Massage

ma-sazh', in therapeutics, the art of manipulating the muscles and tissues of the patient. The word is from the Greek verb meaning to knead. The purpose of massage is to strengthen the muscles and to improve the circulation, stimulate the action of the secretory and excretory organs, and to invigorate the entire system. The process includes stroking, kneading, friction, and percussion. Massage in some form was in use at an early period by the Chinese, the ancient Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, and many other nations. Even savages make use of it in a crude form. Massage is associated with the Swedish movement-cure of Ling, and with the osteopathy of Dr. Still, but is a much more general term than either, and involves no special theory of disease. In 1877 Dr. S. Weir Mitchell, of Philadelphia, advocated the application of massage in certain disorders, and did much to extend its use among practitioners of the regular schools of medicine. It is considered at present a valuable means of cure if properly applied, but capable of doing injury if used indiscreetly. See Osteopathy