Did you know massage therapy dates back over 4,000 years?

The Ancient Roots of Massage

Massage isn’t a modern invention — it’s one of humanity’s oldest healing practices.Across ancient civilizations, people recognized the power of touch to relieve pain, restore balance, and enhance overall well-being.

In China, references to Tuina and Anmo appear in the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine) as early as 2700 BCE, describing techniques used to support circulation and harmony in the body.In India, Ayurvedic medicine has incorporated abhyanga — warm oil massage — for more than 3,500 years as a daily ritual for health and vitality.

Egyptian tomb paintings show massage being performed for therapeutic purposes, while the ancient Greeks and Romans used massage to prepare athletes, speed recovery, and promote resilience.

Across continents and cultures, one theme remained constant:massage was seen as a natural and effective way to support healing.

Today’s Registered Massage Therapists continue this long tradition — grounded in science, anatomy, and evidence-based care — to help people move, feel, and function better.