The History of Massage: Is It New or Something We’ve Always Done?

When you think of massage, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a serene spa with calming music, soft lighting and the smell of essential oils in the air. Or maybe it’s a deep-tissue session that gets right into your knots after a tough workout. However, you experience it, massage often feels like a thoroughly modern indulgence – something you treat yourself too after a long week or when your back’s had enough of your desk chair…again. 

 

But massage is not new. 

 

In fact, it’s one of the oldest healing practices we have. The instinct to soothe pain and tension through touch is deeply human and people across the globe have been doing it for thousands of years. From ancient rituals to contemporary clinics, massage has been a constant friend in the never ending search for better health and wellbeing. 

 

We love digging into the stories behind the techniques we use every single day, let’s go!  

Massage dates right back to ancient civilizations, long before it started showing up on luxury spa menus. Think ancient Egypt, China, Greece and India – places that were pioneering health and wellbeing way before modern medicine came into play. 

 

In Egypt, massage wasn’t just a luxury – it was part of everyday life. Oils and herbal remedies were combined with touch to soothe the body, encourage healing and help with relaxation. Holistic therapy before holistic was even a thing. 

CHistorically around the world, massage was never just about relaxation – it was considered side by side with ‘proper’ medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, techniques like Tui Na (pronounced twee-nah) have been used for over 2000 years. This style of massage focusses on balancing the flow of energy, or Qi, to treat a whole host of conditions from aches and pains to more complex internal complaints. 

 

In India, Ayurvedic massage has long been part of a broader system of wellbeing aimed at balancing the mind, body and spirit. These approaches saw massage as essential – not just an occasional treat but a regular part of keeping the body in good working order. 

Fast forward to the 19th and 20th centuries and massage really hit the mainstream in the West. In Europe and the U.S., it gained popularity not just as a luxury but as a part of mainstream healthcare and physiotherapy. It became more accessible, and its benefits were better understood in the context of both physical rehabilitation and mental wellbeing. 

 

We still draw on many of the ancient techniques today. While we’ve got modern science to back up what works, the heart of massage is still the same: touch that heals, soothes and reconnects you to yourself. 

In our own practice, we love blending the old with the new. Massage has evolved over time and that’s what makes it so powerful today. We take the wisdom of ancient traditions – understanding energy flow, the importance of our natural rhythms and the healing power of touch – and combine it with up-to-date knowledge about anatomy, injury prevention and stress management. 

 

So, when you’re lying on the table, you’re not just getting a massage – you’re experiencing a blend of centuries of tradition and the best of today’s therapeutic techniques. It’s a full-body, full-history experience. 

Well…that’s entirely your call! 

 

With so many types of massage to explore, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Curious about Thai massage? Want something gentle like Swedish? Or maybe you’re drawn to the deeper pressure of a sports massage? Take some time to explore different styles and see what your body responds to best. 

 

When you understand the history and depth behind massage, you start to see it not just as a nice to have but as a vital part of self-care. Massage has evolved to meet the demands of the modern world but really, we’re still just doing what humans have always done: using the power of touch to heal, connect and feel better in our own skin.