A Brief History of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has been around for centuries, going back to around 3000 BC in India! According to Concorde College, some of the first documented forms of massage therapy comes from a system of holistic medicine known as Ayurveda. Texts were documented somewhere between 1500 - 500 BC, but the techniques themselves are believed to have existed centuries before they were written down.

After gaining popularity in India, knowledge of massage therapy began to spread around the world - gaining footholds in China, Japan, Egypt, and what are now areas of modern-day Europe. Some areas, such as China and Japan, introduced massage therapy into their medical practices. They used it as a way to balance energy and promote healing. The Chinese in particular believed that massage opened the pathways of the body's flow of energy and could ward off disease and illness. Later, the ancient Greeks developed the early forms of sport massage therapy - allowing them to help combat the strain from their athletic lifestyle.

Massage therapy wasn't popular in the west until the mid-1800s. Many credit the rise of the Swedish massage style to solidifying massage therapy in the western parts of the world. Initially, this popular style of massage was created to treat athletes, particularly gymnasts. The benefits of this massage style are well-known, making it a staple in the western world.

Massage therapy is among the oldest medical practices of the modern world. It's also one of the most popular and can be found in clinics and businesses all around the world. One of our clients - a resilient woman named Tina - swears up and down that massage therapy has changed her life for the better. Read about her journey here.

At Jade Oasis Wellness, our skilled massage therapists work with you to create a tailor-made, unique treatment plan. We understand that everyone is different, therefore no two massages will be the same. To book a wonderful massage, visit our massage services page or give us a call at 425-679-6198.

Remember, pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional!