The Story Behind Wellness Massage
Wellness massage, as a concept, has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. The practice of massage for promoting health and well-being can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as China, Egypt, India, and Greece.
In ancient China, massage was seen as an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Chinese believed that energy, known as “qi,” flowed through specific meridians in the body. Massage techniques were used to stimulate and balance the flow of qi, promoting overall wellness.
Similarly, in ancient Egypt, massage was considered a crucial component of maintaining health and beauty. Historical records show that Egyptians used massage techniques to alleviate pain, relax the body, and improve circulation.
In India, massage played a significant role in the practice of Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine. Ayurvedic massage, known as Abhyanga, aimed to balance the body’s doshas (energies) through the use of specific oils, herbs, and techniques. It was believed to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Greek and Roman societies also valued massage for its therapeutic benefits. Hippocrates, often referred to as the “father of medicine,” advocated for massage as a means of promoting health and treating various conditions. Massage was commonly practiced in bathhouses and was used to relieve muscle tension, stimulate blood flow, and improve overall health.
Massage in Water is nowadays also very commend. Here it is Carole Condamine from France who won IMA’s Overall Best Massage Promotion prize at the World Championship in Massage 2023.
Massage continued to evolve throughout history, adapting to various cultures and healthcare practices. In the 19th and 20th centuries, scientific advancements in anatomy and physiology further helped shape the understanding and application of massage techniques.
Here it is Sukunya (Tai) Le Bras sharing Thai Methods.
In recent decades, with the growing recognition of the importance of self-care and holistic wellness, massage has become increasingly popular as a part of wellness routines. Today, wellness massage is a widely practiced therapeutic method that aims to promote relaxation, reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being. It continues to be an integral part of many cultures and plays a vital role in supporting individuals’ health and wellness journeys.
For the International Massage Association, Wellness massage is a well adapted touch, stretch of the tissue and mobilized joints.
In 2017 Wellness Massage was one of the categories when the International Massage Association (IMA) hosted the first World Championship in Massage. www.worldchampionship-massage.com
- Text by Jeppe Tengbjerg
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