and moodiness, but they are focused and conscientious. They like to do things themselves, as they are not overly sociable.
• Phlegmatic: associated with the element water. These people are introverted and private. These are thoughtful, reasonable, calm and patient people who are known to be caring and tolerant of others. These people seek quiet and peaceful settings. They have a rich inner life and are content with themselves. They are steadfast, faithful friends. People of this temperament may appear somewhat clumsy, or their speech could be slow or appear hesitant.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_temperaments)
Galen also believed in “medicating” oils for those suffering of toxicity or humeral aggravations.
Fresh fir tree (abies picea) cones were mashed and soaked olive oil in a “stopped” jar for forty days in dark warm place. Poplar tree (populus nigra) buds were mashed and their oil was extracted in a similar way.
Galen believed that the essence of fir cones and popular were good for those whose flesh was congested by excess phlegmatic fluids such as lymph and dampness. Also, this essence opened pores and promoted sweating. The essence of fir opens up the lungs, chest and respiratory passageways. It is also know to relieve rheumatism and muscular aches and paints as well as for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It also stimulates the circulation and the metabolism.
These medicated oils were made in a ration of one tablespoon of the essential oil to one cup of base oil and thickened with beeswax in a ration of five parts oil to one part wax. A terebinth, or natural turpentine could be added to oils as a muscle relaxant.
This method of prescribing certain oils based on a person’s humeral qualities reminded me of Ayurveda. According to Wikipedia, humorism was adopted by the Indian Ayurveda system of medicine and, “humoral theory was adopted by Greek, Roman and Persian physicians, and became the most commonly held view of the human body among European physicians until the advent of modern medical research in the nineteenth century.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humorism)
The laying on of hands is a religious ritual practiced in Christian churches during baptisms, conformations, healing services, blessings, and ordination. Those having the proper authority placed their hands upon the head of the person receiving the healing or ordinance.
Priesthood holders, usually male, bestowed the gift of the Holy Spirit. The idea was that they were not sending the healing, but they were the instruments through which their god sent the healing.
This is a little different from Reiki, in that the person administering the Reiki healing is sending the energy.
The Reiki practitioner can be certified, and so has the proper authority to administer healing. In Luke 9:1-2 Jesus gave his twelve disciples power to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.
William Lee Rand wrote, “Similarities between the healings of Jesus and Reiki” for Reiki.org Mr. Rand identifies one of the similarities between what Jesus practiced and modern-day Reiki is that Jesus had the ability to pass on the power to heal.
Another important correlation Rand mentions between Jesus’ healing and Reiki is that the healing Jesus did wasn’t dependent on faith. So despite the fact that the people being healed didn’t believe in his faith, Jesus was still able to heal them. Mark 6:5-6 states: "He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith." This is also true with Reiki as it does not require a faith to work on those receiving the treatment.
Jesus laid hands on people before healing them. Some of the healings were practiced without applying his hands. The healings Jesus was said to have preformed included the following conditions: paralysis, lameness, fever, catalepsy, hemorrhage, skin disease, mental disorders, spirit possession, deafness and blindness. (http://www.reiki.org/reikinews/reikin16.html)
The New Testament also mentions anointing with oil. In one case, Jesus sends twelve of his disciples on a mission, and they “anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.” (Mark 6:13) In biblical times oil was a healing agent (Luke 10:34). Later, early Christians suggested that anointing was symbolic of god’s healing power.
In the Jewish tradition, laying on of hands is also practiced in a blessing or ordination. Moses ordained Joshua through semikhah i.e. by the laying on of the hands: Num 27:15-23, Deut 34:9. Moses also ordained the 70 elders (Num 11:16-25) who later ordained their successors in this way. This hands on ordination continued.
The laying on of hands was also referred to the “royal touch” and performed by Kings of England and France. It was believed that the royal touch could cure King’s Evil or scrofula (Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis).
Jesus was said to perform miracles. In the New Testament, Luke 4:40 states: "When the Sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hand on each one, he healed them."
One Greek physician and masseur Asclepiades (124 - 40 B.C.E famously brought a seemingly dead man, in his coffin and on his way to burial, back to life with nothing more than what was described as "several minutes of manipulation". (http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html)
Today Pope Francis practices laying on of the hands.
I decided to write a brief history on Aromatherapy as I enjoy sweet, lovely fragrances and consider the use of essential oils almost like ingesting (through the skin) liquid sunshine!
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants for healing. Even though the name aroma implies inhaling or breathing in, the oils are most commonly used for massaging directly into the skin. Albeit there is benefit from their scents, as well.
Essential oil come from roots, seeds, leaves or plant blossoms and are made into concentrated extracts 1. Each extract has its own mix of active ingredients which determines what the oil is used for. Some oils are used to promote physical healing such as reducing inflammation or treatment of fungal infections. Others are used for emotional healing as they may enhance or encourage relaxation or make the room smell pleasant and refreshing 1.
Aromatic oils and resins have been used for thousands of years by several different cultures. According to Egyptian culture some oils and resins were burned to keep away evil spirits and for ritualistic practices. Some cultures, dating back to the middle ages, used aromatic herbs to keep pests away and discourage disease, but mostly they were used for their healing effects on the mind and body 2.
Embalming in ancient Egypt was one of the principal uses of aromatherapy, preserving the fabric used for mummification. Very powerful oils and resins were used for this process, thereby preserving bodies for thousands of years! 3 Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine (4 century)also believed in the healing power of plants for health. He believed a doctor should try to discover natural causes for disease by carefully observing a patient, and making a judgment or 'diagnoses' after consideration of the symptoms 3 Hippocrates also believed the way to good health is to have an aromatic bath and soothing massage everyday. I concur!
Distillation of essential oils is credited to the Persians in the 10th century, although there appears to be evidence of distillation long before by other ancient cultures 2 By the 16th century printed books were written which contributed to a new era of progress and knowledge. A German physician named Hieronymous Braunschweig wrote several books on essential oil distillation. In 1957 he referenced 25 essential oils which included, among many: nutmeg, myrrh, clove, cinnamon, lavender and rosemary. In 1910, a man name Rene -Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, discovered the healing properties of lavender oil after severely burning his hands in a laboratory explosion. He later utilized the healing powers of essential oils during the care of soldiers in military hospitals during WWI. It was Gattefosse who coined the term 'aromatherapie' with the 1937 publication of his book, by the same name "Aromatherapy". In 1993 his book was translated into English and titled Gattefosse's Aromatherapy 2
Other trailblazers of the 20th century in the field of aromatherapy and its benefits include Jean Valnet who used essential oils for wounded soldiers during wartime, and his book The Practice of Aromatherapy; Robert B. Tisserand, an English aromatherapist who introduced his (1977) book The Art of Aromatherapy, to English speaking countries; and Austrian Madam Marguerite Maury, a biochemist who actively studied, practiced and taught the use of aromatherapy primarily for cosmetic benefit.
It is interesting to note there is a growing interest in the use and benefits of more natural products, including essential oils, as people become more aware of the healthful benefits of natural health vs the scientific approach to wellness.
Couldn't fit all of my article the first try! Limited character space!
Here's the rest:
Points to Keep in Mind when working with Essential Oils:
Use only genuine 100% Essential Oils (avoid synthetic fragrance oils) Be aware of individual allergies/sensitivities Use diluted in a carrier, such as lotion, vegetable oil Photo-sensitive Essential Oils: lemon, lime, bitter orange, angelica root Skin Irritation: apply vegetable oil to wick oils from skin. Oils high in phenols, such as cinnamon, can irritate the skin. Essential Oils are highly volatile and flammable! Do not use near flame!
To find a qualified aromatherapist in your area, contact the National Association of Holistic Therapy at www.naha.org
Massage in Ancient Egypt seemed like a pivotal time in the development of massage where multiple sensory and physical elements combined. The Ancient Egyptians were also one of the earliest cultures to document their practices in writing and tomb drawings. The Tomb of Akmanthor depicted men massaging and kneading feet and hands; this tomb was also known as the tomb of the physician, which conveys that Ancient Egyptians help massage in high esteem for its healing benefits. Reflexology was purportedly developed by the Ancient Egyptians; instead of focusing on full body massages, they focused on the flow of energy within the body. By using sensitive touch, trained hands were able to feel energy imbalances in the body and apply pressure at these points, they were able to restore the natural flow of energy (KA) within the body. In Ancient Egypt, massages treated the whole person, not just the symptoms of illnesses or pain, much like Ayurvedic massages. Ancient Egyptians also incorporated healing color therapies, aromatherapy, and the use of spice for healing properties. Ancient Egyptians were one of the first cultures to document the use of essential oils and categorize their healing properties. Massage in Ancient Egypt started out being provided solely for the upper class, specifically the pharaoh. In future dynasties, soldiers are depicted receiving foot kneading after a long march during the battle of Kadesh. The development of massage therapy, energy pathways, and essential oils and colors in Ancient Egypt directly influenced the emergence of massage in Greek and Roman cultures, where massage focused more on athletes. Ancient Egyptian massage therapy provided us with a deep understanding of the universal life force energy and how to access it within the body to keep it flowing evenly. It also aided in the development of how we understand and implement essential oils and colors to provide healing and relaxation.
I decided to focus in on India sometime between 1500 and 500 BCE. I specifically will focus on the Ayurveda medical system, as I am fascinated with this healing system. My yoga teacher training took place at an Ayurveda retreat center so I was able to get pretty familiar with some of the treatments offered and how they work to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. It’s amazing to hear the transformative stories that are shared by Ayurvedic practitioners and their clients. It’s no wonder it’s still part of India’s traditional health care system.(2)
What I think I find most interesting about the Ayurvedic system is its truly holistic approach. It really is a complete healing system. It really takes a look at everything from the food you eat, your daily habits, down to the dryness of your skin. I just feel like there is no system like it. I know the answers to our problems aren’t always that simple, but the system offers different modalities to bring you back into balance. So it’s really not a 1 thing fixes all, but more of a well thought out plan for peace.
Centuries ago great rishis and seers, in ancient India, began to understand creation on a deeper level through their spiritual practice. (3) Wise sages and seers then passed down the wonderful and powerful information to their apprentices by word of mouth (1). Eventually, all the wisdom of Ayurveda was compiled into spiritual texts, recorded in Sanskrit, known as the Vedas of Knowledge. (3) The system has stood true to its core principles over centuries. Today, both easterners and westerners, can find many schools to further their studies and pass along this age old gift. There are several key concepts of this system. One of the key concepts is universal connectedness. What they mean by this, is that you are connected among people, your health and the universe (2). Another key concept is your body’s constitution which relates to your general physical and emotional qualities from point of birth (1). This is also called your prakritti. The 3rd key concept is your life force, also known as, doshas. Doshas are “three energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity.” (1) These concepts are all taken into consideration by an Ayurvedic practitioner, who then prescribes a specific plan for the individual. The plan may include yoga, massage, herbal remedies, change of diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and/or rest. (2) In general, the Ayurvedic system believes that in order to be healthy and in full balance, harmony must exist between your thoughts, feelings, and action. (3)
Overall this system of healing has benefited hundreds, thousands, millions of people dating back 5,000 years to today. It continues to help prevent and restore health concerns for easterners and westerners alike. I recommend to everyone that is willing & able to find an Ayurveda practitioner near them. You may be surprised as to what insight they can offer you. It may be just the slightest lifestyle change that could alter your everyday.
Anma, traditional Japanese massage, is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine is between 4,000 & 10,000 years old. It is preventative and is based on balancing the mind and body (heaven and earth) and living in harmony with nature. The healing arts focus on jin ki, the human ki energy. It is holistic and focuses on balancing all the systems of the body, with the understanding that health is always shifting in and out of balance. Balance can be restored using acupressure or acupuncture to the tsubo (acupoints) clearing the energy blocks along the meridian (energy channels) throughout the body.
Treatment methods have been recorded and tested for 3,000 years. The “Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine” of which only 18 volumes remain & are the oldest medical texts in the world (Han Dynasty, 221 B.C.E.-C.E. 264) and includes texts on acupuncture, herbal medicine, sexual practices and exercise.
In C.E. 562, Chinese Monk & Physician, Chi So brought 160 medical texts to Japan, thus began the Japanese medical education system for the study of acupuncture and other healing modalities.
The oldest Japanese medical texts, I Shin Bo, were published in C.E. 984 included anma, acupuncture, moxabustion and 658 tsubo (acupoints). Acupuncture's history goes back 5,000 years. Until needle insertion began 2,000 years ago, stones and other sharp objects were used to stimulate tsubo to balance the ki energy in the body. “An anma degree or a degree as a medical incantation therapist (ju gon shi) required three years of study (p. 10).”
Works Cited: Hess, Mark, & Shogo Mochizuki. Japanese Hot Stone Massage. Kotobuki Publications. 2002.
I decided to research ancient Greek and Roman massage history.
In ancient Rome, medical professions were not held in a very high regard, as medical licensing was not required until 200BC. Many wealthy Romans had slaves which played the role of masseur and medic. Many of these slaves were actually Greek physicians, who once freed became doctors.
Massage was also believed to be a vital part of exorcise and fitness. Athletes would (and still do) implemented massage as both a warm up to exercise and to cool down and relax the muscles afterwards. It was believed that a healthy balance of exorcise, diet, and massage would deliver the best physical results for training athletes.
It is also believed that the origin of the modern day spa was born in ancient Greece in bath houses, where people would soak in hot springs, then massaged with oil. It was commonly believed that the hot springs were blessed by Gods and could cure disease. This was a luxury for the wealthy within their own homes, then branched out to other members of the community at public bath houses.
For my time period of interest, I chose India’s Ayurvedic era in 1800 BC. I chose this time period as it closely relates to yoga and its idea of cleansing the mind to cleanse the body. In an abstract titled The History of Massage in the Ways of Life and Healing in India, Hentschel and Schneider explore the relationship between massage and health in the days of the first Indo-Aryan settlements. Not only was massage used regularly to promote healing, but it was also used in conjunction with other medical therapies available. Warmed oils were used for massage, as well as other materials that would work with the patient’s body in healing. The massage techniques used in Ayurvedic practice are important, as they have been passed down both orally and written throughout history as an “ancient experience” and are specifically used to treat certain illnesses. It is not a one-size-fits-all sort of massage.
On a website dedicated to “Traditional and Indigenous Healing Systems,” Ayurveda is linked to an understanding of creation through meditation and other practices. As mentioned previously, Ayurveda was first passed down orally to each student from their teacher, then into Sanskrit. Ayurveda influenced the health care practice all over the world, beginning with Chinese scholars and eventually coming around to the west. The Ayurveda principle focuses on health within the body, through a body, mind, senses, and spirit connection. To achieve this, there must be harmony with the bodily systems, in addition to within the person’s environment. All creation must interact with each other and to do this, a harmony must be attained in order to sustain life. Each being contains three energies: vata, pitta, and kapha, which relates to dynamic and nonmaterial aspect of nature, the intelligent aspect, and the physical aspect, respectively. These can all be expressed physically in the body. Imbalances can occur when the energies get shifted within the body. The three energy groups, while present in each being, have different balances that they are born or created with. This directly corresponds with people reacting the same situation dramatically differently. The DNA a being is created with is constantly in flux with the experiences life is throwing at them. Having an awareness of Ayurveda and how it relates intimately with oneself is important for harmony within.
The interesting part of India’s Ayurvedic time period, is the way in which the practitioners connected healing with more than just touch, but rather an experience involving aromatherapy, music, and additional bodywork, as well as diet and meditation. Ayurveda is still practiced today, by taking into consideration the whole person, and not just symptoms presented.
Works Cited
Hentschel HD, Schneider J. “The History of Massage in the Ways of Life and Healing in India.” Wurzbg Medizinhist Mitt. 2004;23:179-203.
I did research on modern massage in the 21st century. What I find fascinating is that massage therapy is continually evolving. Massage has long been considered part of a complementary and alternative medicine. But today Doctors, chiropractors, physical rehabilitation centers and hospitals are increasingly offering massage and bodywork therapy. We might not be Doctors or Scientists trying to cure illnesses, but we are part of a modern day class that is part of helping to heal clients & patients. It's part of the current medical solution to injuries, illnesses, and physical pain. Study has consistently shown that patients have improved through the healing touch of massage. Healthy benefits of massage; *Boosts the immune system and promotes good health *Reduces anxiety and depression by promoting relaxation and emotional well-being *Alleviates or reduces pain and stiffness *Helps with blood pressure which reduces risk for heart attack and stroke *Improves circulation which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to cells, benefiting heart, muscles and vital organs *Stimulates lymphatic system which "cleanses" cellular waste materials and can result in increased energy *Decreases inflammation by activating genes that naturally reduce swelling
The evolution of contemporary massage in the 19th and 20th centuries in Europe and the United States interests me as it so clearly demonstrates the co-dependency between massage and its socio-cultural environment. For literally thousands of years—it would seem since the beginning of human kind—massage has existed as a form of healing. However, in the 19th century in the west, there were shifts in its practice, education and how it was received. In the West, massage practices were met with skepticism and it was only through the “discoveries” of classically educated, white men that massage as a practice could advance in the West. Simultaneously, however, the commercialization (another intrinsic attribute of western civilization) of massage threatened its credibility as “massage parlors” began to crop up. In the 19th Century, Per Henrik Ling of Sweden developed Swedish Gymnastics. He was not a medical doctor, but a teacher and a writer (poetry and plays), who enjoyed fencing and had developed elbow pain as a result of it. Motivated to relieve his own pain, he studied anatomy and physiology and observed how athletes utilized their bodies. Soon after Ling, Dr. Johan Georg Mezger of Belgium identified and named some classic massage strokes and differentiated them from Ling’s gymnastics. Dr. Emil Kleen of Sweden studied the effects of certain massage strokes on the lymph system. He also, according to Introduction to Massage, 2nd Edition, “discouraged laypersons from practicing massage because of its medical implications.” (p12) In the United States, Dr. George Taylor founded the Remedial Hygienic Institute in the late 19th Century, which taught holistic health that included diet, exercise and massage. At around this same time in Britain, however, fraudulent massage schools were cropping up, recruiting and training young women in massage and turning them out into the “profession” with little or no skills. Some of these led to the “massage parlor” we think of today, which were little more than brothels. This led to the de-legitimization of the practice of massage. The Society of Trained Masseuses was formed in 1894, partly in response to this and as an effort to “legitimize” massage. What I find most fascinating about this period is the juxtaposition of these two opposing trends. On the one hand, we see the medicalization (and “westernization”) of a practice that had been around and evolving for thousands of years, yet newly discovered in the west, which elevates the legitimacy of this practice in the mind of mainstream western culture. On the other hand, the commercialization (which led to the sexualization) of this practice threatened and severely damaged its hard-won credibility. The massage therapist associations, schooling and subsequent licensing practices that ultimately resulted must therefore have two goals: that of properly training future massage therapists, while also constantly defending and demonstrating the credibility of massage therapy as a serious and beneficial practice. Similar to naturopathy, midwifery, acupuncture, etc. massage therapy is an “alternative” healing practice. As such, its practitioners must all engage in the same fight to varying degrees: to be recognized as legitimate by the medical profession, to be accepted by insurance, to make believers of the general population. In addition to this, massage therapists face all those hurdles, while also pushing back on the “massage parlor” image.
Some of the earliest known references to reflexology date back to Egypt in 2500 BC when inscriptions were found in the “physician's tomb” of Ankmahor. Some would even argue that hand and foot reflexology can be traced as far back as 4000 BC in China. However it wouldn’t be until the early 1900s through the work of Dr. William Fitzgerald that Reflexology would be rediscovered in the modern world. His belief that pressure applied to corresponding areas of an injury would not only relieve pain but in many cases relieve the underlying issue as well. This work was called Zone Analgesia or Zone Therapy as it is often referred to. With the help of Dr. Shelby Riley they further researched the theory and published work to the belief that the body was split into 10 longitudinal lines, each toe defining a zone that went up through the body. They believed that by working one zone in the foot you would be working all areas in that corresponding zone. These findings and publishings were further researched by Eunice Ingham who would go on to develop foot reflex theory in the 1930s. Her findings were based on the Zone Therapy but would go a step further to show that it wasn’t necessarily a specific zone designated by the toes but rather that the organs and glands of the body corresponded with reflex points on the feet. She discovered that reflexes on the feet are mirror images to organs, glands and parts of the body and went on to map the reflexes according to the anatomical model. Her foot map has become the basis of many of the foot maps used today in modern Reflexology.
