First up in a series of overviews of the AcademyCP Courses we are looking at Massage Therapy.
A very thorough and academic insight into the History of Massage Therapy is available online at Google Books, courtesy of Susan G Salvo et al, provided as an early chapter of the fifth edition of her much referenced ‘Massage Therapy – Principles & Practice’ (2016). Salvo finds connections to our current practices in the Pre-Historic world and the discovery of European Cave Paintings that appear to depict the use of therapeutic touch; from there developing understanding of the evolution of the practice in the Ancient World, the Middle Ages, through the European Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment right up to the Modern Era and the founding of the organisations within the industry in the twentieth century that have helped define the way that Massage Therapy is practiced now:
https://tinyurl.com/SalvoMTPPaHistory
In terms of a more mainstream accessibility, regarding the history of Massage Therapy, what many consider to be the seminal work, was produced by the late Robert Noah Calvert – co-founder of Massage Magazine back in 1985 – with the publication of ‘The History of Massage’ (2002). Quite often referred to as the ‘oldest medical practice’ the origins of massage, Calvert traces back as far as 2700BC to ancient China and the practice of Acupuncture. More in line with what is now becoming more popular in terms of modern-day massage therapy in Western Culture – the line of tradition stems from the ancient Hindu practice of Ayurveda medicine, which holds that the mind, body, and spirit are all connected.
In his introduction to ‘The History of Massage’ Calvert stated that: “Massage has survived because it is the most fundamental means of giving care, affection, and aid between human beings. Its healing qualities differ from those of other healing modalities because massage confers its benefits through the character and healing intention of those who give and receive it. The true value of massage comes from the inherent need of humans to have contact with one another.”
It is with these understandings of the history and evolution of the practice that Catherine and the team deliver the AcademyCP Massage Therapy courses; in order that students can join us in continuing these traditions and play an active part in the industry whilst enjoying a fulfilling career improving the health and wellbeing of people across a variety of employment routes:
Hospice
Leisure Centres
Gym
Spa
Salon
(Or should you aspire to travel the world whilst being paid for your skills)
Cruise Liners
For further information on the ins and outs of the National Occupation Standards that we work to, career progression and how different levels of study can equip you for more senior roles within both Private & Public Sector organisations (Manager / Lecturer) please contact Catherine directly: