Massage is possibly the earliest form of healing care widely practised in the East but developed in some form in all cultures. The earliest document originated from China. The first Chinese medical text penned under a mythical author 'The Yellow Emperor, the title Huang-tei nei ching' dated at around 2,700 BC, documented the use of massage as beneficial. Massage in its earliest forms was practised by the Shaman or village healer through all cultures, generally the art was passed down through family generations. Chinese massage Amma is termed the grandparent of massage therapy.
By the 6th Century the Japanese were using massage similar to Amma, but called it Shiatsu, focusing on energy points called Tsubo. Other Asian cultures including India developed their own forms of massage. The Hindu's practiced Ayur-Veda focusing on the meaning of life, prevention and treatment. The Eastern cultures practised massage to a holistic framework, based on consideration of the whole person treating, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the person. Treatment may have included the use of herbal remedies, calling on spirits energy work focusing on meridians or pressure points (Acupressure), each area having different purposes related to the body or emotional/spiritual needs of the body.
The West began to understand the benefits of massage therapy during the 6th and 7th Centuries. Western massage developed by an increasing knowledge of anatomy and physiology- the mechanics of the human body focusing on the problem or symptom and the treating that in isolation. In direct comparison to the Eastern model of holistic care.
Western massage continued to be developed throughout the period of Greek and Roman dominance.
Key Figures of this time:
Hippocrates of Cos 460-375 BC
Known as father of Western medicine. Hippocrates followed the ideas of techne latrich or healing science. He emphasised the care of individual and the premise of causing no additional harm. He promoted the use of massage as a therapeutic tool in his essay on joints, therefore legitimising its use to the medical fraternity of the time.
Galen of Pergamon 130-200 BC
Follower of Hippocrates, a Roman physician. Pergamon increased knowledge of anatomy and medicine. He identified the benefits of exercise, baths and massage treatment which were documented in Sanitate Tuenda.
In the Middle Ages the collapse of the Roman empire and decline of intellectualised civilisation saw massage practice decline and become associated with paganism and witchcraft. Traditional healers and often midwives practised massage therapy but were persecuted by the churches for this.
During the period called The European Renaissance and Enlightenment 14-16th century massage as a therapeutic treatment remerged with classical Greek and Roman medical text and beliefs revisited, along with an increase in medical knowledge. Andreas Vesalius published De Humani Corpus Fabrica (1543) a modern anatomy book for that period.. Girolamo Mercuriale (1530-1606) wrote the first sports medicine recognising the benefits of massage in a sporting (gymnastics) context in his book-De Arte Gymnastica. The benefits of massage associated with spa therapies and rehabilitation was recognised by the scholar and physician Timothy Bright (1551-1615) who published his medical work and taught his ideas to students at Cambridge university. This period of rebirth changed the views of the medical world to include massage as a legitimate form of treatment in all areas of health.
The 19th century brought the Modern era and massage development was significantly influenced by several key people including;
Pehr Henrik Ling (1776-1839)
Ling a Swedish physiologist and gymnastic instructor developed a school of gymnastics. Ling's system of teaching gymnastics was based on 3 primary movements with an associated treatment programme which developed massage techniques and strokes. He became known as the 'father of Swedish massage.' But was criticised because his findings were based on gymnastics and he was not a physician.
Joahann Metzger 1817-1893
Promoted massage by medical and scientific knowledge increasing its therapeutic use within the medical profession, particular in the area of rehabilitation. Named massage strokes- effleurage tapotment.
Kellogg John Harvey 1852-1943
Popularised the benefits of massage and spa therapies in America through his work at Battle Creek Sanatorium and publishing a health magazine 'Good Health'. Kellogg criticised rubbing down rather than up- promoting discussion on this.
Contemporary massage
Contemporary massage has developed through the 20th Century with advances in areas of orthopaedic, neuro-muscular and lymphatic drainage.
Key individuals involved have been:
Janet Travell 1901-1997
Recognised that muscles have memory and can stay contracted for long periods as a rigid knot found in muscle, tendons, fascia, ligaments and periosteun. Developed technique of release of these triggers points called Trigger Therapy.