While I think Dr Fitzgerald deserves much credit for his findings I believe had it not been for the further work of Eunice Ingham we would not be as knowledgeable about the practice of reflexology and she deserves to be recognized for that advancement of our education today.
This is very interesting! I too was doing some research on reflexology and was fascinated by the foot map, I studied ones on the hands and even the ears as well!
Little is known of the origins of aromatherapy, but there is scattered evidence throughout history that hint to the early knowledge of it. Egyptians typically used extracted oils such as cinnamon and clove, to embalm their deceased, they had created one of the first know distillation mechanism. Within Greek mythology there was said to be gods who were gifted the knowledge of scents or fragrances, among them there was also a man who practiced medicine that was said to use aromas for their healing effects. The Chinese had also hinted to the use of aroma for healing. The term ‘aromatherapy’ wasn’t used until the year 1937 when a chemist by the name of Rene-Maurice Gattefosse suffered a burn from 1910, he experimented with lavender essential oil to help his burn, which by his surprise had very beneficial healing effects. Rene then took this knowledge and shared it with soldiers to help heal their wounds during world war II. In more recent events one of the first books in english was written in 1977 about the basic fundamentals of aromatherapy, since then there has been a constant growth of personal diffusers, or aromatherapy inhalable pens, such as the MONQ pen. Each scent encourages a specific effect within our bodies. Lavender is calming, assists in wound healing, and helps to reduce pain, along with many other benefits. Tea Tree essential oil is well known for its antimicrobial properties and its anti inflammatory benefits. Cinnamon aids in blood circulation, brain functionality, and is an antioxidant. You can typically customize your oils by combining different scents to create specific beneficial effects. The combinations are endless and the effects are fantastic!
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Indian Hair Massage fascinates me, because of its origin in the Himalayas, but also because it continues to this day as a bonding experience Western families rarely experience. The word shampoo is derived from "Champi", the Indian word for hair massage!
ReplyDeleteThough it's difficult to pinpoint a date,Champi dates back thousands of years, with mothers traditionally stroking their daughters heads to promote growth and health. Evidence suggests that around 1800 bc, holy men used it in Ayurvedic medicine practice to treat mind, body and spirit,by massaging the head and stimulating pressure points in the scalp.
Today, head massage is part of typical Indian life. Babies' heads are massaged from birth. Older children are encouraged to join in family massage treatments to demonstrate love and respect. Barbers offer head massage to men as a service on street corners,shops,even on the beach.
Western practice has expanded head massage to include the neck, upper back, shoulders and arms. Head massage is more readily found in england, but is growing in popularity in the United States.
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DeleteMara! This is really fascinating! I had no idea that this originated in India. My hair dresser integrates a little massage into her practice.
DeleteThank you for posting this! So interesting.
I chose the Ayurveda medicine dating back to 1800BC. This intrested me because it is considered to be the oldest form of health care in the world. It is often referred to as the "Mother of all healing", because of it's influence in Chinese, Unani & Hippocrates in Greece.
ReplyDeleteAyurveda, which translated means "The science or knowledge of life". It is the traditional holistic medical system of India. It places great emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of massage with aromatic oils & spices. They believe that mind, body & spirit are intimately connected. When they are seperated it creates a physical inbalance in the body, which is the first step in the disease process.
The knowledge of Ayurveda is believed to be of divine orgin and was commincated to the saints of India who received it's wisdom through deep meditation. It's knowledge was passed down orally through generation and is considered the sacred text of India.
Today Ayurveda remains a secondary system of health care in India. It is a growing trend with Westren & Ayurveda physicians often working side by side. By sharing their knowledge they have inspired the popular movement toward body, mind and spirit medicine.
Oops - should read "head massage", not "hair massage" , though that might be interesting! :)
ReplyDeleteMassage originating in India from approximately 3000 B.C.E.
ReplyDeleteMassage is thought to be the oldest form of medical care that has been practiced since the beginning of civilization. Physical touch with the intention to comfort or sooth physical or emotional pain is common among civilizations which have developed their own methods of massage therapy.
India has some of the earliest written records of massage. These records from a medicinal or therapeutic nature are included in the Hindu writings called the Ayurveda which the techniques are still in practice today. Ayurvedic principals and practices were widely accepted in Southeast Asia and India. The main view was that sickness and disease occurred when the individual started to live outside harmony and against the environment. The treatment of the conditions was to rejuvenate the person’s natural mental and physical balance. This was accomplished by creating harmony between themselves and their surroundings. This was a journey that involved natural healing.
The patient was examined and the imbalance of health determined. The treatments were prescribed with consideration of the Time of Year and incorporating the 5 senses. The treatments would include the following:
Massage Therapy
Dietary changes
Herbalism
Aromatherapy
Color Therapy
Sound Therapy
Examples of Indian Massage are:
Indian Head Massage (Champissage) – Originally used by Indian women to keep
their scalp healthy and ensure thick hair. Patients suffering from eye strain, headaches, insomnia and lack of concentration will benefit from the physical benefits of this massage technique which include improved blood flow, muscle relaxation and reduced stress levels.
Chavutti Massage (Massage by Foot Pressure) – This type of massage was created
to enhance suppleness and flexibility. During a massage the practitioner
uses their feet to execute a certain stroke.
Ayurvedic Massage (Pancha Karma) – This is a detoxification, rejuvenation form
of massage. It utilizes strong massage strokes with warm oil and herbs in
an effort to eliminate toxins
References:
http://www.unexplainable.net/artman/publish/article_12003.shtml
I have chosen the Ayurvedic Massage history time period and researched various websites as well as a few books I had. I recorded information on Ayurvedic medicine, the culture of the time and a little about my experience with Ayurvedic theory. At first all's I could find was information on the medicine and not on the time period. Finally I found some period information which proved to be interesting but did not mention massage. I do believe it existed at the time period, it was just not in the information I used.
ReplyDeleteAyurvedic medicine comes from India, it is the Sanskrit word for “Science of life”. It is a holistic lifestyle that is inclusive of all aspects of life: physical, mental, spiritual, and it's believed a balance of the three will prevent illnesses, help with acute issues and contribute to a longer and healthier life. Some of the therapies of this lifestyle would include, massage, meditation and cleansing therapies. It takes into account a person's exercise, nutritional need, hygiene, social aspects, etc. It was recorded over 5000 years ago, in Sanskrit, in the four sacred Veda texts. They cover a wide variety of topics including, health, astrology, spirituality, government, art, and behavior. Some of the ayurvedic medicines purchased from India have poisoned people, arsenic, mercury, lead were the metals of blame. www.takingcharge.sch.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/ayurvedic-medicine.
Ayurvedic medicine believes that individuals get sick and diseased when they live out of harmony with their environment. Individuals must restore their natural mental and physical balance by reestablishing harmony between themselves and the world around them. At that point, they can begin to heal naturally. Then based on imbalances, time of year, etc. Ayurveda uses the five senses to interact with the environment in order to create balance. Treatments include diet, herbalism, aromatherapy, color therapy, sound therapy and touch therapy. Www.naturalhealers.com/qa/massage-therapy-history/shtml
In 1922, archeologists found evidence dating back to 3000 -2,500 BCE. Known as Indus Valley it included Harappa and Mohenja-Daro, two cities (of many) with 35,000 people in each. The homes were rectangular in shape, streets were straight, and they were all built next to each other for protection and formed a huge city. Each house had a court yard, the windows faced the courtyard, and there were no windows on the walls that faced the streets. The bathrooms had piping to an underground sewer, which drained into nearby rivers. Each house had it's own water well. Clothing was colorful and the women wore jewelry of gold and gem stones. Also found was a large pool surrounded by smaller pools, either used for ceremonies or community bathing. They seemed to be great farmers who put all their goods in a town container from which all could get what they needed. Seems they were also good metal craftsman as many metal items were found as well. Noted is that the metal items were made of metals that were not from that region, so either the items were imported, or the metal was imported and made by them. The valley flooded many times, so there are levels of cities on top of cities. The best built city is on the bottom, in the most ancient time. http://india.mrdonn.org/indus.html
This is just a test to make sure that my posts are being published. Please disregard.
ReplyDeleteThe origins of massage in ancient Egypt are clear, yet surprisingly little is known about the type of massage that was practiced all those centuries. References to aromatherapy, and herbal medicine are many, and the medical papyri are full of information on the healing traditions. Theirs was a culture that richly practiced holistic healing and preventative medicine. In tying together pieces of history we can create a clearer picture of how massage may have been used in Egypt. Egyptians saw illness as the work of the gods, and cleansing the body was the way to rid it of the gods poisons or evil spirits. Treatment and prevention often included the injection of medicines into the body’s orifices, prayer, the wearing of amulets, and incantation.
ReplyDeleteIn seeking some details about the style of massage used one piece of information pops up repeatedly, and that is the likening of the body to the pyramids. One passage by a modern day Egyptian massage therapist relates, “The body is divided into pyramids. The head, shoulders and waist form one pyramid. Another pyramid extends from he waist down to the feet. The energy is collected from these two parts of the pyramids and accumulates at the middle.” Other practitioners define the pyramids in other ways. This aspect of their healing system deserves it’s own volume of work on the symbolism of the triangle and the pyramid. Another way the Egyptians divided the body was into seven metals: gold, silver, iron, mercury, copper, tin and sulpher, each person having one metal that is prevalent in their body. The body was warm, cold, moist or dry and categorized as fire, water, wind, or dust. Using these three characteristics as a guide the healer infers much information about the body’s nature before the massage begins.
The health of the body being so tied into the health of the soul and the purpose of a healthy soul being to lead you to the afterlife is a keystone to how Egyptians treated the ill, and who did that job. There is evidence of massage in healthcare as early as 4000BCE and that mortal goddess queen Isis included massage as treatment for health and healing. One writer sites, there is “no evidence from other ancient river valley cultures of any female healers, so it is probable that she was the first. She trained her priestesses to perform the duties of a physician, massage being one of them.”
Incantation is another reference in the massage work of ancient Egypt that brings that sanctity of healing to the forefront. The therapist murmurs ancient words corresponding to the part of the body being focused on. The theory is that the brain reacts to the quiet tones and information by allowing cells to become capable of renewing themselves.
The ancient Egyptian culture was aware of health and wellbeing and intricately wove this with spiritual wellbeing and tradition. How inspiring these healers were and how whole the approach to the work and body were. They are a reminder to today’s massage therapists to bring wisdom that addresses the person as a whole, to remember that the spirit, the mind and the body are all present on the table and the flow between the three are ever present and affecting one allows healing on all levels to occur.
Andrea, I learned so much from reading your essay! What a fascinating culture! I was especially intrigued by your mention of the body being divided into pyramids and seven metals. It makes me think of Ayurveda. The egyptians had such a knowledge base in so many things.
DeleteWow--you guys are doing a great job! Excellent posts! Very interesting and informative!
ReplyDeleteBe sure to give citations when appropriate!
Thanks for your hard work!
Here are my citations:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/timelines/topics/medicine.htm
http://worldmassageforum.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=412&Itemid=62
Introduction to Massage Therapy
By Mary Beth Braun, Stephanie J. Simonson
http://www.sensualstroke.com/this-is-the-history-of-massage-therapy.html
http://www.kethera.hu/english/index.php?page=egyptianmassage1
The head massage information is so interesting Mara. In my experience I have found that American heads are so rarely touched that when head massage does happen it is deeply healing. Often people feel vulnerable at the thought of having 'command central' in someone else's hands, but if there is a safe environment brought to the table then it can be a very sweet and deeply needed healing that takes place when one lays down their brain power for some relaxation time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder to pay some extra attention to the heads that come across the table, and the chair.
Introduction of Massage in The United States
ReplyDeleteIn 1865 Pehr Henrik Ling’s Swedish massage techniques were introduced into the U.S. by the Taylor brothers. Ling, a physiologist and gymnastics instructor developed his system by combining massage with physiology. The Taylor brothers studied these techniques in Europe and then transferred them to the United States. Johann Mezger has been considered to have played a big role in expanding the use of massage in the U.S. by making it a key component in physical rehabilitation. He is also credited with being the first to categorize soft-tissue manipulation into the categories of effleurage, petrissage, friction, and tapotement.
During World War I massage techniques were used on soldiers in the hospital. Men who came in displaying signs of shell-shock were categorized into two groups: those whose breakdown was “paralysis of the nerves” and those whose problems came from a psychological origin. If it was determined that the problem was physical, or nerve related, then the men would be treated with massage, rest, strict diets, and electric shock to get the nerves flowing correctly again, ending the “paralysis”. If the problem seemed to be psychological, then the men would undergo talk therapy, hypnosis, and rest to speed recovery. The fact that soldiers were analyzed and treated differently based on their symptoms, instead of being treated the same as every other soldier with shell-shock, improved the discouraging one out of five recovery rate that had been seen before.
Popularity of massage in the United States declined in the 1950s due to the fact that massage parlors were often “used as a cover for prostitution”. New forms of medical treatment were also rising in popularity, pushing massage to the side as a useful treatment. In the 1960s, though, massage began to be reconsidered for its therapeutic value and it has been growing in popularity ever since.
Works Cited:
http://www.studymassage.com/massage-information.html
http://www.creatknewlife.com/theevolutionofclassicalmassageswedishmassage.php
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwone/shellshock_01.shtml
I chose to write my short essay on the time period of 776 BC when the Greeks of ancient times participated in Olympic sports. This time period and topic intrigued me, not only because sports massage is a main interest of mine, but also because I have visited Greece and have seen and been in the stadiums that these ancient sports have been played in. The sheer size of them are intimidating.
ReplyDeleteThese stadiums held competitions that required the athletes to be in the best physical condition as possible. If the athletes didn’t meet these physical requirements, then they weren’t allowed to compete. Such competitions included running, wrestling, boxing, chariot racing, racing in armor, and the toughest and most dangerous event was pankration which “involved throwing one’s opponent.” The ancient Greeks were very competitive, so you can imagine how they would have had to physically strive to be successful at those events.
A lot of preparations took place before each competition and massage was among one of them. Massage was very common in ancient Greece and was used in the medical field by Aesculapius and Hippocrates as well as many others.
Aesculapius was known to have “treated patients with relaxation, diet, hydrotherapy, herbs,” and massage. Serpents were also used as “tools in curing patients” which is where our medical symbol (Staff of Aesculapius) originated from.
Hippocrates was the “founding father of medicine.” He treated sprains and dislocations with friction, and treated constipation with kneading. He believed that “all disease results from natural causes and should be treated using natural methods.” He believed that this would restore the body back to its original healthy state, and it would encourage the body to heal itself.
In sports massage, we focus on the athlete’s individual needs as they did in ancient times. There are many techniques that are frequently used today with sports massage. Such techniques include: deep Swedish massage, compression massage, cross-fiber massage, trigger point massage, and lymphatic massage. When used with sports massage, these techniques produce many benefits such as reduced chance of injury, improved ROM and muscle flexibility, and improved power and performance. During the competitions and events, these techniques are generally used before, during time-outs, and after much like the sporting events in ancient Greece.
Massage has been introduced in the field of sports medicine and has also been integrated into athletic training programs. It has had its ups and downs throughout the years as it has evolved but it is now growing in popularity in today’s world.
Works cited:
1. http://www.brainmac.co.uk/massage.htm
2.http://www.greecetaxi.gr/index/OlympiaHistory.html
3.http://www.holisticonline.com/.../mas_sports.htm
4.http://www.wischik.com/lu/massage/ljwhistory.html
The correlation between ancient use of massage in athletics and modern use of massage in sports medicine is a fascinating topic. I enjoyed reading your essay.
DeleteThe modern and popularized western massage practices that we see in American culture today mirror our culture’s eclectic approach to spirituality and health care. This approach can be both beneficial and a disadvantage. Eclecticism can be beneficial in that having the ability to look at a problem from a variety of perspectives is useful. However, the eclectic approach suffers a number of weaknesses if care is not taken including a tendency to explore breadth to the exclusion of depth, to be subject to the changing winds of fashion, and to eschew scientific data in favor of current trends. It is clear, then, that if one desires to embrace an eclectic massage practice, one must take care to avoid the pitfalls.
ReplyDeleteOne look at the displays in any “New Age” store and we can see that religious eclecticism is alive and well in America. Typically one can find items taken out of the context of their original culture and placed on a shelf for the lost and searching shopper, quietly promising happiness and peace for a few dollars. Purchased, the items are placed in a bag for the purchaser who likely does not know the origin of the piece, the original use of the item or the depth of the symbolism the piece offers to the traditionalists who first envisioned the object. This isn’t solely the fault of the purchaser or even the vendor – it is rooted in the existential crisis in which western culture is enmeshed yet unable to articulate to a meaningful degree. I am reminded of the tool chest that I inherited from my father, a gifted handyman. One could argue that I have many tools to choose from but I understand how to use most of them only vaguely, some I don’t recognize at all and others that I’m sure I use inappropriately and unskillfully. I believe this is exactly the situation western culture finds itself, and massage specifically, today.
A quick browse across several massage practice websites and one can find a plethora of techniques that span numerous religious, philosophic, medical and cultural practices. An anthropologist would have difficulty understanding most of these practices with any depth, but we have someone who claims to understand them well enough to apply them to someone’s body in an effective manner? What we end up with is a hodgepodge of techniques poorly understood, poorly applied and the end result is cheapened for all, let alone the culture from which the technique originated. One does not visit a Japanese restaurant to order the pasta and likewise, one does not expect excellent miso at the local donut shop. We don’t expect that of dining establishments, why do we expect that of our massage therapy practitioners?
This is not to say that today’s therapists shouldn’t avail themselves of various techniques and traditions that interest them. The benefit of today’s globalism is that we can explore the offerings of other cultures and perspectives and bring to the marketplace to benefit our clients. But, in fairness, we have a responsibility, I think, to embrace the techniques fully, to understand them within their culture context for ourselves and for our clients but perhaps most importantly out of respect for the cultures that have produced them. We can do better than throw around terms like Ayurveda, Chi, and Reiki as if they were ten dollar mass produced statues in a store window. They are the products of hundreds, if not thousands of years and the fruit of the lives of countless men and women. They, at least, deserve better.
History of Thai Massage
ReplyDeleteWas founded over 2500 years ago by Shivago Komarpaj a Buddha’s physician from Northern India. He was the father of medicine at that time and treated many Buddhist monks, including the Buddha. He became the central figure to the Buddhist medical systems held in high regard within the scriptures. Buddha also influenced Thai massage with balance, which he tried to attain through year of discovery and meditation. Buddhism eventually traveled to Thailand and so did their teachings.
When Buddhism traveled to Thailand the temples were built and dispensaries and medical schools. Massage and other healing arts were taught. Massage was verbally passed down by families for generations. The techniques were eventually preserved in pictures, which were saved by the Wat Po University in Bangkok. Through out Thailand there are variations of the technique depending on the region.
“Nuat boran” is the Thai name for body work (nuat= pressure, boran= ancient) 1
The theory is that the body is permeated with “lom” or “air” which is inhaled into the lungs and travels throughout the body along 72,000 pathways called “sen,” or vessels” similar to “meridians” and “energy”. 1 The difference is Sen lines are not connected to the internal organs. 1
The therapist works with the sen lines by pressing certain points along the lines. The sen lines originate at the navel and spread throughout the body to terminate at the orifices. 1 To stimulate the sen and to move the lom through the body stretching and breathing exercises are incorporated with pressure points. 1
May 1962, Moh ponl tomyanim, the first manager of The Wat Po Medical and Massage School opened the massage course. Standards were then recommended in 1991, by Mr. Kumthorn Tangtrongchitr who had also been a former chairman of Wat Po’s medical and Massage Association. Through many seminars basic massage lines were based on important points of the Ten Major Massage Lines. 2
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_massage
2. Thai healing Therapy 2007
3. Thai Traditional Massage Manual, Predee Tangtrongchitr B. Sc., M.Sc., on
This is an informative essay on the practice of massage in Buddhism. I did not know a lot about this topic. Thank you for your essay. I enjoyed reading.
DeleteMassage Therapy in India
ReplyDeleteI found massage therapy in India to be interesting, primarily because of the studies of Ayurveda healing. This is an area I have briefly read about, and have been seeking more information on this area. By choosing this piece of history I also learned a little more about Ayurveda and about the specific massages.
