Massage is an instinctive human response that when we
bump ourselves that we rub it and the 'ouch' soon goes
away. This basic instinct
has been slowly developed over
the countless generations into a sophisticated
healing art
and science.
Professional therapeutic massage is an age-old
healing art, which can alleviate physical, mental and
emotional ailments. The
practice dates to the Chinese in
3000 BC. Other references in the bible refer to
anointing
the body with oil. In 460 BC, Hypocrites prescribed it as a beneficial
treatment for his patients.
In one form or
another, it developed in all
the nations of the old World.
Hippocrates, who is considered a father of
medicine, said
that all physicians should have experience of the techniques of
rubbing, It is recognised that rubbing can bind a joint
that is too loose and
loosen a joint that is too rigid.
Furthermore, rubbing can make the flesh and
cause parts to
waste, it is these latter beliefs that are so important for those
concerned with figure improvement. In 1813, the Royal
Central Institute was
established in Stockholm, Sweden,
and here the known massage movements were
studied
scientifically and systematised. This was the most important single
development in the field in modern times and it is because
of this that remedial
massage is often called
"Swedish".
DEFINITION OF
MASSAGE
Massage is a scientific
method of manipulating
the soft tissues of the body to
have specific effect. Its objective is the
restoration of
function, release of tension and the re-establishment of the
contours where this is desirable.
Massage Therapy is:
Information Supplied by the New Zealand Health Network.