Today in history, July 12th 100 BC Julius Caesar a Roman General and statesman was born.
Did you know that Julius Caesar used massage therapy to relieve his neuralgia and epileptic seizures; it is thought that he had a massage every day.
The Romans learned many of their healing and relaxation techniques from the Greeks. Their word for massage was frictus translated as ‘rubbing’. Massage was one of the principal methods of relieving pain for Greek and Roman physicians. "The Physician Must Be Experienced In Many Things," wrote Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, in the 5th century B. C., "but assuredly in rubbing... for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid.”
The Romans became well-known for their use of bathing, scented baths, and body treatments using a variety of massage media including aromatic oils. The Romans loved bathing and full body massage and today the remains of their facilities known as “Roman Baths” can be seen all over the former Roman Empire .
Unfortunately by the end of the Roman Empire, massage was associated with indulgence. Emperor Constantine abolished baths and gymnasia, suspecting sexual abuses. Massage study stopped in Europe but later many of the books written by Roman massage writer Galen were translated.
Despite Emperor Constantine , massage continues to be a popular therapy today and we still use some of the early techniques. Just as a mother uses ‘frictus’ or rubbing to make their child’s knee better a therapist uses, stroking, friction and kneading to help with tension and sore muscles.
Massage has helped many people over the years who have benefited from this ancient treatment, the fact that is still used today just goes to prove it works. Massage should no longer been seen as indulgent or just for pampering but as part of your health and well-being regime. So if you want to do as the Romans do, book yourself a massage treatment today. Every day like Julius may be a little indulgent but at least once a month massage should be on your 'To do' list.
“si fueris Rōmae, Rōmānō vīvitō mōre; si fueris alibī, vīvitō sicut ibi”
A Latin phrase meaning literally "if you are in Rome, live in the Roman way; if you are elsewhere, live as they do there" or "if in Rome, live in the Roman manner; if you are elsewhere, live as they do elsewhere". A version of the advice given to St Ambrose, quoted by Jeremy Taylor "Ductor Dubitantium".