The India culture began practicing massage around 3000 BCE. With their traditional holistic medical system called Ayurveda, India incorporated massage into a treatment and a belief system. Many past research and meditations provide the history of this belief, it was the work of ancient believers and natural scientists that helped develop the foundation of the Ayurveda.
So, what is Ayurveda? The word "Ayurveda" comes from Sanskrit (an ancient Indian language), and it means "Knowledge of Life". Ayurveda provides us with methods and ways to prevent, cure, or treat us on a path towards health (in all areas of well-being). This is more than simply medical care, Ayurveda offers a philosophy where one can prevent suffering and live a long, and healthy life.
Ayurveda acknowledges that daily habits and benefits are different for each person, because each person has a unique combination of the three biological principles, which are called "doshas". There is Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and everybody has all three energies. In Ayurveda, once you understand your own body type (or dosha), you can then plan a diet or exercise plan for yourself which will make you feel totally balanced and harmonized. One of the views on illness and disease was that such instances occurred when someone started to live outside of their spiritual harmony, health, and against the environment. In order to treat their conditions, it became important for the patient to restore their natural, mental and physical balance. After analyzing the imbalance of health in a patient (and take environmental factors in to account), treatments would then include massage therapy (and would also combine dietary changes, herbalism, aromatherapy, color therapy, and sound therapy).
The Indian Head Massage is a type of massage that follows the ancient Ayurveda healing system. Ayurveda Head Massage has been practiced in India for more than a 1,000 years. Indian women would use this form of massage to ensure they would have thick hair, and it would keep their scalps healthy. Providing circulatory movements to the scalp it can provide nourishment for the hair and roots. In the beginning, this style focused only on the head, but now, the massage includes the shoulders, neck, upper arm area, face and ears. The benefits of this type of massage are muscle relaxation, improved blood flow and lowered stress levels.
Another massage style is "Chavutti Thirumal" (pressure from feet), it is another form of Ayurvedic medicine, and this type of Indian massage has a history that goes back to ancient times. This massage was created to enhance flexibility, it is a full body massage that uses oils, and the practitioner uses their bare feet to do specific strokes. The strokes may consist of long or short movements.
Then there is the Ayurvedic Massage, here through massage a traditional detoxification and rejuvenation program of India was known, called ''Pancha Karma''. During this process or type of massage, the whole body is deeply and strongly massaged with heavy amounts of herbs and warm oil, in an effort to eliminate toxins from the body.
I am especially interested in learning more about the Ayurvedic massage, and more on the detoxification process that occurs through this type of massage.
~Gretchen
resources:
www.unexplainable.net/artman/publish/article_12003.shtml
www.naturalhealers.com/qa/massage-therapy-history.shtml
www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda/ayv-basis.htm
**I am not sure how to comment on the above history papers.... So I am just going to type a few comments here. (Please let me know if its easy to comment and I am just missing it, ha).
ReplyDeleteTrista- After reading yours it made me think, have you ever taken a Greek art history course, or seen any of the artwork from ancient Greek times (I bet you would find them to be really interesting). The depicted a lot of the events you mentioned. I took a course at Castleton, I think it was Survey of Western Art 1, and it touched upon many areas of ancient art history. Just a thought. Great Paper!
Andrea Larson- I enjoyed reading about the Buddha's physician, and the history of Thai Massage.
Ayurveda...
ReplyDeleteAyurveda is a form of medicine originating in the Vedic Period of India around 1500 B.C. It remains a highly influential and form of complementary and alternative medicine to this day in South Asia and much of the western world. It includes a focus on the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and ether – which are believed to compose the Universe and the human body. Exercise, yoga, meditation, massage, and the use of natural herbal remedies are also major focuses of Ayurveda. It is all about the mind, body, and spirit being kept active and healthy, and working in unison with each other. Doshas also must be in balance.
The Vedic Period...
The Vedic Period spanned across nearly a millennium of Indian culture. From 1500 B.C. to 600 B.C. new dynasties with new religions emerged, creating vast developments in every aspect of life in India at the time. Spirituality and philosophy changed drastically during the time, with the Vedic name being based on the four new sacred scriptures (called Vedas) created during that time. They are Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. Interestingly not only are these scriptures one of the only peeks into the lifestyle during the Vedic Era, but are also the foundation of the Hindu religion. Atharva Veda focused on the way to healthy mind body and spirit, and on medical practices. From this scripture, Ayurveda was born, giving it what many believe to be a Divine origin.
The culture of the Vedic Age is broken down into to main portions: the Early Vedic Period and the Later Vedic Period. It began a somewhat crude and unrefined era, but as time went on and the new scriptures spread, change began to take place. Using new spiritual guidance as well as the contribution of more and more people’s belief and new ideas, the Vedic Period began to blossom into a time of reform and betterment of society that had major influence on what India has become today. Ayurveda in that same way continues to influence modern healthy lifestyles we see and live today.
Sources:
http://www.iloveindia.com/history/ancient-india/vedic-age/index.html
http://www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda/ayv_home.htm
http://www.vedicculturalcentre.com/vedicPeriod.htm
In the early 1900s, advocates of natural healing were using non-conventional therapies which included massage and the Swedish movements. The practitioners treated different ailments with natural remedies. They generally rejected allopathic methods of drugs and surgery. They believed in the bodies innate healing powers, which could be assisted by rest, sunshine, hydrotherapy, exercise, massage, proper nutrition, laughter, and herbal remedies.(Tappan’s Handbook of healing Massage Techniques, 29)
ReplyDeleteOne of the most famous of these practitioners was John Harvey Kellogg(1852-1943). He ran the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Battle Creek, Michigan. He invented flaked wheat and corn cereal and the breakfast cereal industry. He also wrote books. One of which was “The Art of Massage”, published in 1895.
“The heyday of Swedish massage was from about 1920 – 1950. During this time, the genre called Swedish massage came to include massage, Swedish movements, various forms of hydrotherapy, heat lamps, diathermy, and colonic irrigation.”(Tappan’s Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques, 29)
Private vocational schools such as the College of Swedish Massage in Chicago were training practitioners. “Women and men were separated, and there was very little crossgender legitimate massage outside of medical facilities. Graduates of colleges of Swedish massage could find jobs at the YMCA, private health clubs, resorts, hospitals and with professional sports teams. Many practitioners work with alternative medical practitioners, especially chiropractors and naturopaths.”(Tappan’s Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques)
Works Cited
Benjamin, Patricia J. and Francis M. Tappan. Tappan’s Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques. New Jersey: Upper Saddle River, 2005.
Rolfing® is one of the relatively new bodywork techniques that publically emerged in the 1960’s, after a decline in the overall practice of massage therapy in western culture. There is some debate about whether Rolfing falls under the category of massage (Rolfers will say no), but it unequivocally falls in the bodywork spectrum.
ReplyDeleteIda P. Rolf, founder of the Rolfing technique, began her practice in the 1930’s. Coincidentally, this is about the same time that Wilhelm Reich began his work in Bioenergetic Massage. Reich, a student of Freud’s, tried to cure neurosis by releasing muscle tensions by using movement and massage. Interestingly, Freud himself prescribed massage to treat hysteria.
Ida, however, was a pure scientist with a doctorate in biochemistry. She also studied mathematics and atomic physics in Switzerland. Simultaneously, she studied homeopathic medicine to search for answers to her family’s health problems.
Ida’s fundamental quest was to identify “what conditions must be fulfilled in order for the human body structure to be organized and integrated in gravity so that the whole person can function in the most optimal and economical way’. In other words, to attain balanced structure in every aspect – energetically, physically and emotionally. Her quest through the 1940’s in her Manhattan apartment lead to her developing what she called Structural Integration. Ida was not so much concerned with ameliorating symptoms, but with human potential, from a scientific perspective.
“This is the Gospel of Rolfing: when the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through. Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself.
- Ida P. Rolf
Ida founded the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in 1971. Traditional Rolfing is given in a series of 10 treatments. The first three sessions focus on the surface layer of connective tissue. The next four sessions concentrate on the core layers. And, the last three sessions integrate the surface and the core. Ultimately, a person potentially can grow half-an-inch to a whole inch in height(!), and transform energetically, physically and emotionally.
In the name of research, I recently began the Rolfing Series 10. I have a session every other week, and I just completed session #3 this week. Let me tell you, Rolfing has brought deep tissue work to a whole new level for me. During the first session, I learned that I have not, ever to my knowledge, been breathing to my full capacity. I learned how to fill my lungs, which is HUGELY impactful. I can’t say that I feel taller or look any different…yet. But my hopes are high.
Citations:
www.rolf.org
www.rolfguild.org
www.wikepidia.org/wiki/structuralintegration
Tappan's Handbook of Massage Techniques, Patricia Benjamin and Frances Tappan, 2005
Hi all...
ReplyDeleteSo I'm a slacker and haven't done my report yet.
But I'm so excited and have to share with you all that I got a brand new table and have officially started massaging!!! (for practice of course)I LOVE IT and apparently so do my friends :)
I swear Ill do my report soon
Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!
Trigger Points
ReplyDelete"Trigger Points" ... A term coined by Dr. Janet Travell in 1942, refers to palpable nodules (small contraction knots in muscle bands). Although the medical community has not completely accepted this practice because they have no way of consistently diagnosing them or proving a specific pattern of how and why they "refer" pain. In Biopsy tests it has been concluded that "Trigger Points" were "hyperirritable" and electrical activity is high in the spindles of the muscle. Trigger points cannot be found by neurological examination.
Diagnosis in our field seems rather simple by examining symptoms, signs and pain patterns. We are able to feel them with perpendicular finger movements to the muscle's direction. To us they appear as tumors or knots and bands or cables in the muscle. When compressed or stimulated they can result in local tenderness as well as "twitch responses" or muscle spasms. Clusters of trigger points can often be found in the larger muscles.
Activation of triggers can be caused by many factors such as: acute/chronic muscle overload, referred activation, psychological distress, disease, direct or widespread trauma which can cause Instant trigger points. Infections and even smoking can cause them as well.
Trigger points NOT caused by trauma, inflammation, degeneration or infection are often described as "hyperirritable spots of skeletal muscles." Skeletal Muscles being muscles attached to bones by "tendons" (Collogen fibers). Skeletal muscles show a distinctive banding pattern.As well as the principle proteins "Myosin and Actin" (which cause contraction). These trigger points most often cause a reffered pain to other parts of the muscle.
Trigger Points have a number of specific qualities and classifications. Active triggers which actively refer pain along nerve pathways. Latent Triggers exist in the muscle but do not currently refer any pain. They can and often do influence muscle coordination and balance. Latent triggers can become Active when the muscle which contains them becomes strained or endure great pressure.
Key triggers are points that refer pain along nerve pathways activating or creating latent triggers along the pathways. These activated triggers are called Satellite triggers. By treating the Key trigger you are able to reverse active to latent satellites or even treat it all together. Separate from Key triggers, Primary trigger points
most often biomechanically activate Secondary trigger points to show up in other muscles. Treating the Primary will NOT treat the Secondary.
Bonnie Pruden, who has spent her life dancing and rock climbing has written 19 books on physical fitness and later developed, along with Hans Kraus a form of treatment for trigger points called "Myotherapy" which is based on the research of Dr. Janet Travell. Myotherapy includes many treatment "modalities" including: massage, cupping, streching, excerise regimens, dry needling and joint mobilization.
I have found in my reasearch that there are at least 650 trigger point locations in the human body and that it is possible to map them out correctly to be used as a guide for all humans. I am planning to do more research on this and hope to use it often in my own pursuits. I for one believe that this Trigger Point and Myotherapy approach to massage is very sucessful and I plan to obtain as much knowledge and practice in these areas as I can to improve/perfect on my techniques.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myotherapy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnie_Prudden
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigger_point
im having difficulties posting my essay I just typed out the whole thing and lost it
ReplyDeleteI have always been fascinated by acupuncture and this is what I have learned. Traditional acupuncture was developed prior to the understanding of human anatomy and cell theory upon which modern biology is based. Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of needles in the body. Its proponents variously claim that it relieves pain, treats infertility, treats disease, prevents disease, promotes general health, or can be used for therapeutic purposes. Acupuncture typically incorporates traditional Chinese medicine as an integral part of its practice and theory. However, many practitioners consider 'Traditional Chinese Medicine' (TCM) to narrowly refer to modern mainland Chinese practice. Acupuncture in Japan and Korea, and to a certain extent Taiwan, diverged from mainland China in theory and practice. In European countries such as the UK almost half the practitioners follow these non-TCM practices. The most notable difference is that these other approaches often are primarily acupuncture, and do not incorporate Chinese herbal medicine. The term “acupuncture” is sometimes used to refer to insertion of needles at points other than traditional ones, or to applying an electric current to needles in acupuncture points. Acupuncture dates back to prehistoric times, with written records from the second century BCE. Different variations of acupuncture are practiced and taught throughout the world.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to include my reference in my essay so here it is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/acupuncture
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ReplyDeleteI chose to read more about Ayurveda our oldest healing science. Ayurveda simply means the "Science of Life", One living in harmony with nature. Ayurveda offers a body of knowledge that helps people stay vital, while realizing their full potential. The goal of Ayurveda is to identify a persons ideal state of balance and to offer interventions in the form of diet, herbs, aromatherapy, massage treatments, music and meditation to reestablish balance. It was interesting to take the Dosha Quiz. Based on my answers I am a Kapha-Pitta. In order for me to achieve my perfect state of balance and harmony, Ayurveda suggests to me to"Learn how to express myself in mind and body to make lifestyle choices that optimize my vitality and well-being." Wow, I'll try. Anyways, its been an interesting ride so far. Thea
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Britannica Encyclopedia, “In 1866 the [Seventh Day] Adventists founded the Western Health Reform Institute (renamed Battle Creek Sanitarium, 1878, and Battle Creek Health Center, 1959). Under the direction (1876–1943) of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the sanitarium experimented with health foods, leading to the manufacture of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, which became the city’s main industry.”
ReplyDelete1852-1943 - John Harvey Kellogg, was born in Tyrone, Michigan and died in Battle Creek Michigan. He was the director of Battle Creek Sanitarium. In 1931 Kellogg established the Miami-Battle Creek Sanitarium at Miami Springs, Florida.
1860-1951 W. K. Kellogg, John Harvey’s brother, was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and died in Battle Creek Michigan. W.K. was an American industrialist and philanthropist who founded the W.K. Kellogg Company in 1906.
1854 –1914 C.W.Post was a patient at the Battle Creek Sanitarium. He started the Post Breakfast Cereal Company
In 1866 the Adventist's Health Reformer newsletter was in circulation. In 1872 J. H. Kellogg became editor. In 1876 he renamed the newsletter Good Health Magazine.
John Harvey Kellogg accomplished more in one day than most people accomplish in a year. He has many merits to his legacy. He held over 30 patents on wellness products. He took a holistic approach to his clients and served over 7,000 clients at the SANS. He was able to turn an Advent clinic into a spa experience with pools, baths, massage, diet, and exercise, for the rich and famous.
His thoughts and treatment must have been on the right tract. He lived past his 91st birthday. Considering his time during the great depression, this is amazing on its own. I agree that he should be called the father of natural health. “Many of the things advocated by Kellogg would later be shown by scientific research to be on a path to good health and longevity.” (Natural Health Perspective).
John Harvey Kellogg. (2011). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/314401/John-Harvey-Kellogg
http://naturalhealthperspective.com/tutorials/john-kellogg.html
100-44 BC, By: Crystal Layton
ReplyDeleteThe time frame that I chose to write about is 100-44BC, when Julius Caesar used Massage therapy to relieve his neuralgia and epileptic seizures. I chose this period because my niece was born with Dravet syndrome, a type of epilepsy that 30-80% of the time is caused by defects in a gene required for the proper function of brain cells. She had genetic testing done, and it was confirmed in her case, that she had the defect in the gene. Medication doesn’t control her seizers, and I am interested in finding alternative ways to help her.
In those times, there were no medical licensing laws, and anyone could act as a doctor. Some of the first doctors in Rome were Greek slaves, and only knew by experience. Other health remedies included medications or potions that someone put together that rarely worked, and caused side effects, and when priests would exorcise or cajoled demons. Julius Caesar "granted freedom to all freeborn Greek physicians practicing in Roman territory" in 46 B.C.E., wrote Douglas Guthrie, in A History of Medicine, “that they were able to escape from the domination of their rich-household owners and the general scorn of the Romans, and rise to the heights of social and professional status”. It is said that Julius Caesar got “pinched” daily, and that it helped his seizers, as well as his neuralgia.
Greek physician Asclepiades 124 - 40 B.C.E., known as a master in massage, believed in hydrotherapy, exercise, and massage, in that order, and without the use of drugs. He had his own theory called corpuscular theory, that life was due to the constant motion of atoms in the body; that disease and death result when this movement is obstructed or disrupted. He believed that freeing the movement of the atoms would help cure the person. He was once said to bring a man back from the dead, out of a coffin with this method. He advocated for those with mental illness, that they be set free from institutions, and treated with natural, humane remedies. His teachings were modern, therefore Asclepiades is considered to be a pioneer physician in psychotherapy, physical therapy and molecular medicine.
Doctors today are also trying the benefits of massage therapy on their patients that suffer from seizer disorders. In some studies, 50% of patients that received relaxation techniques, such as massage therapy, showed a decline in seizer activity. Some of the advantages of massage therapy in people with epilepsy include, deep relaxation and stress reduction, relieves muscle tension/stiffness in joints, relieves acute or chronic pain, strengthens the immune system, increases circulation of blood, promotes feeling of safety/comfort/well-being, enhance self-esteem, and reduces anxiety and depression. On children, there is a pediatric training, CPMT, which teaches how to provide massage therapy for children with special health care needs, who are hospitalized or have been diagnosed with a terminal illness in hospice care. There is also an infant certification as well, CIMT.
http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2004/issue112/history112.php
http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html
http://www.articlealley.com/article_888988_27.html
http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/massage-therapy
http://www.liddlekidz.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepiades_of_Bithynia
That is very interesting Julia, I didn't know the story behind the Kellogg company. It is nice that he was able to use some of his money to improve the quality of his life as well as others.
ReplyDeleteI'm really interested in Ayurveda. Over this past summer, I took a trip to India and stayed at an Ayurvedic Spa where I received several different treatments including a full body massage. It was quite the experience as I was completely nude with the exception of a tie-on g-string they provided!
ReplyDeleteAnyway... ;)
Here is some information I gathered:
Ayurveda is practiced in India and is known to be the oldest form of medicine aging back to the mid-first millenium BCE. It literally means "The complete knowledge for long life."
Ayurveda involves the physics of the five elements that compose the universe; earth, water, fire, air, and sky. It also looks as the three elemental energies, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurvedic practitioners, these three "Dosas" are important for health because when all three are in balance within an individual, the body will be healthy. This is similar to our Western idea of "homeostasis" within the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine examines the whole mind, body, and spirit of an individual. Meditation, diet, physical fitness, and proper hygiene are all examined among many other things.
Included in Ayurvedic treatments is the use of plant-based medicines such as cardamom, turmeric, and cinnamon. Diet consultations also take place. Also, different types of body work techniques are used. These include massage, face masks, steam baths, and different types of oil treatments.
According to my sources, the Indian Medical Central Council Act started to standardize qualifications for Ayurveda in 1970. They also started to provide accredited institutions for its study. Today, over 100 colleges offer degrees in the practice with five and a half years of study.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda
I picked the Greek times of massage because I found it fascinating, and have always been drawn toward Greece to begin with. I was very surprised to find out that massage started in Greece so long ago, (700-800 B.C.E. to be exact).
ReplyDeleteI found a website called Greek Medicine.net that I found very intriguing. These are some of the aspect that I was most interested in. the part I found particularly interesting was the rather large section about Hippocrates and his findings/ opinions on massage; he had four different modalities, they are as follows:
“Vigorous massage constricts and firms up the body.
Gentle massage relaxes the body.
Much massage thins and lightens the body.
Moderate massage thickens the body, and increases the flesh.”
The second section of the website was about the early days in massage in Rome. One of the first things stated on that topic was that medical profession wasn’t taken seriously, and from the powerpoint that I read, massage didn’t help too much. I can understand (to a point) while massage was taken the wrong way, but that was just by the simple-minded people. I was glad that eventually everyone looked passed the somewhat sensual aspect of the art of massage therapy.
