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HISTORY OF MASSAGE THERAPY

The History of Massage:
The first comprehensive history of massage. Written by Robert Noah Calvert, the founder of Massage Magazine. Includes 200 black-and-white illustrations. The definitive resource for all students and professionals in the fields of massage and bodywork.

15,000 BC - European cave paintings depict what appears to be use of therapeutic touch.
3000 BC - Chinese records reveal practice of massage.
1800 BC - Knowledge of massage gradually becomes an integral part of Hindu tradition as exemplified by the sacred Ayur-Veda.
460-375 BC - Life of Hippocrates, "Father of Western Medicine"
200 BC - Chinese manuscripts denote massage as one method of treatment for illness.

100-40 BC - Julius Caesar uses massage to help with his epilepsy.
130-200 - Life of Galen, whose writings dominated Western medical thinking for 1500 years.
850-932 - An encyclopedia work by Persian Rhazes discussed Greek, Roman, and Arabic medical practices, including massage.
1316 - First modern treatise on anatomy, Anothomia, was written by Mondion dei Luzzi.
1514-1564 - Foundations of modern human anatomy in the West are established by Flemish physician Andreas Vesalius.

1569 - Girolamo Mercuriale writes De Arte Gymnastica, considered the first book in the field of sports massage.
1584 - Timothy Bright, while teaching at Cambridge University, writes his first medical work. It discusses baths, exercise and massage.
1600 - Publishing of two East Asian works dealing with massage. Chinese publication contains a chapter of pediatric massage; Japanese publication deals with passive and active massage procedures.
1700 - In Italy, Giovanni Borelli has analyzed the phenomenon of muscular contraction. In England, William Harvey demonstrates that blood circulation is impelled by the beat of the heart. These discoveries enhance the acceptance of massage as therapeutic.

mid 1700s - Simon Tissot publishes works on gymnastic exercises that recommend massage for various diseases.
1800 - Swedish physiologist, Pehr Ling, develops the Ling System of medical gymnastics and exercise. (Swedish Massage)
1856 - Ling System introduced in the United States.
late 1800s - Dr. Douglas Graham publishes several books on the history of massage.
1883 - Nissen opens the Swedish Health Institute for the Treatment of Chronic Disease.

1888 - Nissen's paper Swedish Movement and Massage is published in several medical journals.
1894 - Formation of Society of Trained Masseuses in Great Britain.
1920 - Chartered Society of Massage and Medical Gymnastics is founded through meger of Society of Trained Masseuses and Institute of Massage and Remedial Exercise.
1947 - The field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, known as physiatry, is established as a separate medical specialty.
1992 - American Massage Therapy Association is successful in establishing the National Certification Examination for therapeutic massage and bodywork.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and IS NOT intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.