Adventure-seeking fencing instructor laid the foundation for today's massage
Classical massage, also called Swedish massage, has its origins in ancient Chinese gymnastics, medical breakthroughs, and a Swedish fencing coach. Since the 19th century, it has been further developed and spread throughout the world.
Text by Alexander Tengbjerg, Master of Arts in History and copywriter
Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) was a Swedish traveler who spoke many languages and had even participated in a naval battle under the Danish flag. However, a combination of financial hardship and failing health forced him to return to Sweden, where he threw himself into studying the art of fencing. This form of exercise certainly had its benefits, but it did not help his health. In connection with the training, he began to apply a series of stretches and pressure to parts of his body where he felt pain. This helped him not only to recover from sore muscles, but also to his health as a whole.
He immediately saw that this could help others and began to take students, while encouraging more scientific studies of this massage and its benefits. He combined this form of massage with elements from, among other things, ancient Chinese gymnastics and sought to scientificize his studies of it so that he could help as many people as possible. In 1799-1804 he was in Denmark, where he taught others who were also interested in the well-being of the body and gymnastics. Soon after, PH Ling's students began to further develop his form of massage.
However, it was the Dutchman Johann Georg Mezger who gave PH Ling's methods French names. At that time, French was the preferred language among the upper class, and by translating the names, massage could spread more easily among the upper class, which was necessary if it was to take root. Therefore, there is currently a debate about whether it is JG Mezger or PH Ling who is the originator of what is referred to as classical massage. This can be seen in how the term "Swedish Massage" is used in some countries, while others use the term "Classical Massage". In England, the term "Swedish Massage" is most commonly used, whereas in Sweden the term "Classical Massage" is used.
But regardless, it is this form of massage that is today also the most widespread, that is systematically studied, improved and used to relieve and cure diseases and pain. Especially today, it is very effective against many of the lifestyle diseases that most modern people are exposed to to some extent. The classic massage helps with stress, as mental stress and physical stress are inextricably linked. Although it was developed in connection with a sport like fencing, of which it naturally has a beneficial effect on athletes, it has an equally beneficial effect on people who are too inactive:
– It can alleviate some of the pain and complications that a particularly sedentary job can cause. What few people may know is that with a knowledgeable therapist, this form of massage can help relieve scar tissue. With a treatment before and after pregnancy, for example, stretch marks will appear less visible and the skin will generally heal healthier. This is how Annie Jensen, a medically qualified masseuse for more than 20 years, from Helse- og Idrætsklinikken in Lyngby, says.
During its gradual development, the massage form has always been aimed at more than just physical and mental well-being. The purpose was, and still is to some extent today, that it can potentially improve health noticeably and can be used to combat a number of today's ubiquitous lifestyle diseases.