Episode 125: Touch Is Older Than Medicine: A Short History of Massage

Massage may feel like a modern wellness practice, but therapeutic touch has existed for thousands of years. In this episode, David and Jackie explore the history of bodywork across cultures - from ancient Egyptian carvings and Chinese medical texts to Ayurvedic oil massage, Roman bathhouses, and early European healing traditions.

They discuss how massage became systemised through Swedish gymnastics, how it shaped rehabilitation during wartime and the polio era, and how pioneers like Janet Travell helped shift understanding of pain. Along the way, they reflect on why oils, salves, and hands-on care appear in nearly every healing tradition.

From ancient rituals to modern hospitals, this episode explores how massage has persisted across time - and why healthcare is once again recognising the importance of human touch.

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Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc