Massage has been used for centuries as a way to promote relaxation and relieve pain. It is believed that the practice of massage dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Chinese, Egyptians, and Greeks. The ancient Chinese used massage as a therapeutic treatment, and the Egyptians used it to help with various ailments. The ancient Greeks also used massage as a way to relieve tension and promote overall health and wellness.
The modern practice of massage can be traced back to the Swedish physician, Per Henrik Ling. In the early 1800s, he developed a system of massage known as "Swedish massage." This form of massage involves using long, smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the top layers of muscle. Swedish massage is still a popular form of massage today.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, massage continued to evolve and develop. Techniques such as deep tissue massage and sports massage were developed to help athletes and those with chronic pain and injuries. Massage therapy also began to be used in hospitals and medical settings to help with pain management and recovery from surgery.