The massage is one of the oldest healing practices in the world, combining art and science in a timeless way. Across cultures, people intuitively understood the value of touch - not only to relieve physical pain, but also to promote relaxation, connection and overall well-being. To truly appreciate the benefits of massage today, it's worth examining its roots and how it evolved over the centuries.

Ancient Aparchae in Greece and beyond

In Ancient Greece, massage was not a luxury; it was an essential part of daily life and athletic performance. Hippocrates, the «father of medicine», wrote extensively about the use of «anatrimpsis», or rubbing, as a method to help the body heal itself. Athletes at the Olympics often received massages with aromatic oils to prepare their muscles for the race and speed up recovery afterwards. Massage was associated not only with physical health, but also with balance, harmony and the Greek ideal of «a healthy mind in a healthy body».

However, the traditions of massage were not limited to Greece. In China, as early as 2700 BC, there are references to therapeutic massage in medical texts such as the Huangdi Neijing. In India, Ayurveda emphasized massage with vegetable oils as a means of restoring the balance of the body's energies. In Egypt, depictions on tombs show people massaging hands and feet, suggesting that reflexology may have its roots in the Nile. All this suggests that different cultures, though far apart, discovered the same healing power of touch.

The Roman Influence and the Decline in Europe

The Romans inherited the culture of massage from the Greeks and developed it in their famous baths. Roman citizens often had massages as part of their bathing rituals, with oils and techniques that rejuvenated the body after exercise or offered relaxation. Galen, a Roman physician, recommended massage to gladiators to maintain their strength and flexibility.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the popularity of massage in Europe declined. The rise of the medieval church changed perceptions of the body, and natural treatments such as massage were viewed with suspicion. For many centuries, Europe moved away from practices that glorified the body, while the art of massage was mainly preserved in the East, particularly in China, India and Japan.

Renaissance and Modern Age

The Renaissance, with its renewed turn to classical knowledge, brought massage back to Europe. Physicians and scholars studied Greek and Roman texts again, rekindling interest in anatomy, medicine and natural remedies. This period laid the foundations for what would evolve into modern physiotherapy. In the 19th century, figures such as the Swede Per Henrik Ling developed systematic methods of massage and movement, which formed the basis for «Swedish massage». Ling's work gave scientific credibility to massage and transformed it from a folk practice into a recognised therapeutic method.

Massage in the 20th Century

The 20th century was an important turning point for massage. With the advancement of medical science, massage became recognized not only for its relaxation but also for its clinical applications. In World War I and II it was widely used in hospitals to rehabilitate wounded patients, relieve pain and restore mobility. As society became more intense and stressful, massage began to be seen as a way to reduce stress, improve circulation and enhance well-being. At the same time it was combined with other therapies such as yoga, acupuncture and chiropractic, creating a more holistic approach to health.

The Massage Today: A Global Practice

Today, massage is a global industry, which is offered to spa, wellness centres, gyms, hospitals and even workplaces. Modern massage combines ancient wisdom with modern science. Techniques range from the gentle strokes of Swedish massage to the intense pressure of sports massage, from the energetic practices of Thai massage to the rituals of aromatherapy. Scientific research continually demonstrates the benefits of massage, from lowering cortisol levels to improving sleep and relieving chronic pain.

Most importantly, massage has transcended cultural and geographical boundaries to become a global «language» of care. Whether used for medical treatment, sports rehabilitation or simple relaxation, massage reconnects us to a fundamental human need: the power of touch to heal, comfort and rejuvenate. From its roots in Ancient Greece to the modern wellness industry, massage is proving to be not a passing fad, but a timeless practice that continues to evolve, honoring its rich history.