In my opinion, the only reason why massges in the public bath were outlawed is because I think the wealthy found out and became angry that lower-class people or “commoners” were able to have the same joys of massage as they did, which in turn made them equal in some way, and we all know that in those times the rich wanted nothing to do with the poor.
Works Cited.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html
Sharlene Seymour
ReplyDeleteIndian Ayurvedic baby massage
India’s massage possibly came from China around 1800-500BCE developing Ayurvedic medicine from the Vedic people. Six days after birth and before the bath, they practice a cleansing massage with a soft wheat-dough ball with almond oil and turmeric to help enhance circulation, expulsion of toxins, and digestion. Keeping the three doshers balanced, massage and the wheat-dough ball and almond oil repeats every day for three weeks. After the baby has reached its one month birthday, the body has became strong enough for hand massages and continues every day for three months to increase strength for body support. The spine is crucial in baby massages. Once the infant lifts their head on their own and can support its own body weight with its arms, massages are continued for 18 more months then on alternate days building strength and happiness within the baby. Massage can also boost immunity, helping the release of growth hormones, increase blood circulation, reduce stress and tension with muscle development, develop their sensory and neurological systems, improve sleeping patterns, and create calmness for the baby. Massage between a mother and baby creates a stronger bond between them and a type of communication. Ayurveda’s definition is “life knowledge or right living.” The source of the vital life force is similar to what we call the meridians but instead they call it the Marmas.
sanatansociety.org/ayurvedic_massage/ayurvedic_baby_massage.htm massagenerd.com/...massage.../History_Therapies_Rules_Ryan…
keralatourismindex.com/articles/?page=243
That is very interesting Sharlene, it would have been nice to know about things like this when my children were babies.Touch with babies is so vital, so this has many positive benefits.
ReplyDeleteMassage history goes way back but it’s fairly new to this country. Massage was first introduced to the United States in 1856 by George and Charles Taylor. The Taylor’s were actually born in Williston, Vermont. The history of massage therapy in the United States started close to where we all are now.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Taylor was born on January 4, 1821 and was an educator before he was eighteen years old. His first research was based on his belief that woman are more likely to be harmed by disease. He wrote a book called An Original Work on Diseases of Women but found no evidence that would support it.
Charles Taylor was born on April 25, 1827 but didn’t get into the medical study that his brother did at quite an early age. He was twenty eight when he studied at the University of Vermont in the medical department. It was Charles who went to Sweden and later introduced the Swedish Movement methods to New York. George, on the other hand, had already created an exercise therapy for women and later heard of training being taught in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Taylor’s were taught by Mathias Roth. Charles received Swedish Movement Gymnastics training with him and Roth was the one who translated Ling’s Swedish Massage movement into the English Language. Charles created orthopedic equipment that cured hip disease, club-foot, and spinal deviations.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete(P.S.: I removed my previous post because I’d forgotten to add my citations! Here it is again.)
ReplyDeleteBirth of Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of massage therapy which involves the application of pressure to the feet or hands based on a system of zones that reflect the whole body. Since our feet and hands represent our whole body in reflexology, manipulating a certain area can affect change by stimulating the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Sensitive points on the feet and hands are referred to as reflex points.
Reflexology is believed to have been developed by ancient Egyptians. Roman general Mark Antony was reported to have massaged the feet of Cleopatra, around 60 B.C. The earliest documentation of this popular form of massage therapy is said to be on the wall of the tomb of Ankmahor, an Egyptian physician, in Saqqara, Egypt dating back to between 2330 and 2500 B.C. The bas relief carvings at the entrance of Ankmahor’s tomb depict one man working on a man’s feet, and another man working on a man’s hands. On the pictograph, the hieroglyphic inscription of the patient says, “Do not hurt me,” while that of the therapist says, “I shall act so you praise me.” Some scholars who have studied this pictograph and many others claim that the foot and hand manipulations depicted are manicures and pedicures, not reflexology. Closely studying other bas relief carvings, some scholars argue that the position of the manipulator depicted confirms reflexology, not that of a manicurist or pedicurist. Looking back at the inscription in Ankmahor’s tomb, it is firmly believed that the words of the patient and therapist strongly suggest that therapeutic effect is intended, and would discount manicures and pedicures.
Sources:
“Egyptian Reflexology.” PEOPLE WHO KNEAD PEOPLE – Therapeutic Massage – Reflexology, Best in Indianapolis 317- 408-0381. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2011.
“Egyptian Reflexology.” Foot Reflexologist. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2011.
Whysong, Master Helen. “History of Reflexology – Corrections.” Holistic Local – Holistic
Health, Green Living and Personal Growth. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2011.
After reading the handouts in massage history, I realized that is lots of info regarding the modern history of massage and also mentions to Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, ancient European and modern practices of the massage techniques, however it was minimal mention of the ancient use of massage and body work techniques in our continent, so I decided that even though there is little mention of this in the material I will like to focus this blog in that information.
ReplyDeleteBased in :Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD Coyote Medicine, Coyote Healing, and Coyote Wisdom
Avery, Charleen. "Native American Medicine: traditional healing."
Ken Bear Hawk Cohen, “ Native American Medicine”
And other internet sources….
Native American medicine refers to the combined health practices of over 500 distinct nations that inhabited the Americas before the European arrival at the end of the fifteenth century. Specific practices varied among tribes, but all native medicine is based on the understanding that man is part of nature and health is a matter of balance. Native American healing traditions date back at least 12,000 and may be as old as 40,000 years. These cultures never developed written language as it is understood by western cultures; however, they had pictorial and codex like ways to pass the information although mostly it was the oral tradition and hands on training what they preferred as teaching methods. Without written language, native medicine never crystallized as a formal body of knowledge with standard practices, so there was no documentation of Native American medicine until Europeans arrived 500 and some years ago.Native American medicine historically included many sophisticated interventions that have been lost in whole or in part, such as various forms of bodywork, bone setting, midwifery, naturopathy, hydrotherapy, and botanical and nutritional medicine. Mostly the Ceremonial and ritual medicine is the most popular and recognized piece of Native American medicine today, but is still only a small part of what was available 5 centuries ago. Massage and body work in the Native traditions is deeply spiritual in nature, it was passed down from generation to generation and practiced by the kahunas, the shamans or healers, to align a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies, renewing the mind-body connection and facilitating the body’s innate ability to heal. They understand that there are endless ways to achieve balance, and that effective treatment is a marriage of a skilled, compassionate practitioner and committed patient. Different tribes of North America were well versed in body therapies and energy healing. They developed comprehensive, sophisticated bodywork systems that encompassed forms of osteopathic massage and manipulation, breath, and energy work. Central to these techniques are the alternation of deep pressure and gentle rocking release. The breath was also used to reanimate the body and “draw spirit” into affected tissues. They also used crystal scanning and healing as well as the channeling of spirits and energy medicine. Native Americans also used heat and massage with herbs to treat many problems. Various tribes rubbed their warriors before they went to war and when they returned. Massage was used to ease the labor pains of women and colic in infants.The Cherokee located in North America were also familiar with acupuncture meridians and used acupuncture, with needles made of thorns or porcupine quills, in healing. Some resources even claim that after living among the Shawnee for 20 years A.J Still learned the techniques of Shawnee bodywork and rendered them mechanical as fitted the European paradigm of the day so creating what we know as osteopathy. The Hopi people and their practices were the source of inspiration for a type of massage now called Hakomi. Native American practices, in which hot and cold stones are used to deeply penetrate muscles and tissues to reduce pain and inflammation, are what we now know as stone massage. In Hawaii the natives use strokes in a technique called Lomilomi where pressure with fingers at certain points similar to Shiatsu. The Zuni pueblo in New Mexico practice a technique very similar to the high-velocity adjustment of the neck and spine popularized as chiropractic. While researchers, practitioners and opponents argue the effectiveness and validity of such approaches as Therapeutic Touch and Reiki, indigenous healers throughout the Americas are carrying on the work of their ancestors without a thought as to its legitimacy. Body work and energy healing has been for generations, and continues to be an intrinsic part of their existence.
ReplyDeleteI viewed again the PowerPoint presentation on the history of massage. I'm fascinated by just how ancient the art of massage is in many cultures. I began to browse the Internet to learn a bit more about something that interested me. The kind of massage that I chose to focus on is Shiatsu. Shitsu means finger pressure. In Japanese Shi means finger and atsu means pressure. Shiatsu massage
ReplyDeleteI discovered that it was a fairly modern form of massage that emerged in Japan in the early part of the 20th century. Although it is a more modern form of massage, its roots are from the ancient art of massage in Japen called Anma, and in the Chinese art of acupuncture. One of it's founders was a man named Tokujiro Namikoshi. When he was a young boy in Japan, he began to use his thumbs and his palms to help his mother who had Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have a close friend who suffers from this, so it was interesting to learn that massage can be helpful. Although, I do recall, from the weekend training that it's best to massage clients who suffer from this during times or remission.
An interesting thing that I learned about Shiatsu Massage is that women and blind people were most often the practitioners who preformed this kind if massage in its early history. In the US, after World War 2, Japanese medicine was outlawed by Mac Arthur. It was then Hellen Keller was responsible for getting the laws reversed for practicing Shiatsu because of the fact that it was a dominant profession of visually disabled people.
Although the art of Shiatsu Massage was being practiced in Japan since the 1920’s, the Japanese government did not recognize it as a separate therapy from Anma until 1957. Currently practitioners in Japan need to attend 3 years of training which totals 2200 hours in order to be certified to practice Shiatsu. The Japan Shiatsu College in Tokyo is one place to study, and this is the new name of the school that was first opened by Tokujiro Namikoshi in 1940.
Hey Juliana,
ReplyDeleteI thought it was really interesting that mostly women and blind people were shiatsu practioners, and that it was Helen Keller who ultimately brought it back into popularity. Learned something new today, thanks!
The Evolution of A Healing Era
ReplyDelete“Enjoy your body, use it every way you can... don't be afraid of it, or what other people think of it... it's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.” - Baz Lurhmann
Learning about the history of massage should be an integral part of all massage therapists journey, as it not only follows the flow, development, and thought process of massage therapy, but it also coincides with human evolution of the self. In the haste to understand the true emergence of the holistic healing era, it is imperative that its origins not be forgotten, nor for learning massage therapists like ourselves to become misinformed about the development of Western techniques. In particular, I found it interesting to learn that Swedish massage, the basis for most of the Western massage therapy methods, did not originate in Sweden, nor was it developed by a Swede.
The development of Swedish massage is most often attributed to Pehr Henrik Ling, who was a skilled fencing master, poet, and teacher (Benjamin & Tappen, 25). In 1813 Ling founded the Royal Institute of Gymnastics in Stockholm in order to develop his views on the benefits of gymnastic movements (Calvert, Bemjamin & Tappen 26). 1840, one year after Ling’s death, his manifesto on general practices in gymnastics was published and changed how the united states would view the health of the self forever. Ling’s take on the scientific and medical benefits of practiced gymnastics and their respect importance became the foundation for most public schools in the U.S. and was soon referred to as the Swedish movement cure, or Swedish gymnastic movement (Calvert). Ling’s book described both passive and active methods of healing for the body, including shaking, hacking, pressing, and stroking (Benjamin & Tappen 25). His contributions to the world of healing is largely due to the fact that his work consisted of scientific reasoning sound medical knowledge, while maintaining that a certain amount of balance and respect be attributed to the self.
Even so, the basic principles behind what we call Swedish massage did not develop with Ling, but with Johann Georg Mezger, a physician from Amsterdam. He has largely been credited with the development of the four French termed techniques that make up the western practice of basic massage, or Swedish massage: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction (rubbing), and tapotement (tapping) (Benjamin & Tappen 26). Although Mezger never published any of his work, his colleagues wrote about his massage techniques and were later adopted in the United States by various entrepreneurs of massage therapy and ultimately lead to its reemergence as a respectable and beneficial practice.
Works Cited:
Calvert, Robert N. "Pages From History: Swedish Massage." Massage Magazine Exploring Today's Touch Therapies. Web. 31 Jan. 2012.
Tappan, Frances M., and Patricia J. Benjamin. Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques: Classic, Holistic, and Emerging Methods. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005. Print.
History Of Massage.
ReplyDeleteI chose to research Dr. William Fitzgerald, and reflexology. On our timeline "1913 - Dr. William Fitzgerald rediscovered Reflexology and called it Zone Therapy" caught my eye. All of these names became familiar during our weekend training, but were things I was still curious about, and felt the need to learn more.
I learned that The Zone Theory was the precursor to modern Reflexology. In 1913 Dr. Fitzgerald found that pressure on certain reflex points helped the corresponding organ functions and decreased pain. He divided the body into ten equal, vertical zones which ended in the fingers and toes. Pressure on one part of the zone, could effect the rest of the zone. Dr. Shelby Riley further developed the Zone Theory by adding horizontal zones across the hands and feet, together with the longitudinal zones. Fitzgerald's zones, five on each side of the body have their own nerve stimulation pattern. When pressure is applied to a reflex point on that zone, a stimulation is sent to a corresponding organ or gland.Reflexology has been rediscovered several times throughout history, around the world. Archaeological evidence points to ancient reflexology medical practices in Egypt (2330 BCE), China (2704 BCE) and Japan (690 CE).Reflexology shares many similar benefits as massage therapy; relaxation, pain reduction, aids in post-operative surgery, benefits mental health, stress reduction, and more.
I found an interesting diagram at http://www.reflexology-research.com/whatis.htm
that shows the pressure points on the foot in relation to other parts of the body. Very cool!
June 23 and 24 were very eye opening days for me. I was second guessing my decision to go back to school. I graduated college a year ago, and was SO sick of school work. I could not find a good job in the past year, and started looking for careers I could go back to school for. Massage Therapy has always been a love of mine. Two days jam packed with skills, and new ideas really made me realize I was making the right decision to further my education and do something I enjoy. I had never learned much about reiki, ear candling, fire cupping, or pictures of auras... all of these things I found really interesting.There were many moments throughout the weekend where I just got cold chills and realized, this is where I should be right now, and something great is going to come of my decision to be here, that was my favorite part. Learning how to properly give a professional massage was very important to me, it made me so eager to begin practicing.
ReplyDeleteMackenzie Adams-Brown
ReplyDeletePyramid Massage School
History of Massage
7/16/12
History of Shiatsu
Shiatsu meaning “Finger Pressure” in Japanese has been an integral part of Chinese medicine for centuries. Although originally created in Japan in the 6h century by a Buddhist Monk Shiatsu has become a large part of Chinese medicine alongside of Acupuncture and Herbalism. Shiatsu was in large a part of Japanese and Chinese medicine for many centuries. The Japanese creates special treatments and ways of diagnosis that use Shiatsu. This caused Shiatsu to become very popular and it was used for many centuries that was until massage started to separate from medicine practices. It was at this point that the art of massage was looked at as a luxury and often found dishonorable. Shiatsu was one of the methods that were over looked.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that Shiatsu appeared back on the medical radar. When Tamai Tempaku started to use piece of Western medicine with the older methods of treatment. These Western methods included Anatomy and Physiology, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatments. He started to mix these with the basic Shiatsu methods and found that they were very effective. Orignally he called this method Shiatsu Ryoho or “Finger Pressure Way of Healing” the name was then shortened to Shiatsu Ho “Finger Pressure Method”. This method is now just know as Shiatsu a way of balancing the who body including ones mental and spiritual being. The Japanese government in 1964 finally recognized Shiatsu as a form of therapy. Shiatsu can now be found all over the world and has grown into many different types of treatment.
Source:
http://www.shiatsusociety.org/content/about-shiatsu
Jenn Gorga - July 18, 2012
ReplyDeleteHistory of Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine is categorized in America as a CAM, or “complimentary and alternative medicine”, as well as a whole system of medical practice outside the realm of conventional western medicine. It’s purpose is the integration of the whole being - body, mind, and spirit - to bring balance, enhance wellness, and ultimately, prevent illness. It is also used as a treatment for specific physical and mental health issues. The major premise on which ayurvedic medicine is based is the idea that disease comes about when a person is not in harmony with the universe.
Developed in India, the word ayurveda means “the science of life”. This ancient practice, older than written word and handed down by word of mouth, has been the primary system of healthcare in India for over 5,000 years. Some believe it was divinely inspired knowledge issued from the gods. Lord Brahma is commonly considered to be the originator of ayurvedic medicine, although the actual origination isn’t clear. It is believed to have begun in small tribal groups and passed along by the wise persons of the group until it evolved into a systematic approach.
Established as early as 2500 b.c., it evolved into the School of Physicians and the School of Surgeons. In around 600 b.c., it further branched to include several specialty areas of internal medicine, including pediatrics; psychiatry; surgery; eye, ear, nose and throat; toxicology; geriatrics; and eugenics/aphrodisiacs. The essence of the practice was to identify imbalance in the body systems, or doshas, and then treat those holistically to bring the body into balance and good health.
Some writings say ayurveda was used in the time of the Buddha with a medicine primarily based on the combination of mercury and sulphur mixed with herbs. The Buddha period (520 b.c.) is considered a golden era of ayurveda, with great growth and progress primarily because of the inventions of Nagajuna, a well-known herbologist who followed the Buddha. Further changes occurred around 300 b.c., when King Ashoka banned bloodshed in the kingdom, based on buddhist teachings, and surgical practices were discontinued and replaced with new methods.
Ayurveda has survived the centuries because the Indian people consider it a sacred “science of life”.
sources: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm
“Ayurveda: a historical perspective and principles of the traditional healthcare system in India, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
“Ayurveda - Ancient Indian Medical System”,
http.//www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/concepts/ayurveda.asp
Reflexology has been around for many years but is not well documented. However, on the walls of an Egyptian tomb (2450 B.C) there were drawings of two men getting a massage on their hands and feet.
ReplyDeleteReflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the feet, hands, or ears that correspond to organs and systems in the body without the use of oil and lotion.
Reflexology is believed to relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body by the manipulation of the feet. Some people say that the pressure on the feet send signals that release chemicals like endorphins that reduce pain and stress.
Reflexology can be great for many things such as headaches. When you are suffering from a headache and you use hand reflexology you “generally treat on the first joints of each finger and along the sides of the fingers. Working the sides and bottoms of the fingers helps to relax tight neck and shoulder muscles that can cause headaches. Working tender areas on the thumb is also useful. Sinus and allergy headaches may be relieved by rubbing the top joint of each finger, but not the thumb.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology
I felt that you did a fantastic job on your research for 'Reflexology'! This essay was to the point, it was easy to read, I felt that I have have gained a lot of information and knowledge on using this type of massage technique and the importance on the healing/health and its effects on the human body in a beneficial way.
DeleteThe use of massage therapy to rehabilitate veterans of wars seems to have coalesced with the veterans of WWI. While the timing may seem fortuitous, numerous incidents in the field of massage and massage licensing set the stage for this development. And while the use of massage as a therapeutic aid to recovery from wounds was the main use of massage, many wounded veterans trained to become masseuses.
ReplyDeleteAlthough interest in massage therapy seemed to languish during the Middle Ages, scientific developments during the Enlightenment contributed to the development of massage theory. In particular, the discovery of the cardiac venous system, the process by which blood returns to the heart and thus circulates, supported massage such as effleurage. Massage techniques could now be based in (western) science and could also be developed with a better scientific understanding of their benefits to the body.
The turn of the century (19th to 20th, that is) saw a struggle between legitimate massage and sex trade massage practitioners. (This timing is critical to later events.) As a result of the efforts of dedicated nurses and therapists, guidelines for massage training and practice were developed. In addition, professional societies formed, especially in Great Britain. Leading theorists also published textbooks that were used in newly established massage training schools. Licensing became standardized and required as well. By the time WWI broke out, the infrastructure to support the widespread use of massage therapy had been established.
And just in time. In fact, perhaps not soon enough. So widespread was the use of massage therapies during the war and immediately following that initially there were not enough therapists. Canada, for example, trained around 100 therapists after the war started, most of whom were sent to England, where hospitals were flooded with wounded soldiers from many countries. Therapies included massage, hydro-therapy, electricity, physical therapy, and “gymnastics” (calisthenics and physical training). James Mennell, author of the premier textbook of this period, stated, “The value of massage as an aid to the orthopedic treatment of our wounded is now too well-established to require defense.”
It is interesting that this period saw the expansion of physical therapy treatments as well. In fact, R. Tait McKenzie, pioneer of physical therapy methods and exercises, assisted the British in establishing protocols and service centers for treated returning veterans. In fact, during this time, McKenzie “published in 1918, Reclaiming the Maimed. In this book he describes his methods and equipment for the ‘gradual coaxing back toward normal’ of those who had suffered in the war. He also felt ‘we must consider the whole field of physical therapy as applied to and affected by the Great War.’”
Lastly, massage therapy training was offered to disabled veterans, in particular soldiers who had been blinded, as career and occupational therapy. Rather than being doomed to a life of begging or subsistence living, veterans now had a method of providing for themselves and their families.
And as anyone who has been injured knows, caring for others has a way of helping one care for oneself.
http://www.massagetherapycanada.com/content/view/1379/38/
http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/rehabmed/historical/chap2.html
This is such a fascinating topic. I really enjoyed reading your post.
DeleteJessica O’Brien
ReplyDeleteIntroduction to Massage
Part 3
Swedish Massage Therapy
Evidence of massage has existed since around 3000 BC. During this time is when the Chinese recognized its benefits. The Chinese found that applying pressure techniques was very effective on specific parts of the body. An ancient Hindu book refers to massage as something called the Ayurveda. The Avurveda translated is known as the Art of Life. This practice focuses on rubbings of each other. These techniques can be used to relieve fatigue, increase energy and improve overall general health. They believed that massage strengthens the muscle and firms the skin, possible even reduce fat. After this time period there were some artifacts from the Egyptians practicing reflexology on their tomb paintings. Another big era of message was 776 BC during the first Olympic Games athletes massaged before their contests. The history of message is very long lasting and from originates from all around the world. Most massage textbooks give credit to a man named Henri Peter Ling for inventing the Swedish massage techniques. Henri Peter Ling did develop his own system of massage, combining his knowledge of Chinese, Greek, Roman and Egyptian massage techniques, and physiology, gymnastics. However it does not really matter who developed it because the strokes are based on massage techniques from all time periods and places of the world. Swedish massage is generally considered a full body massage, as it usually works on all major muscle groups in the body. There are a vast array of tools and techniques used in massage. In Swedish massage oil is used to ensure the smoothness of the specific strokes. Many of the stroke techniques Henri Peter Ling devised are still used today, including the effleurage, petrissage, vibrations, friction, and tapotement. The effleurage consists of long, gliding strokes from the neck down to the base of the spine or from the shoulder down to the fingertips. When done on the limbs, all strokes are toward the heart to aid blood and lymphatic flow. It is done with the whole hand or the thumb pads. The Petrissage massage stroke goes deeper, and is meant to gently lift muscles up and away from the bone. Then the muscles are gently rolled and squeezed. The kneading and compression motions are to stimulate circulation deep in the muscles. Friction being the most penetrating of the strokes, and consists of deep circular or transverse movements made with the thumb pads or fingertips. The therapist applies deep, circular movement near joints and other bony areas. Friction breaks down adhesions, which are knots that result when muscle fibers bind together during the healing process, thus contributing to more flexible muscles and joints. Then the tapotement strokes are better known to other people as the karate chops. It may be applied with the edge of the hand, with the tips of the fingers, or with a closed fist. The Tapotement stroke attempts to release tension and cramping from muscles in spasm. Last but certainly not least, Vibration or shaking involves the therapist pressing his or her hands on the back or limbs, and rapidly shaking for a few seconds. It boosts circulation and increase the power of the muscles to contact. There are so many benefits to the touch of massage. Swedish massage can increase one’s flexibility because it stretches the ligaments and tendons. The Swedish massage is specifically designed to relax and loosen the muscles. It also helps flush the body tissues of uric and lactic acid and other metabolic waste allowing the body to heal itself.
Work Cited
Benjamin, Patricia, "Notations to the General Principles of Gymnastics by Pehr Henrik Ling." Lars Agren and Patricia Benjamin, trans., Journal of the American Massage Therapy Association, winter 1987.
The weekend was vary good the ear candling will come in great use to me both personnel and professionally. the amount of information we learned on message and reki was good to get me started so i can practice my skills. I feel that message is a very good therapy to relax the mind so people can focus on any issues in a more relaxed manner which would be good to see the problem with out as much anxiety which can cloud the issues. anyway that thought just came to mind, but more on the weekend it was a good overview of skills we will learn more about and one thing i think was vary useful was the information on creating lotions and i feel i am going to be using aroma therapy.
ReplyDeleteOne moment in history dealing with massage that I’ve always been curious about is during the time of the Egyptians. Their hieroglyphs depict people massaging feet and hands at certain points. The more I started reading the more interested I became about reflexology and how it progressed until present time.
ReplyDeleteAround the time of 2500 B.C. is when the Egyptians started using reflexology (or were at least thought to). All we have to go by are the hieroglyphs of massaging the feet but no word on what exactly was being done. It’s interesting to me that the Buddhist and Indian culture also view the feet as being “the unity of the entire universe” or “expressions of a higher reality”. This says a lot if different cultures looked at the feet in a same sort of manner.
Traveling in time towards the future, we see that reflexology traveled further east onto China and then Japan. This is when reflexology started being tied in with Acupuncture and moxibustion. In 1582, Dr. Adamus and Dr. A. A'tatis published the first book dealing with zone therapy (application of pressure to the feet that correspond to a body part, back, liver, lung, etc.) and shortly thereafter another book was written by Dr. Bell. It wasn’t until 1917 that Vladimir Bekterev was the one “coined” the term reflexology. After reading that the practice wasn’t called reflexology until 1917 I did some research to see what it was called before that. I came across something called Zoku Shin Do, which is an ancient Asian foot technique dating back 5000 years.
At the end of all my reading, it’s apparent that there are many different techniques in many different cultures all practicing a on the feet in a special way. If this thought of specification through the feet is so widespread I can’t help but admire and want to learn more about reflexology.
Works Cited(Links to pages):
1. http://www.reflexology.co.nz/history
2. http://www.hapifeetmassage.com/reflexology.htm
3. http://www.advancedreflexology.co.uk/reflexology.html
China has one of the oldest known forms of massage therapy which dates back to 2700 BCE. Massage originated from an ancient principle that diseases and illnesses arise due to a deficiency or imbalance in the energy in specific pathways or meridians that represent physiological systems. So far I have learned through massage and other forms of Chinese bodywork techniques, energy will flow more harmoniously through these pathways, allowing the body to heal itself naturally. The most popular term for massage during this time was “anmo” which means pressing and rubbing.
ReplyDeleteDuring an excavation of the tomb of the Ma Wang Dui, many scrolls were found with handwritten methods of medical formulas with specific references to anmo techniques. It is shown to have been used in seventeen different branches of medicine, for example one prescription found in the scrolls for anuria is to massage the sacrum while applying burning moxa leaves to points on the back. The Chinese did an excellent job of documenting the practices of massage and its healing properties. Massage was used for almost anything in their culture where rubbing and pressing could be used to bring the chi back to harmony and heal.
Sources: http://www.acupuncture.com/qigong_tuina/tuinahistory.htm
For my essay I chose Rome. This time era focused on full body massage, which fascinates me because evidence has shown the results of the benefits for healing a human body which includes; pain relief, temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and state of anxiety, and depression! Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. This technique involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, and feet.
ReplyDeleteHighly popular in Roman culture, during the first century between 200 and 100 B.C.E., many of the wealthy Roman Emperors received a full body massage to stimulate circulation and loosen their joints in their homes by personal physicians, trainers and doctors. Eventually the public baths unfortunately gained a reputation of the “pursuit of pleasure” instead of as an avenue for healing. In the fourth century C.E., the Roman Emperor Constantine condemned the public baths for adding to the abuse of sex in Roman culture.
Galen, who is considered one of the most notable figure associated with massage in Rome acquired his knowledge of anatomy and physiology from his experience in constructing extensive surgery by healing the gladiators. Massages was known for its ability to treat different types of physical injuries, diseases, maintaining a healthy body, stimulating circulation and loosening their joints with the use of oils to benefit the skin. By advocated massage treatments this helped eliminate the waste products of nutrition and the poisons of fatigue in the human body. "Life," he said, "exists better in moderation—work, food, sleep, drink and sex."
Sources:
Bill's CD-(Module #1.)
http://ezinearticles.com/?History-of-Massage-Therapy&id=5829169
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massage
~ Katie Vezina ~
Dawn Goode
ReplyDeleteHistory of Massage- Ayurveda
While studying the history of massage I found the practice of Ayurveda to be rather appealing to me. The connection to nature that it has is strong in this culture, making practicing with the hands and feet appealing in their medical practices. If not for Veda Vyasa, a famous sage from India, there would not be any evidence of writings about the complete knowledge of Ayurveda, nor the spiritual insights of self realization into the body. The scriptures are known as the Vedic literatures.
Ayurveda, the science of life, is a medical system that has been practiced since 300 B.C, and is one of the oldest systems of medicine still in use. The purpose of the medical practice is to bring the individual back to a balanced state of mind within the mind, body and spirit. Once we are in balance our physical body will be cleared away from illness and disease. The theory is that disease comes about when the person is out of harmony within the universe.
Before there was technology to help reduce pain or to rid away illness or disease the use of massage was practiced frequently. The word massage is derived from the Greek word rubbing or to knead. What massage does is actually manipulates the tissues in the body, creating calmness and releasing tension within the body.
Work Cited:
(1)http://www.ayushveda.com/ayurvedic-massage/history.htm
(2)http://www.indiaayurvedatours.com/history.html
(3)http://www.floridavediccollege.edu/ayurveda/history.htm
History of massage
ReplyDeleteMassage is one of the oldest forms of health care that uses touch as a healing method. The practice of massage began approximately around 3000 B.C.E. However, there is belief that massage was practiced before that. The healing method of touch first evolved in India and soon spread to China, Japan, Arabic nations, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It wasn’t till the 17th century that massage was used in Europe; The “wellness boom” occurred in the United States in the 20 century and is still practiced to this day.
I choose to further research Reflexology; which is a form of bodywork that focuses mostly on the feet. Throughout history numerous cultures utilized the feet as a way to treat the body and health. Practice of reflexology dates back to 2330 B.C, where there was the discovery of a wall painting. The painting was discovered in the tomb of Ankhamahor at Saqqara. Variations of reflexology existed in all ancient healing cultures and have been historically found in Tibet, India , and China. Dr. William H. Fitzjerald developed the initial practice of reflexology that is well known in our contemporary western society. Research also accredits two European physicians, Dr. Adamus and Dr. Atatis that published the oldest books on reflexology 1582. Reflexology is the application of pressure to the feet and hands to effect corresponding parts of the body. The body is reiterated as a mirror image on the hands and feet.
Today reflexology has been incorporated into alternative health care in several countries and has profound relaxation and pleasure.
Works Cited:
Bills CD
http://www.holistic-online.com/massage/mas_history.htm
Understanding the Science and Art of Reflexology, Kevin and Barbara Kunz, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, April/ May 1995
http://www.reflexology-usa.net/history.htm
Marissa Taylor
ReplyDeleteHistory of Massage
I chose to research on athletes and philosophers introducing massage to Greece. I have always found Greece fascinating, and I love the beneficiary effects massage has on athletes.
Massage in Greece was mainly used to keep athletes in peak physical condition before competitions. They also used massage for relaxation. In The Odyssey massage is described as “welcome relief to exhausted war heroes” So not only did they use massage medically, but also as a common form of relaxation. The art of massage holds an important place as a therapeutic modality in Greek Medicine. The ancient Greeks defined massage as therapeutic rubbing. The classical Greek term for this is anatripsis, which simply means "friction" or "rubbing". This art of rubbing can include auxiliary medicinal agents, like creams and medicated massage oils, or it can be just simple dry massage.
Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician, had a high regard for massage and believed that all well appropriate physicians should be trained in the art off massage. He also believed that all massage strokes should be made towards the heart. This way the massage would help assist the heart and the circulatory system. This technique was thought to further the detoxification of the body at a much faster pace.
In matters of massage, Hippocrates outlined four principal guidelines:
Vigorous massage constricts and firms up the body.
Gentle massage relaxes the body.
Much massage thins and lightens the body.
Moderate massage thickens the body, and increases the flesh.
These basic massage techniques laid down the basics of massage that we currently use today. Other options for massage that were used were hot or cold massages, as well as wet (oils) or dry (no oils).
I believe that the Greeks really set the guidelines for what massage has become today. They expanded the art of massage’s full potential in helping the body function more fluently.
Sorry, forgot work cited:
ReplyDeleteMassage and Bodywork,David K. Osborn, 2007-2010 by Greek Medicine. http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html
Jeffrey R Ketcham
ReplyDelete10/15/12
Hippocrates and message
Hippocrates is known as the father of modern medicine and his finding and understandings in early Greece are the roots of our understanding about the healing methods we use today. The method of healing that I will present historical view on is message and the understanding that Hippocrates had about this method.
The research that I have view was presented in the massage magazine by Robert Noah Calvert he tells of Hippocrates way of thinking towards how it is very important for the physician to be trained in rubbing, for rubbing a joint could bind a joint if it be too loose and at the same with a different course of rubbing and pressure it could relax a joint that is too tight. This Is shown in the recordings of the time which is the fifth century. Hippocrates also talks of the different “passive and restive” movements in the art of message which can increase circulation and help muscles, tendons, and ligaments grow and have better motor action. Another point he came to a understanding of was what we call “knots” could be removed in order to gain more of a relaxed state so the body could heal the muscles and the joints gained more flexibility.
Another understanding that Hippocrates brought to light was the use of massage as a therapeutically tool as in physical therapy. This was employed by the athletes to be used before computation to keep their body in peak physical conditioning. There is also documents that show that oils and herbs were used to treat medical conditions and for relaxation.
Many other physicians stemmed from these practices and followed Hippocrates philosophy of healing. These were used in the bath houses of Rome where people could come for the healing effects of massage and some used oils.
http://www.naturalhealers.com/qa/massage-therapy-history.html
http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2005/issue116/history116.php
October 17, 2012
ReplyDeleteAlicia Buggiani
I find it fascinating when I rediscover how advanced our ancestors were, especially relating to a higher understanding of the human body. This is why I chose Shiatsu, which is said to have started in 1,000 BCE. Shiatsu practice connects the energy pathways throughout the body to organ functions and our body’s natural resistance to illnesses. Rooted in ancient Japanese and Chinese traditions, Shiatsu massage not only achieves relaxation but also contributes to improvements in health including emotional well being.
In 1,000 BCE Japanese monks began to study Buddhism in China. There they witnessed and brought back with them to Japan the healing methods of traditional Chinese medicine which included Oriental Bodywork, Tao-yin and Anma. During this time Japan used massage-type methods for diagnosing and treatment. After adopting the Chinese style into their original methods, they began to enhance it by introducing new combinations which eventually transformed into its’ own unique method called Shiatsu.
Shiatsu massages evolved out of Anma, an ancient Japanese massage involving tapping, rubbing and applying pressure, and acupuncture a form of Chinese therapy. Shiatsu is a Japanese word derived from “shi” meaning finger and “astu” meaning pressure. Shiatsu massage involves pressure application, gentle manipulation and assisted stretching. For thousands of years, Qi (a term for energy flow throughout the body) represented the essence of life in the Japanese culture. Qi brought nourishment for the body, mind and spirit, which flows to different organs through specific pathways. Thus, Shiatsu massage primary goal is to eliminate energy imbalances within the organ systems and clear the pathway for proper energy flow.
Since the beginning Shiatsu practices, Shiatsu has transformed and experienced many up’s and down’s. During the Edo period (1603-1867) in Japan, Shiatsu reached its’ peak and was required mastery. However, things took a turn during the 19th century as a result to European influences, as Shiatsu became a practice which was discouraged and forbidden by many. Finally, with the influence of Tamai Tempaku, in 1964 the Japanese government recognized Shiatsu massage as a form of medical therapy. Today Shiatsu massage is practiced by many, and through the different influences over its’ history, Shiatsu practices has transformed into different styles and methods for achieving balanced energy flow. Shiatsu massage contributes to the overall well being of body, mind and spirit, and continues to grow in practice.
Reference:
□ Brown, Judy. “History of Shiatsu Massage”. March 23, 2012. October 15, 2012. www.livestrong.com/article/90568-history-shiatsu-massage/
□ “Shiatsu History”. Shiatsu Practioners Association of Aotearoa (New Zealand) Inc. October 15, 2012. www.spaanz.kiwinz.net/shhiatsu-history.html
□ “History of Massage”. October 13, 2012. Article provided by www.massagelotion.net.
Felicia Buzzell Pyramid Massage
ReplyDelete1-Page History Research December 19, 2012
I chose to focus on Ancient Greece and how massage was use as a healing form in that era. The medical profession was not “held in very high regard” (Massage). Due to the fact that there was no licensing, and so people generally went with their own instincts when treating ailments. Families who had more money kept slaves called Aleiptes. These people were around for medical purposes and helped the family if there was an illness in the home (Massage). One Greek physician Asclepiades(124-40 BCE), is now known as the consummate master of massage. He was able to bring people back from the dead by using his “corpuscular theory: that Life was due to the constant motion of atoms in the body; that disease and death result when this movement is obstructed or disrupted” (Massage).
From another source I found yet more information regarding this time period. “Athletes in Ancient Greece employed massage to keep their bodies in peak condition prior to competitions” (History). Not only did they use massage techniques, but they used massage oils mixed with various herbs in order to maximize the relaxing treatments. “In the fifth century B.C.E., Hippocrates prescribed "friction" to treat physical injuries and instructed his physician colleagues on the benefits of rubbing to help the body heal itself” (History). Hippocrates promoted a holistic approach to the massage treatment by recommending all sorts of complimentary treatments to cure ailments. ‘Prescriptions’ such as rest, music, fresh air, diet and exercise were also told to Hippocrates patients as a form of healing along with massage (History).
"History of Massage Therapy." History of Massage. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Dec. 2012. .
"MASSAGE AND BODYWORK." Greek Medicine:. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Dec. 2012. .
Testing
ReplyDeleteKimberly Martel
ReplyDeleteHistory of Massage
April 5, 2013
Massage is one of the oldest forms of healing. It’s fascinating to me that massage was practiced by so many different cultures throughout ancient history. Areas of the world that had little or no contact with each other instinctually used some form of massage and energy healing and in so many ways they were remarkably similar to each other.
I chose to focus on a type of massage called Lomilomi. An explorer by the name of Nordhoff explored the Hawaiian Islands in 1874. He described a wellness massage called Lomilomi performed by the Hawaiian natives which had evolved from the early Polynesian settlers. It was practiced by everyone from child to chief. It is a holistic healing tradition that goes beyond simple massage.
The Hawaiians philosophy is that everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love. When harmony is lacking stress, muscle tension, and illness can occur. Lomilomi is not just a physical experience but also facilitates healing on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels, The Hawaiians view all aspects of the body as one, believing that the physical, emotional and spiritual are all part of the whole self and when healing is effected on one level all levels are affected.
Lomilomi works the muscles deeply but gently with continuous flowing strokes that nurtures the body and enables the recipient to relax and just be. So while the technique is important, having a loving heart and the focus of the practitioner on the client is just as important. Hawaiians believe everything is energy and that thoughts or beliefs can block energy as much as muscle tension. The continuous long flowing strokes combined with intention and a loving heart relaxes the entire being assisting in letting go of old beliefs, patterns, and behaviors that are stored up inside us even on a cellular level.
After American missionaries arrived in 1820 many were converted to Christianity and laws were enacted that prohibited “heathen” worship and Native Hawaiian healing practices. Lomilomi as a way of life and healing system went underground however Lomilomi as a restorative massage was still practiced by Hawaiians and then eventually foreigners.
Today Lomilomi is a popular modality and some therapists may incorporate other massage techniques into a session. True Lomilomi as traditionally taught is still practiced and may include prayer, meditation, diet changes and anything else that helps create optimum health and balance.
Citations: Tappans Handbook Healing Massage Techniques pg 20
The history of Lomi Lomi, written by Tamara Mondragon, appeared as the Cover story in the July 2000 issue of Massage Magazine.
