The origin of the word massage, Therapeutic Massage is much disputed. It may have originated from the Greek word, massein – to knead, the Portuguese word ammasar - to knead, or the French word masser - to rub.
We can trace massage back further than 5,000 years of recorded history; prehistoric cave painting portraying the “laying on of hands” for the sick and injured.
At present, Therapeutic Massage is gaining more respectability and now enjoys unprecedented popularity.
Statistics from America show that 25 million Americans make 60 million visits to 85,000 practitioners each year.
There is also a trend in Australia for more people to visit what we regard as alternate health professionals.
In 1993, FCHC (Freedom of Choice in Health Care) estimated that 4.4 million Australians use natural therapy remedies either exclusively, or as adjuncts for their health management.
Throughout Australia there are colleges/schools which offer a wide range of massage courses. Registering
bodies such as the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), ensure the maintenance of the high educational standards required.
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