This important book recounts the emergence of massage therapists as health professionals in North America from colonial times to the turn of the 21st century. This is a sweeping history, offering a lively cast of characters, intriguing ideas, curious beliefs, and passionate hopes for the health and wellbeing of humanity. It is for anyone interested in natural health and healing, wellness, complementary and alternative medicine, and integrative health care. Accompanying its exceptionally well-informed text is a treasury of more than 700 illustrations: images of the past that are a substantial addition to the historical record. Deepen your understanding and appreciation of massage therapy’s history and the forces that have shaped it, not only through its European heritage and the spirit and circumstances of the New World, but also those more recent global influences that have further enriched the profession.

History in Archetypes -- Caregiver, Old Woman, Nurse -- Midwife, Bonesetter -- Rubber -- Medical Gymnast -- Masseuse/Masseur -- Magnetic Healer -- Bath Attendant -- Drugless MD -- Physiotherapist, Physical Therapist -- Swedish Masseuse/Masseur -- Bath Attendant -- Massage Therapist.