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage by Tracey Lakainapali http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lomilomi_massage
I find it so amazing. The idea of healing and treating disease with the touch of hands and feet. The ancient Egyptians were definitely a civilization ahead of their time when it came to engineering, agriculture, literature, astrology and medicine. I chose to focus on the roots of reflexology because it is a personal interest of mine. I am looking forward to learning some reflexology during my massage therapy certification. Learning techniques in reflexology will be a benefit and alternative to treating problems in the body.
ReplyDeleteIt was mentioned in the presentation that reflexology was created by the ancient Egyptians around 2500 BCE. In some research I completed I learned that early Egyptian artists painted scenes of surgical operations, medical treatments and anatomical observation. During this time period a physician and influential official to the king named Ankhmahor practiced Reflexology. Paintings and engravings found in Ankhmahor’s tomb at Saqqara depict the practice of reflexology. The knowledge of what a physician like Ankhmahor could practice was displayed on the walls of the tomb. His tomb has six wall engravings: childbirth, pharmacology, circumcision, embalming, dentistry and reflexology.
The preservation of the dead was very important to the ancient Egyptians. The idea of engraving the physician’s biography on the wall with scenes of their life helped aid the soul when it returns to earth again. The scenes are believed to act as guides for the soul when choosing the right body to continue the practices. I can’t help but feel that there is some truth behind this. Maybe that is why the ancient wisdom of medicine comes back through the ages. I believe there is a force in all of us connected to this ancient world and it is time to bring it back. Some people are more sensitive than others, but the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians make a lot of sense to me. My personal belief is that we are all just spiritual beings having a physical experience. It is that physical experience that we are all just trying to figure out and work with, until our energy moves on to other pieces of the universe.
Slade, L. (n.d.). History of hand and foot reflexology. The Universal College of Reflexology, Retrieved from http://www.universalreflex.com/article.php/20040315123726347s
Isaac Muffoletto
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting how the Greeks used massage as a very common method of healing and preventing injury. I was not entirely surprised that their motives to perfect their massaging techniques were to increase the athletic abilities of their competitors. Their also always seemed to be an inherent competitive nature behind Greek culture. An example would be the Olympic games. Massage was used all throughout the Olympic games to bring the competitors to their peak physical state to preform the best they could.
Hippocrates, I have found, was always a very in tune person with the needs of the patients that he had to treat. Hippocrates had held massage very high; he stated how it could firm up or relax muscles and organs. To him it was a very well rounded and crucial aspect of promoting good health. He had always looked at the massage helping to move the humors in a more healthy way. Humors were the main way that the Greeks looked at the illness; they are fluids such as mucus, blood, yellow bile, and black bile. Hippocrates thought that with massage they could regulated the balance of the humors in a healthy way.
Herodicus a teacher of Hippocrates was thought to be the first to be thought to use massage as a treatment of disease. He was thought to be very particular about starting a massage with gentle touch then slowly getting more forceful. He had also mentioned the combination of oils and herbs with massage to make it more beneficial for the patient.
http://www.touchpointsmassage.co.uk/history-of-massage-part-one/
http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html
Bruce Longtin > History of Massage
ReplyDeleteWhile looking up some information about massage, I came across the part about Rome and that peaked my interest in the history part. Wealthy Roman people kept slaves who were call Aleiptes and were their medics and masseurs. Between 124-40 BCE there was a Greek physician called Asclepiade. He was considered a master of massage. His top three modalities of treatment were hydrotherapy, exercise, and massage, in that order. Asclepiade was famous for bringing a seemingly dead person back to life by several minutes of manipulation to the body. He said that the body stayed healthy by constant movement of atoms in the body and that being still and not moving things around created disease and death. Dr. Asclepiade gave up all medicine in the end and only practiced massage.
Hippocrates also had a high regard for massage. He said that art of massage doesn’t come quickly and takes lots of hands-on practice but he believed that physicians should be well rounded in massage. According to the way the massage was applied, it could firm up muscles, release tension. Shamans began using massage but in the reverse direction that todays massages are done. They went from the center out toward the extremities. Hippocrates switched the direction stating that the strokes should be toward the heart so that the circulatory system could get rid of the toxins and waste. These were Hippocrates four principles about massage;
Vigorous massage constricts and firms up the body.
Gentle massage relaxes the body.
Much massage thins and lightens the body.
Moderate massage thickens the body, and increases the flesh.
Reference: http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html
Swedish Massage; It’s Classic
ReplyDeleteHaving done some research I have found that what is commonly known as the Swedish massage is really called, all through Europe and in Sweden, classic massage. In fact the man who has been dubbed “the father of Swedish massage” isn’t even well known in Sweden.
Apparently around the year 1805 a gentleman by the name of Pehr Henrik Ling, from Sweden, created a system called Swedish Gymnastic Movement System that consisted of therapeutic movements similar to calisthenics, aerobics and joint movement. Part of the therapy included a “passive treatment” where the therapist would move the client’s legs and arms while the client stayed in a relaxed state. While doing these movements, the therapist would also apply some movement to the muscles including; holding, pressing, shaking clapping and sawing. This aspect of the system was only a small part of the treatment.
Then, in the mid to late 1800’s a Dutch, Dr. Johann Mezger, wrote about and structured the process of massage and proceeded to use French words for the muscle manipulations that we are now familiar with; effleurage, petrissage, friction, and tapotement (vibration was added later). His focus in treatments was using these specific strokes on the muscles. He then created the first organized association of massage called the Dutch Association for Medical Gymnastics and Massage.
It is said that somewhere around 1850 the two different systems were confused by researchers and it is thought that since Ling’s system preceded Mezger’s, he got the credit for the massage system and terms thus, Swedish massage. Ling’s systems focus was on the calisthenics and aerobic exercises he developed and Meger’s research was primarily on the soft tissue manipulations.
One thing I have definitely learned from my research is that the history is a little unclear about who should be credited with the system of Swedish massage. I suppose it doesn’t really matter who made it poplar in the mid 1800’s because massage is an ancient way to manage pain and heal the body. The concept was not new it was just fine tuned which is what we continue to do today with new and advanced modalities.
So, as I move through my learning of massage I will give nod to Pehr Henrick Ling and Dr. Johann Mezger for all of their work and research that has brought massage back to Western society. For that I am thankful.
www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2002/issue100/history100.php, www.holistichealthand me.com/massage/Swedish-massage, www.abmp.com/textonlymags/article.php?article=325, www.massageschoolsguide.com/techniques/swedish-massage
The most interesting time period in massage therapy history is when massage emerged into India. They believed that when people leave their normal environment, they become sick; the only way to treat this is by using their new form of massage called Ayurveda. This treatment is about as easy as it is to keep a healthy lifestyle! Ayurveda consists of "cracking" of the joints, toes, fingers, and neck. Cracking all of these will help you to relax. The individual must find their balance with their surroundings, and must also find harmony with the world around them.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nysmassage.org/massagehistorypop.cfm
Heidi Nelson
ReplyDelete10/14/13
The time period that interested me the most was the emergence of shiatsu. Shiatsu massage therapy came out of Anma, an old type of Japanese massage, and acupuncture, a type of Chinese therapy. I found this part of massage history interesting. Anma involves tapping, rubbing and applying pressure to different points on the body, stimulating and influencing the muscular and circulatory systems. Tamai Tempaku invented Shiatsu massage at the beginning of the 1900s. It was recognized as a form of medical therapy in 1964. I look forward to learning more of shiatsu as I further my education.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/90568-history-shiatsu-massage/#ixzz2hkaO3a3m
History Assignment Jillian Gee
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated by the idea that reflexology can be traced back in time to as early as 2500 B.C. The Egyptians were a society that was thought to have pampered themselves more than other cultures perhaps. Egyptians are believed to have practiced many different methods of alternative medicine including heliotherapy,hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and reflexology. Many of these practices are depicted in ancient Egyptian tombs. The first account of reflexology was found in the tomb of the Physician Ankhmahor. This tomb was the burial place for Egyptain pharaohs. Pictographs in this tomb showed care being given to feet and hands which is believed to depict manicures and pedicures. Also on the tomb were pictures showing the therapist using a tool to work on the feet of another. As well as using reflexology on pharaohs, a temple built by Ramses II has carvings that depict soldiers receiving treatment to their feet. The practice of reflexology still exists in some parts of Egypt today.
http://www.holisticlocal.com/articles/view/396/History+Of+Reflexology+-+Corrections
The period of time that I chose to look at was Ancient Rome. The practice of massage in Ancient Rome began between 200 and 100 BC. A few forward thinking men and the practice of public baths heavily influenced Roman massage. The practice and beliefs of massage in Roman times are still heavily reflected in modern massage. With ideas of sports massage, relaxation and aromatherapy massages coming from the Romans are still in use today.
ReplyDeleteIn ancient Rome the public baths were the social hub for all members of society. With the exception of royalty, who received massage in their homes, it was here that massage was practiced frequently. The use of hands for rubbing muscles and joints, bathing in warm and cold water, and applying warm oils was the basis of massage during this period. The Romans had rooms at the baths that serve the same purposes that you can find at spas today: the concamerata sudation or wet steam room; the laconicum or the dry steam room; and the clada lavation or the warm bathing room. As great as the Roman baths were, they eventually we closed down by Emperor Constantine for the reputation of excess pleasure instead of a means for healing.
There were great believers and practitioners of this time. Galen, a physician, used massage therapy to treat many emperors for their physical injuries and disease. He believed that exercise, healthy diet along with rest and massage were ideal to maintain a healthy body. Not only did Galen promote massage he also wrote volumes of medical and philosophical texts. He was one of the first to correlate anatomy and physiology. His work had many detailed descriptions of the bones and muscle. In his work, Galen used a detailed description of massage: “ the rubbings should be of many sorts, with strokes and circuits of the hands, carrying them not only from above down and below up, but also sub vertically, obliquely, transversely and sub transversely…But I direct that the strokes and circuits of the hands should be made of many sorts, in order that so far as possible all the muscles fibers should be rubbed in every direction.” Galen worked on both the Roman Gladiators and Emperors.
Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, was also an advocate of massage. He advised an aromatic bath and massage daily to maintain health. Hippocrates is responsible for the code of ethics know as the “Hippocratic Oath” that is still acknowledged today.
Now, in modern times we still follow and have adapted all these rudimentary practices started so long ago by the ancient Romans and many other civilizations. Although, now we now have very fancy and expensive spas and resorts to relax at, we still are giving and receiving the same fundamentals that the ancient people started so long ago.
http://northstartherapies.co.uk/moremassage.aspx
www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2005/issue115/history115.php
www.electronichealing.co.uk/articles/history_of_massage.htm
Consider putting that prescribed pill down and indulge instead in aromatherapy. “Aroma” means spice/fragrance and “therapy” means treatment; therefore aromatherapy is curative fragrance treatment. Aromatherapy is the use of natural essential oils distilled from plants. Aromatherapy, also known as essential oil therapy, is a holistic healing method that was used as a whole body treatment for multiple ailments over 3000 years ago and is coming back as a more popular practice today. Aromatherapy is used to relieve emotional problems, physical conditions, as well as for beauty care.
ReplyDeleteAromatherapy massage relieves emotional problems by promoting positive mood, as well as relieves tension and stress. Essential oils can either be inhaled or absorbed by the skin and then into the blood stream. The scents can alter your emotions by relaxing the mind and creating a soothing feeling or they can even be invigorating. When used during massage, this allows the muscles and mind to relax, while the scents calm and uplift. This treatment is also useful for insomnia and depression, as endorphins are released. When using the proper oils, the mind can be revived and the body can be energized, creating an overall feeling of well-being, naturally.
Physical conditions may be treated and illness can be avoided by utilizing natural essential oils. There are over 300 essential oils that are used today. They contain chemicals that are important for hormone, vitamin, and energy production. As previously stated, the oils can be used during massage when they are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Essential oils can benefit blood circulation, rid the body of toxins, treat infections or calm the body and mind, as well as induce sleep. The most commonly used essential oils are: lavender, tea tree, peppermint, chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium, rosemary, thyme, lemon and clove. These oils have the following properties: antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, detoxifying, immune stimulating and anti-inflammatory. When inhaled or massaged into the skin or bathed in, the body is provided the aid to heal naturally. Illness can also be avoided by burning oils with antibacterial and antiviral properties. This is ideal for gatherings of multiple people. Aromatherapy is an optimal holistic healing method, as the essential oils enter and exit the body while leaving no toxins behind.
Aromatherapy beauty preparations can be used daily to clear up imperfections and maintain youthful skin. Aromatherapy facial massage stimulated blood circulation, helps renew cells and removes toxins. One can even apply essential oils, based on skin type, to the face and neck via massaging movements to firm and smooth the skin for your own natural facelift. Essential oils can be bathed in or used in self-massage on the hands, elbows, abdomen, hips, thighs and feet. Cellulite can be improved, the skin appears smoother and tighter, and fluid retention can be eliminated, and the uplifting, relaxing aroma provides a sense of well-being. This is a natural pampering treatment that can be done each day to stimulate, cleans or nourish the body with a scent you love.
A multitude of every day ailments can be treated naturally with the practice of aromatherapy and massage. By utilizing essential oils as your preventative maintenance or your natural alternative to conventional medicine, your body has a chance to naturally heal itself. Aromatherapy massage is an enjoyable way of treating the whole body, while being highly effective, non-toxic (be sure to use properly or consult an expert), as well as non-invasive, aromatherapy can benefit emotional problems, physical conditions and is a highly effective beauty treatment.
ReplyDeleteI am new to this.........I hope that I am typing in the right place.......
ReplyDeleteMODULE 1 - HISTORY!
With my personal HISTORY, I was very interested in a piece of history about how there has been research about massage and Autism, ADHD, Anorexia, Allergies (etc.). Through advanced training, the participants can learn to provide massage therapy, nurturing touch techniques, touch therapy, tactile introduction, sensory stimulation & integration for people who have been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Working with people with Developmental Disabilities, this piece in history has touched a spot in my heart.
The following articlethat I found lead me to look closer at the EARLY 2000’s.
DeleteWith my personal interest of Autism I looked further for articles of Autism. For children with Autism, massage MAY provide relaxation, stress reduction as well as calm muscle spasms. Over time, it was believed that touch therapy also helps the child to become more accustomed to tactile stimulation and aides in body awareness. This has been something that people with Autism have a difficult time with. Often by incorporating massage therapy into a daily routine, children with Autism experience decreased issues with their sleeping patterns.
Research has now demonstrated that this style of intervention may promote more “on-task and social relatedness behavior” during their playtime, they show less unpredictable behavior, and are more attentive after receiving massage therapy. This safe, nurturing touch, along with regular sensory integration, is beneficial in reducing inattentiveness, touch aversion and withdrawal
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T. & Thimas, E. (2001). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: benefits from Tai Chi. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 5, 120-123.
Delete•Thirteen adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) participated in Tai Chi classes twice a week for 5 weeks. Teachers rated the children's behaviour on the Conners Scale during the baseline period, after the 5 week Tai Chi session period and 2 weeks later. After the 10 Tai Chi sessions the adolescents displayed less anxiety, improved conduct, less daydreaming behaviours, less inappropriate emotions, and less hyperactivity. These improved scores persisted over the 2-week follow up (no Tai Chi period).
Escalona, A., Field, T., Singer-Strunk, R., Cullen, C., & Hartshorn, K. (2001). Brief report: Improvements in the behavior of children with autism following massage therapy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31, 513-516.
•Twenty children with autism, ages 3 to 6 years, were randomly assigned to massage therapy and reading attention control groups. Parents in the massage therapy group were trained by a massage therapist to massage their children for 15 minutes prior to bedtime every night for 1 month and the parents of the attention control group read Dr. Seuss stories to their children on the same time schedule. Conners Teacher and Parent scales, classroom and playground observations, and sleep diaries were used to assess the effects of therapy on various behaviors, including hyperactivity, stereotypical and off-task behavior, and sleep problems. The children in the massage group exhibited less stereotypic behavior and showed more on-task and social relatedness behavior during play observations at school, and they experienced fewer sleep problems at home.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Largie, S., Diego, M., Manigat, N., Seoanes, M., & Bornstein, J. (2005). Cerebral palsy symptoms in children decreased following massage therapy. Early Child Development and Care, 175, 445-456.
•Twenty young children with cerebral palsy recruited from early intervention programs received 30 minutes of massage or reading twice weekly for 12 weeks. The children receiving massage therapy showed fewer physical symptoms including reduced spasticity, less rigid muscle tone overall and in the arms, and improved fine and gross motor functioning. In addition, the massage group had improved cognition, social and dressing scores on the Developmental Profile, and they showed more positive facial expressions and less limb activity during face-to-face play interactions.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Largie, S., Diego, M., Mora, D. & Bornstein, J. (2006). Children with Down Syndrome improved in motor function and muscle tone following massage therapy. Early Child Development and Care, 176, 395-410.
•Twenty-one moderate to high functioning young children with Down syndrome receiving early intervention (physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy) were randomly assigned to also receive two 30-min massage therapy or reading sessions (control group) per week for two months. On the first and last day of the study, the children’s functioning levels were assessed using the Developmental Programming for Infants and Young Children scale, and muscle tone was assessed using a new preliminary scale (the Arms, Legs and Trunk Muscle Tone Score). Children in the massage therapy group revealed greater gains in fine and gross motor functioning and less severe limb hypotonicity when compared with the children in the reading/control group.
This is great stuff! I'm Super inspired to continue this type of research, and perhaps conduct my own intervention studies in the future. Thanks.
DeleteIn reading through the History of Massage I found myself very intrigued by the “Monk bring Massage Therapy to Japan”. The Monks, whom were studying the Buddhist ways, adopted the Chinese practices of medicine and massage therapy. The Chinese form of massage therapy was known as Mashuo , later known as Amno and Tui-na. The Chinese used pressure points to energize the body by massaging these points which would also help with blood circulation in return. After the Japanese fine-tuned these practices, Shiatsu emerged and massage therapy was taken to another level. By stimulating specific areas of the body, the Japanese learned that energy levels could be raised within the body and stabilized the way the body and all of it’s organ systems. This was a profound discovery and great for preventative care, which the Western world needs to take into their lifestyles.
ReplyDeleteI also read that many blind people in Japan around 1000 B.C.E made very good massage therapists due to their sensitivity to touch. The blind were very limited in choosing a profession, especially during this time in Japan, so when massage came about they were able to make a better living and became respected as body workers. The Japanese made many forms of bodywork but Shiatsu was the most popular and used more often than most.
Both the muscular and the circulatory systems are awakened during massage and series of techniques. “Shi”, meaning finger, and “atsu”, meaning pressure, describe how this massage form works. The practice of Shiatsu essentially nourishes the energy flow of the body and is not only good for the body but also the mind. Shiatsu was medically recognized by the Japanese in 1964, but was created by Tamai Tempaku at the start of the twentieth century.
Brown, Judy. “History of Shiatsu Massage”. Oct 12, 2013.
September 19, 2014. http://www.livestrong.com/article/90568-history-shiatsu-massage/
Braun, Mary Beth. "Introduction to Massage Therapy" Third Edition
http://books.google.com/books?id=emaaAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=massage+therapy+in+1000B.C.E&source=bl&ots=gzzEaGwZDJ&sig=VCkfXEbAEQcEaS3BcARE6LSSxmQ&hl=en&sa=X&ei=hW8cVM-rCsSqyATn6YKwBA&ved=0CEwQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=massage%20therapy%20in%201000B.C.E&f=false
This essay planted another seed of hope to continue to pursue my interest in building a practice around teaching massage therapy to the deaf and blind.
DeleteMassage is pretty amazing in general, being that the first evidence of massage was on the walls of cavemen about 18,000 years ago! And as years progressed the practiced expanded, and more people began to understand the importance of their bodily health and wellness. The ancient Egyptians in 3,000 B.C.E showed massage in their hieroglyphics and were credited for the development of reflexology and in later years started to pair massage with aromatherapy which has an abundance of healing properties alone, but together the possibilities for the improvement of wellness are endless.
ReplyDeleteIn the tomb of Ptahhotep - who reigned during the fifth dynasty – is maybe one of the earliest reference to massage and reflexology in ancient Egypt depicting Ptahhotep receiving a manicure and pedicure while having his legs massaged by servants. During the sixth dynasty, hieroglyphics show a pharaoh getting a massage at the same time that servants are preparing oils. These oils were likely to be the early preparations of essential oils used during aromatherapy and massage therapy.