Emil Vodder 1896-1986
Developed massage technique focusing on the lymphatic system. Using light repetitive strokes to a specific area encourages the movement of lymphatic fluid to lymph nodes for drainage filtration and elimination.
James Cyriax 1904-1985
'Father of orthopaedic medicine'. Advocate the use of deep tissue massage using cross-fibre technique without the use of lubricant in treatment of soft tissue injuries and pain.
Maori massage compared to Western massage
Maori massage is based on the whole person treating mind body and spirit that incorporates massage, manipulation, herbal medicine and counselling. It is often passed on through generations in a family Miri miri is a process that works on all four dimensions of the person. Their physical, spiritual, family and mental health. Romi Romi is deep tissue massage using elbows, feet, raakau (stick or wood), kohatu/toka (stones), moana(sea water).
Western massage is a physiological and anatomical ,science base form of massage.
As our knowledge of the human body has evolved through the centuries how we use massage has also grown with that knowledge. Starting with the body and limiting treatment to that. Then progressing to a belief that our mind can influence our body, our environment we live in socially also influences our health. So we are more ready to embrace the framework of the eastern traditions of holistic care and meld them with the scientific western base.
Mind-Body-Soul:
I have seen while working in palliative care how important it is to treat the 'whole person'. For example, in trying to achieve good pain control the medication is not as effective as Dr's had expected-until the patients 'total pain' has been addressed, pain control is not effective. This is usually an emotional or spiritual issue once this has been resolved or at least discussion or recognition of the problem identified pain relief can remain ineffectual. The human body is a most amazing, strong being. Our minds can overcome the shortcomings or problems our bodies encounter to a certain extent. Touch affects not only our physical self but can have positive and negative effects on our minds and spirit. It can frighten us or calm us. A touch can convey love, care, empathy, faith and can not be verified in a scientific way. Massage has a place in all therapeutic settings and I believe we affect our mind or soul each time we experience massage in an unconscious way. It is a privilege to be allowed to touch another body, respect and trust is a must for the masseur and the client that alone affects who we are and how we feel.There is recognized benefits for the use of Reiki, Acupuncture,those that use alternative methods are more likely to report a life-changing experience, transforming how they live or view the world,-unexplained by science but the soul knows!
Development of Massage in New Zealand:
In 1894 the Society of Trained Masseuses legitimised massage therapy,with standard of training and care. By the early 1900's New Zealand had over 300 massage therapists, but no standardised level of training.To remedy this a massage department was established at Dunedin hospital. Massage was taught at the hospital and Otago University until 1946, when the massage school became the school of physiotherapy.Soon after this in 1949,registered masseurs (Masseurs Registration Act 1920),were no longer allowed to use the word therapy in describing themselves or treatment, the 1920 Act had been superseded by the Physiotherapy Act. This entailed 600 hours of training to be able to practice massage which physio's generally do not want to do, increasing the need for massage therapists.
With increasing need and want for massage a national organisation was formed in 1985 by Bill Wareham-Massage Institute of New Zealand (MINZI), focusing on education, standard of teaching, annual conference and professional development.
1989 saw the formation of The New Zealand Assn of Therapeutic Massage Practitioners (MZATMP) by Jim Sandalford.Primary focus on development of a professional image,increasing public awareness of massage and sharing of information along with education. A name change occurred in late 1990's to Therapeutic Massage Assn.
2007 saw the merging of the 2 national associations to become Massage New Zealand.
Salvo,S (2007) Massage Therapy-Principles and Practice (3rd ed.) Saunders, Canada
The Impact of the Renaissance and Enligtenment periods on massage Retrieved from http:/wikieducator.org
A History of Massage in New Zealand Retrieved from http:/wikieducator.org
Elluminate notes-Felicity Molloy
http:/www.essortment.com/articles/eastern-western-massage-differences_3394.htm
http:/www.Holisticonline.com
Redfern,SJ., Ross,F. Nursing Older People
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