ABSTRACT
Massage has a history in many cultures dating back to ancient times, and is considered by many to be one of the oldest forms of medical care. Greek and Roman physicians used massage therapy to alleviate pain. Julius Caesar was said to have been given a daily massage to treat his neuralgia. People giving massages are depicted in Egyptian tomb paintings. Massage is so ancient that the derivation of the word is uncertain – it may have come from the ancient Greek word massin (to knead), or the Arabic mass, or the Hebrew mashesh (to press). In the East, massage has continued to be seen as a holistic and beneficial part of health care continuing throughout the ages. Many Eastern cultures today utilize massage therapy regularly for health and wellness, and as one of the first forms of treatment with illness and injury. Some massage therapists are known as healers as they have apprenticed to learn ancient techniques for manipulating soft tissue to heal body illnesses.