These are just a few small examples of the wonderful aspects of massage therapy and its partners in healing and wellness. Massage is a great healing modality dating back thousands of years and progressing and adapting to the needs of the people, both client and practitioner, who use it.
http://www.ancientegyptonline.co.uk/massage.html
http://www.naturalhealers.com/qa/massagetherapy-history.shtml
In reading through the History of Massage time line it is amazing how energy /body work is documented as far back as 3000 BC. I am particularly interested in Reiki that is believed to date back to the 1800's. It is believed that a Japanese philosopher and educator, Dr, Mikao Usui was one of the great teachers. Born on the 15th of August 1865, he studied hard most of his life to fine tune his abilities. He believed in giving or sharing his reiki with many people and to not use it exclusively for his family members. With this thought in mind he moved to Tokyo in 1922 and established an institute where he serviced the public in giving treatments. Kind and gentle in his ways, it is understood that he practiced Reiki not only as a cure or treatment of disease but also to correct the mind. He understood the power of the mind/body connection in keeping the body healthy and creating a positive quality of life.
ReplyDeleteRand, William Lee. Reiki, The Healing touch
Copyright 2011
Brief History of Champissage
ReplyDeleteChampissage (Champi) is the Indian practice of head massage. It has been practiced in India for more than a thousand years. Originally it was practiced by the women to help keep their long hair strong and in beautiful condition. Depending on the season either coconut, sesame, olive, almond oil, buttermilk, henna or various herbal oils were used. It was often a highly individualized practice from person to person. Eventually it was integrated into the barber’s practice when they traveled to give men their haircut and shave.
While for the women it was often a very relaxing massage, the men were treated to a much more vigorous and invigorating scalp massage. It was also not to be considered a part of a man’s beauty routine. This version of Champissage was shortened to Champi, which is the Hindi word for ‘massage of the head’. This is also the same word that ‘shampoo’ was derived from.
Narendra Mehta was an Indian man who moved to England in 1973 to become a physical therapist. Growing up in India he was shocked to learn that the head was not often included in the massage practice or offered as a service by any barber. As a result when he returned to India in 1978 he began to research the origins and therapeutic value of Champissage/Champi.
Although he noticed a slight improvement in well being, the effects were to fleeting to be of any therapeutic benefit to the client. He decided that he would attempt to formalize Champi by using his heightened sensitivity to determine which part of his body reacted in during particular moves or sequences.
After his studies he came away with two conclusions:
1. Champi could benefit by including the face, neck, upper arms and shoulders.
2. By introducing Ayurvedic qualities to the practice, the body’s entire energy system could be rebalanced.
Narendra’s holistic approach to traditional Indian Champi was first officially introduced at the 1981 ‘Mind, Body and Spirit’ exhibition at Olympia, England. At this point in time it has not made much of an appearance in the US, but it has certainly begun to spread throughout the UK and other parts of Western Europe.
I tried to create the blog and publish it here, but I am not sure how. please help!
DeleteHippocrates said: “hard rubbing binds… much rubbing causes parts to waste… and moderate rubbing makes them grow.” “but assuredly in rubbing… for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid.”
ReplyDeleteAs the art of massage has evolved throughout 5000 + years of history, encompassing various religious and medical theories of health benefits, during the 1800s to the present time, massage developed a new personality, and has flourished into a highly lucrative and respected profession in America. However, it is noteworthy to mention, the medical communities, in both France and Britain, are highly responsible for the legitimacy of “Swedish Massage” in America.
Two prominent men, Per Henrik Ling, (1776 - 1839), a theologian and scholar from Sweden, and Johann Georg Mezger, (1838 - 1909), a Dutch Physician are both accredited with creating, developing, and teaching the techniques we now classify as “Swedish Massage”. In the 1850’s, two physicians from New York, Charles and George Taylor, brought this modality of healing touch to the United States.
Per Henrik Ling, known as “The Father of Physical Therapy” is the creator of the “Swedish Movement System”; sets of mechanical movements, he coined as “Medical Gymnastics”. This is the movement therapy we know as calisthenics. He personally developed, practiced , and educated his students about physiology and anatomy helping to balance the body and mind. He believed it helped the body and mind feel whole, and he, himself, experienced positive change with his own physical chronic pain and ailments. His contribution to our massage profession is paramount.
In the mid 1800s, Johann Georg Mezger, known as “The Father of Swedish Massage” and creator of the “Swedish Massage System” and his followers, built on the foundation laid by Ling. Mezger began his contributions to massage by further categorizing many of these movements and developing the five strokes incorporated into the “Swedish Massage System” we practice today. Effleurage: long strokes with an open hand, Petrisagge: kneading and lifting, Friction: Deep, firm circular motion, Tapotement: Percussion movement, and Vibration: Rapidly shaking a specific muscle. These techniques are a massage student’s foundation and among the first massage techniques students are taught in virtually every massage therapy school across the country.
In the 1940s and 50s, the massage interest declined during advancing medical technologies. Soon after, in the 60s and 70s, interest began to increase again, especially with athletes, and through the 80s, 90s and beyond, the industry has exploded into a wellness boom.
Massage as an art and science has ancient roots in Egypt, China, Greece, Rome, and India. Forms of massage have been used by natural healers at all times throughout human history. At many points throughout the past century in America, massage has been touted as a way to prevent and treat disease and people have enjoyed the benefits and sought out treatment. However, the modern gold standard for medical care is that it be evidence based, which means treatment that is grounded in and supported by scientific research, not just anecdote and personal experience.
ReplyDeleteMy interest was sparked by the way massage as a healing modality has become a topic for medical research and experimentation in the last thirty years. Tiffany Field, who founded the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami Medical School is one of the most important researchers in this area today. She and her colleagues at the TRI have studied the effects of massage and gentle touch on premature infants, autistic children, adults with Alzheimer’s disease, people suffering from fibromyalgia, aggressive adolescents, arthritis patients, post-operative cardiac patients, among many groups and have documented health benefits of massage in a vast number of cases. Less pain, less aggression, stronger hand grip, lower cortisol and perceived stress levels, and lower blood pressure are some of the positive outcomes documented by the institute.
The American Massage Therapy Association was instrumental in founding the Massage Therapy Foundation, an independent organization that not only funds research but publishes a peer reviewed journal, the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and holds annual conferences to highlight and share current research.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health funds research through the federal government. Clinical trials on massage are being carried out at hospitals and universities nationwide. A search on clinicaltrials.gov shows that 374 clinical trials on massage are or have recently been carried out.
These endeavors specify some of the biological bases of the effectiveness of the treatments provided by massage therapists and help to establish the practice as a legitimate therapy in the modern Western world.
http://blog.legitmassage.com/2012/03/19/tiffany-field-pioneer-in-the-science-of-touch/
http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/Massage.html
http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/massage-therapy/what-does-research-say-about-massage-theraphy
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~biomed/resources.htmld/guides/ebm_resources.shtml
Calvert, Robert N., The History of Massage. 2002. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont.
History of massage review.....
ReplyDeleteI was most interested in Ayurveda which originated in India over 5000 years ago. It is considered a form of alternative medicine. It is based on theories of health and illness and on ways of preventing and treating health conditions. An Ayurvedic practitioner can perform an assement which can determine an individual's balance of doshas. There are three doshas. Vata dosha is the combination of space and air, Kapa dosha is the elements of water and earth and finally the pitta dosha combines fire and water. An imbalanced dosha can interrupt the natural of a persons vital energy. An Ayurvedic treatment plan can include changing ones diet as well as cleansing and detoxification, herbal medicine, yoga, mediation and massage. Once your dosha's are balanced your are thought be healthy. I truly believe that your mind body and soul need to be in balance to be a healthy person.
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Shiatsu is a form of massage created in japan around 1912. The word "Shiatsu" is thought to have been used first by Tenpeki Tamai about the year 1900, however Tokujiro Namikoshi-sensei is credited with bringing Shiatsu to a more modern age. Tokujiro Namikoshi-senei developed the establishment of an anatomical and physiological theory of Shiatsu. In 1925 Tokujiro Namikoshi-senei opened the first Shiatsu clinic located in Hakkaido. In 1964 Ministry of Health of the Japanese National Government recognized Shiatsu as a uniquely Japanese therapeutic treatment. Shiatsu has become very popular and widely studied since then not only in japan but also across the world.
ReplyDeleteThe word “Shiatsu” is a Japanese word meaning “figure pressure”. A Shiatsu practitioner uses thumbs, fingers, and palms to press on certain points of the body called “Tsubo”. By targeting these Tsubo points the practitioner can stimulate multiple body systems including the Integumentary, Muscular, Nervous, Circulatory, Skeletal, Endocrine, and Digestive systems. Shiatsu was evolved from Anma, a style of massage brought from china by Japanese Buddhist monks studying Chinese medicine.
Unlike most forms of massage Shiatsu is performed with no table. The massage is done with the client laying on the floor. Shiatsu is different than many traditional massages that only target the muscles and physical body in that with Shiatsu the practitioner is targeting certain points to promote healthy energy flow. Energy in the form of ki, chi, qui, ect… by targeting certain points the practitioner opens energy blocks and helps bring the ki of the whole body into balance.
There are several forms of Shiatsu massage they include.
• “Tsubo Shiatsu” a form of Shiatsu using Tsubo points to induce healing. Not related to meridian points or acupuncture points.
• “Meridian Shiatsu” A form of Shiatsu using certain points on the meridians to induce healing
• “Zen (Ioh kai) Shiatsu” Another form of Shiatsu using the meridians however the practitioner uses elbows, knees, and other bony parts of the body to apply stronger pressure to the meridian points. Because of this some don’t consider this Shiatsu considering Shiatsu means figure pressure.
There are many more forms of Shiatsu that have been created by people who have studied Shiatsu and have grown their own theories and practices.
References
http://www.shiatsupractor.org/aboutshiatsu.html
http://www.shiatsusociety.org/treatments/about-shiatsu
I am most interested in the acient practice of Ayurveda. I think that it is so important to be mindful of our thoughts, actions, and lifestyle, as it is creating the world around us. I believe that our experiences are manifestations of thought. We are creating our relatity with each thought and they way we approach this experience called life.
ReplyDeleteAyurveda teaches that we manifest disease and injury through our own imbalancements. We create these issues, so we can also treat these issues by addressing our five senses. We are taught that we are all connected. We can prevent and treat issues by changing our relationship with the one thing to affect the harmony of the whole. Humans have the power to hurt and to heal. Through Ayurveda, we learn to create a system of wellness synergy!
The history of massage dates back thousands of years and to many different regions and cultures. I found myself being very intrigued with the Egyptian approach to holistic health and massage. Dating back to 3000-2500 BCE the presence of massage can be seen depicted in drawings and pictures on temple walls. The importance of Reflexology and Aromatherapy was a part of the daily habits of all Eygptians.
ReplyDeleteEarly references of Reflexology can be seen depicted on the tomb of Ptahotep. Pictures of him getting his feet and legs rubbed by his servants are detailed on the temple walls. This is considered the first record of reflexology and possibly the first Mani/Pedi! The Egyptians believed in ridding the body of stuck toxins. By applying pressure to certain meridian points in the hand and especially the foot. You could aid the body in eliminating the blockage and stimulate better circulation. The Egyptians new the importance of massage, and its many beneficial forms. Not only for relaxation, but to speed up recovery, and aide in overall wellbeing.
Egyptians are also credited in being the first culture to extract flower essence to incorporate with essential oils and perfumes. They believed pleasant smells brought on good fortune and health, while foul smells were attributed to sickness and death. The use of Aromatherapy can be seen in the use of perfumes, the burning of incense and the daily use of scented oils. All sexes and classes of wealth used essential oils. Essential oils were commonly used as wages for the lower class Egyptians. Not seen as a luxury but a basic human necessity. These oils were rubbed on daily to help with skincare and to keep the body smelling as holy as possible. They also were added to massages to help with circulation and purify wounds and aide with detoxification.
It does seem the Egyptian practice of Aromatherapy and Reflexology massage is coming back into vogue. We see essential oils and natural flower essence replacing chemicals in a lot of beauty products. The use of pressure points in hands and feet to combat stress and tension instead of the use pills. It seems the adage is right “All that’s old is New again”.
The Egyptians were remarkable in so many ways. I learned that they had a system of acupuncture and for chemotherapy.
DeleteI really enjoyed reading the many student essays posted over the past six years for “Module 1 : History of Massage Assignment”. Such fascinating details and insight to support the rich history of massage, bodywork therapies!
ReplyDeleteI have gained so much insight and respect for this truly remarkable, multicultural, therapeutic system of healing. It is evident in this body of research, that massage therapy stands the test of time!
Reading over student research essays greatly supplemental our PowerPoint and pdf material regarding the history of massage. It is an optional exercise, but well worth the time.
Subsequently, I had difficulty deciding my topic of research. There were many areas that I had been curious about: Rolfing, Trigger Points, Greek History of Massage, Galen’s work, Egyptian History of massage and acupuncture, use of Massage during WWI to present work for soldiers suffering from PTSD, History of Massage in the United States,etc.
I decided that I’d like to write about something that hadn’t been covered. I thought that in this way I could contribute to the collective whole, of student research postings… adding a little variety.
While I read over student essays I found myself researching Galen and found a very interesting guide to massage oils, which referenced the four humors (a system developed by Hypocraties).
I also had this interest in the “Laying of the Hands” as I had been impressed by the mention of Jesus’ work in our Reki workshop with Bill Kelly.
So I decided to write two essays…. I tried to keep them brief.
In 130 A.D Claudius Galenus was born into a household of wealth, and culture of learning and medicine. Pergamum, the location of his birth, was an old city along the Aegean Coast. Today this area is to the north and west of the modern city Bergama in Turkey.
ReplyDeletePergamum had an Asclepium, or a temple of healing. People with health troubles could bathe in the water of the sacred spring. Later, in their dreams, Asclepius, the god of healing, would appear as a vision and explain their remedial path. Archaeologists have found evidence of gifts and dedications that patients made, such as small terracotta body parts.
Galen’s father, an architect, had a dream in which Asclepius appeared and told him to let Galen study medicine. Young Galen was brilliant and had been receiving the best tutors in all arts and sciences. After the dream his father sent him to the Asclepium to train with the elder priests.
Galen received medical training first in Smyrna. He finished his study in Alexandria. Afterwards, he worked as a physician and surgeon to the Gladiators in Pergamum where he soon developed considerable skills in anatomy and surgery.
Galen worked later in Rome, where he became Marcus Aurelius’s personal physician.
It is said that Galen was a master of medical philosophy. He was known for his contribution Greek Medicine in his theories of the three pneuma, or viatal energy, and the four faculties of the organism. He also developed and expanded upon Hippocrates humeral physiology and pathology.
In his treatise on Hygiene Galen discusses how to blend massage oils based on humeral physiology. Galen preferred olive oil as a base, as he believed it was balanced in temperament. He preferred “Sweet Oil, or Sabine Oil” from the region of Sabine Italy, since it had no traces of harsh, bitter or astringent qualities.
Here are the other oils that he explained; due to their special qualities they could be suitable for those of different temperaments and conditions:
“ Castor: A very thick, unctuous, heavy oil, slightly heating. Great at dispersing obstructions, congestion, plethora, and at drawing out pus and purulent toxins. Excessive use can aggravate heat and choler. Very penetrating.
Coconut: A rich, thick, heavy, cooling oil that nourishes the Phlegmatic humor and cherishes the inherent moisture of the organism. An excellent moisturizer indicated for all dry conditions. Contraindicated for Phlegmatic.
Grapeseed: A very light, subtle, penetrating oil. Great for Phlegmatic and Sanguine types, and conditions of phlegm and dampness. Not favorable for Melancholic, who need a heavier, more grounding oil.
Sesame: The base oil of preference for Melancholic. Rich, heavy, soothing, warming and unctuous.
Sunflower: The most cooling oil. Best for Choleric. Contraindicated for Phlegmatic, or those suffering from conditions of coldness and phlegm.” (http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html)
Side notes on the four temperaments:
ReplyDelete• Sanguine: associated with air. People of this temperament tend to be lively, sociable, carefree, talkative, and pleasure-seeking. The are warm hearted and optimistic as well as flighty and changeable. They struggle with following tasks and can be chronically late or forgetful.
• Choleric: associated with fire. These people tend to be egocentric, extroverted, excitable, impulsive, and restless, with reserves of aggression. They are task oriented and focused on efficiency. They are ambitious, strong-willed and like to be in positions of power.
• Melancholic: associated with the earth element. These people are serious, introverted, cautious and even suspicious. They can get caught up with the cruel and tragic events in the world. They are susceptible to depression and moodiness, but they are focused and conscientious. They like to do things themselves, as they are not overly sociable.
• Phlegmatic: associated with the element water. These people are introverted and private. These are thoughtful, reasonable, calm and patient people who are known to be caring and tolerant of others. These people seek quiet and peaceful settings. They have a rich inner life and are content with themselves. They are steadfast, faithful friends. People of this temperament may appear somewhat clumsy, or their speech could be slow or appear hesitant.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_temperaments)
Galen also believed in “medicating” oils for those suffering of toxicity or humeral aggravations.
Fresh fir tree (abies picea) cones were mashed and soaked olive oil in a “stopped” jar for forty days in dark warm place. Poplar tree (populus nigra) buds were mashed and their oil was extracted in a similar way.
Galen believed that the essence of fir cones and popular were good for those whose flesh was congested by excess phlegmatic fluids such as lymph and dampness. Also, this essence opened pores and promoted sweating. The essence of fir opens up the lungs, chest and respiratory passageways. It is also know to relieve rheumatism and muscular aches and paints as well as for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It also stimulates the circulation and the metabolism.
These medicated oils were made in a ration of one tablespoon of the essential oil to one cup of base oil and thickened with beeswax in a ration of five parts oil to one part wax. A terebinth, or natural turpentine could be added to oils as a muscle relaxant.
This method of prescribing certain oils based on a person’s humeral qualities reminded me of Ayurveda. According to Wikipedia, humorism was adopted by the Indian Ayurveda system of medicine and, “humoral theory was adopted by Greek, Roman and Persian physicians, and became the most commonly held view of the human body among European physicians until the advent of modern medical research in the nineteenth century.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humorism)
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pergamon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepius
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_temperaments
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humorism
http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html
http://www.greekmedicine.net/whos_who/Galen.html
Laying on of the Hands.
ReplyDeleteThe laying on of hands is a religious ritual practiced in Christian churches during baptisms, conformations, healing services, blessings, and ordination. Those having the proper authority placed their hands upon the head of the person receiving the healing or ordinance.
Priesthood holders, usually male, bestowed the gift of the Holy Spirit. The idea was that they were not sending the healing, but they were the instruments through which their god sent the healing.
This is a little different from Reiki, in that the person administering the Reiki healing is sending the energy.
The Reiki practitioner can be certified, and so has the proper authority to administer healing. In Luke 9:1-2 Jesus gave his twelve disciples power to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.
William Lee Rand wrote, “Similarities between the healings of Jesus and Reiki” for Reiki.org Mr. Rand identifies one of the similarities between what Jesus practiced and modern-day Reiki is that Jesus had the ability to pass on the power to heal.
Another important correlation Rand mentions between Jesus’ healing and Reiki is that the healing Jesus did wasn’t dependent on faith. So despite the fact that the people being healed didn’t believe in his faith, Jesus was still able to heal them. Mark 6:5-6 states: "He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith." This is also true with Reiki as it does not require a faith to work on those receiving the treatment.
Jesus laid hands on people before healing them. Some of the healings were practiced without applying his hands. The healings Jesus was said to have preformed included the following conditions: paralysis, lameness, fever, catalepsy, hemorrhage, skin disease, mental disorders, spirit possession, deafness and blindness. (http://www.reiki.org/reikinews/reikin16.html)
The New Testament also mentions anointing with oil. In one case, Jesus sends twelve of his disciples on a mission, and they “anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.” (Mark 6:13) In biblical times oil was a healing agent (Luke 10:34). Later, early Christians suggested that anointing was symbolic of god’s healing power.
In the Jewish tradition, laying on of hands is also practiced in a blessing or ordination. Moses ordained Joshua through semikhah i.e. by the laying on of the hands: Num 27:15-23, Deut 34:9. Moses also ordained the 70 elders (Num 11:16-25) who later ordained their successors in this way. This hands on ordination continued.
The laying on of hands was also referred to the “royal touch” and performed by Kings of England and France. It was believed that the royal touch could cure King’s Evil or scrofula (Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis).
Jesus was said to perform miracles. In the New Testament, Luke 4:40 states: "When the Sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hand on each one, he healed them."
One Greek physician and masseur Asclepiades (124 - 40 B.C.E famously brought a seemingly dead man, in his coffin and on his way to burial, back to life with nothing more than what was described as "several minutes of manipulation". (http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html)
Today Pope Francis practices laying on of the hands.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laying_on_of_hands
https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Library.sr/CT/BQA/k/52/What-Is-Laying-on-of-Hands-Hebrews-62.htm
http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/gendoct_12_sick.cfm
https://www.lds.org/topics/laying-on-of-hands?lang=eng
http://www.reiki.org/reikinews/reikin16.html
I decided to write a brief history on Aromatherapy as I enjoy sweet, lovely fragrances and consider the use of essential oils almost like ingesting (through the skin) liquid sunshine!
ReplyDeleteAromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants for healing. Even though the name aroma implies inhaling or breathing in, the oils are most commonly used for massaging directly into the skin. Albeit there is benefit from their scents, as well.
Essential oil come from roots, seeds, leaves or plant blossoms and are made into concentrated extracts 1. Each extract has its own mix of active ingredients which determines what the oil is used for. Some oils are used to promote physical healing such as reducing inflammation or treatment of fungal infections. Others are used for emotional healing as they may enhance or encourage relaxation or make the room smell pleasant and refreshing 1.
Aromatic oils and resins have been used for thousands of years by several different cultures. According to Egyptian culture some oils and resins were burned to keep away evil spirits and for ritualistic practices. Some cultures, dating back to the middle ages, used aromatic herbs to keep pests away and discourage disease, but mostly they were used for their healing effects on the mind and body 2.
Embalming in ancient Egypt was one of the principal uses of aromatherapy, preserving the fabric used for mummification. Very powerful oils and resins were used for this process, thereby preserving bodies for thousands of years! 3
Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine (4 century)also believed in the healing power of plants for health. He believed a doctor should try to discover natural causes for disease by carefully observing a patient, and making a judgment or 'diagnoses' after consideration of the symptoms 3 Hippocrates also believed the way to good health is to have an aromatic bath and soothing massage everyday. I concur!
Distillation of essential oils is credited to the Persians in the 10th century, although there appears to be evidence of distillation long before by other ancient cultures 2
By the 16th century printed books were written which contributed to a new era of progress and knowledge. A German physician named Hieronymous Braunschweig wrote several books on essential oil distillation. In 1957 he referenced 25 essential oils which included, among many: nutmeg, myrrh, clove, cinnamon, lavender and rosemary.
In 1910, a man name Rene -Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, discovered the healing properties of lavender oil after severely burning his hands in a laboratory explosion. He later utilized the healing powers of essential oils during the care of soldiers in military hospitals during WWI. It was Gattefosse who coined the term 'aromatherapie' with the 1937 publication of his book, by the same name "Aromatherapy".
In 1993 his book was translated into English and titled Gattefosse's Aromatherapy 2
Other trailblazers of the 20th century in the field of aromatherapy and its benefits include Jean Valnet who used essential oils for wounded soldiers during wartime, and his book The Practice of Aromatherapy; Robert B. Tisserand, an English aromatherapist who introduced his (1977) book The Art of Aromatherapy, to English speaking countries; and Austrian Madam Marguerite Maury, a biochemist who actively studied, practiced and taught the use of aromatherapy primarily for cosmetic benefit.
It is interesting to note there is a growing interest in the use and benefits of more natural products, including essential oils, as people become more aware of the healthful benefits of natural health vs the scientific approach to wellness.
Couldn't fit all of my article the first try! Limited character space!
ReplyDeleteHere's the rest:
Points to Keep in Mind when working with Essential Oils:
Use only genuine 100% Essential Oils (avoid synthetic fragrance oils)
Be aware of individual allergies/sensitivities
Use diluted in a carrier, such as lotion, vegetable oil
Photo-sensitive Essential Oils: lemon, lime, bitter orange, angelica root
Skin Irritation: apply vegetable oil to wick oils from skin. Oils high in phenols, such as cinnamon, can irritate the skin.
Essential Oils are highly volatile and flammable! Do not use near flame!
To find a qualified aromatherapist in your area, contact the National Association of Holistic Therapy at www.naha.org
References:
1 http://umm.edu/health/medical.altmed/treatment/aromatherapy
2 https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/aromatherapy/brief-history...
3 http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/history.asp
4 http://quinessence.com/history_of_aromatherapy.htm
Massage in Ancient Egypt seemed like a pivotal time in the development of massage where multiple sensory and physical elements combined. The Ancient Egyptians were also one of the earliest cultures to document their practices in writing and tomb drawings. The Tomb of Akmanthor depicted men massaging and kneading feet and hands; this tomb was also known as the tomb of the physician, which conveys that Ancient Egyptians help massage in high esteem for its healing benefits. Reflexology was purportedly developed by the Ancient Egyptians; instead of focusing on full body massages, they focused on the flow of energy within the body. By using sensitive touch, trained hands were able to feel energy imbalances in the body and apply pressure at these points, they were able to restore the natural flow of energy (KA) within the body. In Ancient Egypt, massages treated the whole person, not just the symptoms of illnesses or pain, much like Ayurvedic massages. Ancient Egyptians also incorporated healing color therapies, aromatherapy, and the use of spice for healing properties. Ancient Egyptians were one of the first cultures to document the use of essential oils and categorize their healing properties. Massage in Ancient Egypt started out being provided solely for the upper class, specifically the pharaoh. In future dynasties, soldiers are depicted receiving foot kneading after a long march during the battle of Kadesh. The development of massage therapy, energy pathways, and essential oils and colors in Ancient Egypt directly influenced the emergence of massage in Greek and Roman cultures, where massage focused more on athletes. Ancient Egyptian massage therapy provided us with a deep understanding of the universal life force energy and how to access it within the body to keep it flowing evenly. It also aided in the development of how we understand and implement essential oils and colors to provide healing and relaxation.
ReplyDeleteReferences:
http://ancientegyptianhealingcolormassage.blogspot.com/2009/08/ancient-egyptian-energy-healing-color_560.html
http://svmassagetherapy.com/blog/2015/08/15/ancient-egyptians-massage/
http://www.acumassage1.com/the-history-of-massage-therapy-in-ancient-civilizations/
A Form Of Massage Emerges In India
ReplyDeleteI decided to focus in on India sometime between 1500 and 500 BCE. I specifically will focus on the Ayurveda medical system, as I am fascinated with this healing system. My yoga teacher training took place at an Ayurveda retreat center so I was able to get pretty familiar with some of the treatments offered and how they work to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. It’s amazing to hear the transformative stories that are shared by Ayurvedic practitioners and their clients. It’s no wonder it’s still part of India’s traditional health care system.(2)
What I think I find most interesting about the Ayurvedic system is its truly holistic approach. It really is a complete healing system. It really takes a look at everything from the food you eat, your daily habits, down to the dryness of your skin. I just feel like there is no system like it. I know the answers to our problems aren’t always that simple, but the system offers different modalities to bring you back into balance. So it’s really not a 1 thing fixes all, but more of a well thought out plan for peace.
Centuries ago great rishis and seers, in ancient India, began to understand creation on a deeper level through their spiritual practice. (3) Wise sages and seers then passed down the wonderful and powerful information to their apprentices by word of mouth (1). Eventually, all the wisdom of Ayurveda was compiled into spiritual texts, recorded in Sanskrit, known as the Vedas of Knowledge. (3) The system has stood true to its core principles over centuries. Today, both easterners and westerners, can find many schools to further their studies and pass along this age old gift.
There are several key concepts of this system. One of the key concepts is universal connectedness. What they mean by this, is that you are connected among people, your health and the universe (2). Another key concept is your body’s constitution which relates to your general physical and emotional qualities from point of birth (1). This is also called your prakritti. The 3rd key concept is your life force, also known as, doshas. Doshas are “three energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity.” (1) These concepts are all taken into consideration by an Ayurvedic practitioner, who then prescribes a specific plan for the individual. The plan may include yoga, massage, herbal remedies, change of diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and/or rest. (2) In general, the Ayurvedic system believes that in order to be healthy and in full balance, harmony must exist between your thoughts, feelings, and action. (3)
Overall this system of healing has benefited hundreds, thousands, millions of people dating back 5,000 years to today. It continues to help prevent and restore health concerns for easterners and westerners alike. I recommend to everyone that is willing & able to find an Ayurveda practitioner near them. You may be surprised as to what insight they can offer you. It may be just the slightest lifestyle change that could alter your everyday.
(1) https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/learning-ayurveda/intro-to-ayurveda/
(2) https://nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm
(3) http://www.healthandhealingny.org/tradition_healing/ayurveda-history.html
Chinese Medicine & Amna, Japanese Massage
ReplyDeleteAnma, traditional Japanese massage, is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine is between 4,000 & 10,000 years old. It is preventative and is based on balancing the mind and body (heaven and earth) and living in harmony with nature. The healing arts focus on jin ki, the human ki energy. It is holistic and focuses on balancing all the systems of the body, with the understanding that health is always shifting in and out of balance. Balance can be restored using acupressure or acupuncture to the tsubo (acupoints) clearing the energy blocks along the meridian (energy channels) throughout the body.
Treatment methods have been recorded and tested for 3,000 years. The “Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine” of which only 18 volumes remain & are the oldest medical texts in the world (Han Dynasty, 221 B.C.E.-C.E. 264) and includes texts on acupuncture, herbal medicine, sexual practices and exercise.
In C.E. 562, Chinese Monk & Physician, Chi So brought 160 medical texts to Japan, thus began the Japanese medical education system for the study of acupuncture and other healing modalities.
The oldest Japanese medical texts, I Shin Bo, were published in C.E. 984 included anma, acupuncture, moxabustion and 658 tsubo (acupoints). Acupuncture's history goes back 5,000 years. Until needle insertion began 2,000 years ago, stones and other sharp objects were used to stimulate tsubo to balance the ki energy in the body. “An anma degree or a degree as a medical incantation therapist (ju gon shi) required three years of study (p. 10).”
Works Cited:
Hess, Mark, & Shogo Mochizuki. Japanese Hot Stone Massage. Kotobuki Publications. 2002.
I decided to research ancient Greek and Roman massage history.
ReplyDeleteIn ancient Rome, medical professions were not held in a very high regard, as medical licensing was not required until 200BC. Many wealthy Romans had slaves which played the role of masseur and medic. Many of these slaves were actually Greek physicians, who once freed became doctors.
Massage was also believed to be a vital part of exorcise and fitness. Athletes would (and still do) implemented massage as both a warm up to exercise and to cool down and relax the muscles afterwards. It was believed that a healthy balance of exorcise, diet, and massage would deliver the best physical results for training athletes.
It is also believed that the origin of the modern day spa was born in ancient Greece in bath houses, where people would soak in hot springs, then massaged with oil. It was commonly believed that the hot springs were blessed by Gods and could cure disease. This was a luxury for the wealthy within their own homes, then branched out to other members of the community at public bath houses.
Works Cited:
Greekmedicine.net/therapies/massage.and.bodywork.html
crystalink.com/romemedicine.html
I think the massage prior to and immediately after makes so much sense for sporting activities and wish it was more mainstream.
DeleteFor my time period of interest, I chose India’s Ayurvedic era in 1800 BC. I chose this time period as it closely relates to yoga and its idea of cleansing the mind to cleanse the body. In an abstract titled The History of Massage in the Ways of Life and Healing in India, Hentschel and Schneider explore the relationship between massage and health in the days of the first Indo-Aryan settlements. Not only was massage used regularly to promote healing, but it was also used in conjunction with other medical therapies available. Warmed oils were used for massage, as well as other materials that would work with the patient’s body in healing. The massage techniques used in Ayurvedic practice are important, as they have been passed down both orally and written throughout history as an “ancient experience” and are specifically used to treat certain illnesses. It is not a one-size-fits-all sort of massage.
ReplyDeleteOn a website dedicated to “Traditional and Indigenous Healing Systems,” Ayurveda is linked to an understanding of creation through meditation and other practices. As mentioned previously, Ayurveda was first passed down orally to each student from their teacher, then into Sanskrit. Ayurveda influenced the health care practice all over the world, beginning with Chinese scholars and eventually coming around to the west. The Ayurveda principle focuses on health within the body, through a body, mind, senses, and spirit connection. To achieve this, there must be harmony with the bodily systems, in addition to within the person’s environment. All creation must interact with each other and to do this, a harmony must be attained in order to sustain life. Each being contains three energies: vata, pitta, and kapha, which relates to dynamic and nonmaterial aspect of nature, the intelligent aspect, and the physical aspect, respectively. These can all be expressed physically in the body. Imbalances can occur when the energies get shifted within the body. The three energy groups, while present in each being, have different balances that they are born or created with. This directly corresponds with people reacting the same situation dramatically differently. The DNA a being is created with is constantly in flux with the experiences life is throwing at them. Having an awareness of Ayurveda and how it relates intimately with oneself is important for harmony within.
The interesting part of India’s Ayurvedic time period, is the way in which the practitioners connected healing with more than just touch, but rather an experience involving aromatherapy, music, and additional bodywork, as well as diet and meditation. Ayurveda is still practiced today, by taking into consideration the whole person, and not just symptoms presented.
Works Cited
Hentschel HD, Schneider J. “The History of Massage in the Ways of Life and Healing in India.” Wurzbg Medizinhist Mitt. 2004;23:179-203.
www.healthandhealingny.org/tradition_healing/ayurveda-history.html
I did research on modern massage in the 21st century. What I find fascinating is that massage therapy is continually evolving. Massage has long been considered part of a complementary and alternative medicine. But today Doctors, chiropractors, physical rehabilitation centers and hospitals are increasingly offering massage and bodywork therapy. We might not be Doctors or Scientists trying to cure illnesses, but we are part of a modern day class that is part of helping to heal clients & patients. It's part of the current medical solution to injuries, illnesses, and physical pain. Study has consistently shown that patients have improved through the healing touch of massage.
ReplyDeleteHealthy benefits of massage;
*Boosts the immune system and promotes good health
*Reduces anxiety and depression by promoting relaxation and emotional well-being
*Alleviates or reduces pain and stiffness
*Helps with blood pressure which reduces risk for heart attack and stroke
*Improves circulation which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to cells, benefiting heart, muscles and vital organs
*Stimulates lymphatic system which "cleanses" cellular waste materials and can result in increased energy
*Decreases inflammation by activating genes that naturally reduce swelling
Contemporary Massage in the West, Samantha Stone
ReplyDeleteThe evolution of contemporary massage in the 19th and 20th centuries in Europe and the United States interests me as it so clearly demonstrates the co-dependency between massage and its socio-cultural environment.
For literally thousands of years—it would seem since the beginning of human kind—massage has existed as a form of healing. However, in the 19th century in the west, there were shifts in its practice, education and how it was received. In the West, massage practices were met with skepticism and it was only through the “discoveries” of classically educated, white men that massage as a practice could advance in the West. Simultaneously, however, the commercialization (another intrinsic attribute of western civilization) of massage threatened its credibility as “massage parlors” began to crop up.
In the 19th Century, Per Henrik Ling of Sweden developed Swedish Gymnastics. He was not a medical doctor, but a teacher and a writer (poetry and plays), who enjoyed fencing and had developed elbow pain as a result of it. Motivated to relieve his own pain, he studied anatomy and physiology and observed how athletes utilized their bodies. Soon after Ling, Dr. Johan Georg Mezger of Belgium identified and named some classic massage strokes and differentiated them from Ling’s gymnastics. Dr. Emil Kleen of Sweden studied the effects of certain massage strokes on the lymph system. He also, according to Introduction to Massage, 2nd Edition, “discouraged laypersons from practicing massage because of its medical implications.” (p12) In the United States, Dr. George Taylor founded the Remedial Hygienic Institute in the late 19th Century, which taught holistic health that included diet, exercise and massage.
At around this same time in Britain, however, fraudulent massage schools were cropping up, recruiting and training young women in massage and turning them out into the “profession” with little or no skills. Some of these led to the “massage parlor” we think of today, which were little more than brothels. This led to the de-legitimization of the practice of massage. The Society of Trained Masseuses was formed in 1894, partly in response to this and as an effort to “legitimize” massage.
What I find most fascinating about this period is the juxtaposition of these two opposing trends. On the one hand, we see the medicalization (and “westernization”) of a practice that had been around and evolving for thousands of years, yet newly discovered in the west, which elevates the legitimacy of this practice in the mind of mainstream western culture. On the other hand, the commercialization (which led to the sexualization) of this practice threatened and severely damaged its hard-won credibility. The massage therapist associations, schooling and subsequent licensing practices that ultimately resulted must therefore have two goals: that of properly training future massage therapists, while also constantly defending and demonstrating the credibility of massage therapy as a serious and beneficial practice. Similar to naturopathy, midwifery, acupuncture, etc. massage therapy is an “alternative” healing practice. As such, its practitioners must all engage in the same fight to varying degrees: to be recognized as legitimate by the medical profession, to be accepted by insurance, to make believers of the general population. In addition to this, massage therapists face all those hurdles, while also pushing back on the “massage parlor” image.
Reflexology 1900s-Britney O’Donnell
ReplyDeleteSome of the earliest known references to reflexology date back to Egypt in 2500 BC when inscriptions were found in the “physician's tomb” of Ankmahor. Some would even argue that hand and foot reflexology can be traced as far back as 4000 BC in China. However it wouldn’t be until the early 1900s through the work of Dr. William Fitzgerald that Reflexology would be rediscovered in the modern world. His belief that pressure applied to corresponding areas of an injury would not only relieve pain but in many cases relieve the underlying issue as well. This work was called Zone Analgesia or Zone Therapy as it is often referred to. With the help of Dr. Shelby Riley they further researched the theory and published work to the belief that the body was split into 10 longitudinal lines, each toe defining a zone that went up through the body. They believed that by working one zone in the foot you would be working all areas in that corresponding zone. These findings and publishings were further researched by Eunice Ingham who would go on to develop foot reflex theory in the 1930s. Her findings were based on the Zone Therapy but would go a step further to show that it wasn’t necessarily a specific zone designated by the toes but rather that the organs and glands of the body corresponded with reflex points on the feet. She discovered that reflexes on the feet are mirror images to organs, glands and parts of the body and went on to map the reflexes according to the anatomical model. Her foot map has become the basis of many of the foot maps used today in modern Reflexology.
While I think Dr Fitzgerald deserves much credit for his findings I believe had it not been for the further work of Eunice Ingham we would not be as knowledgeable about the practice of reflexology and she deserves to be recognized for that advancement of our education today.
www.reflexology-usa.net/history.htm
www.completereflexology.com/the-history-of-reflexology/
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis is very interesting! I too was doing some research on reflexology and was fascinated by the foot map, I studied ones on the hands and even the ears as well!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSarah O’Donnell
ReplyDeleteAromatherapy
Little is known of the origins of aromatherapy, but there is scattered evidence throughout history that hint to the early knowledge of it. Egyptians typically used extracted oils such as cinnamon and clove, to embalm their deceased, they had created one of the first know distillation mechanism. Within Greek mythology there was said to be gods who were gifted the knowledge of scents or fragrances, among them there was also a man who practiced medicine that was said to use aromas for their healing effects. The Chinese had also hinted to the use of aroma for healing. The term ‘aromatherapy’ wasn’t used until the year 1937 when a chemist by the name of Rene-Maurice Gattefosse suffered a burn from 1910, he experimented with lavender essential oil to help his burn, which by his surprise had very beneficial healing effects. Rene then took this knowledge and shared it with soldiers to help heal their wounds during world war II. In more recent events one of the first books in english was written in 1977 about the basic fundamentals of aromatherapy, since then there has been a constant growth of personal diffusers, or aromatherapy inhalable pens, such as the MONQ pen. Each scent encourages a specific effect within our bodies. Lavender is calming, assists in wound healing, and helps to reduce pain, along with many other benefits. Tea Tree essential oil is well known for its antimicrobial properties and its anti inflammatory benefits. Cinnamon aids in blood circulation, brain functionality, and is an antioxidant. You can typically customize your oils by combining different scents to create specific beneficial effects. The combinations are endless and the effects are fantastic!
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ReplyDelete