The History of Movement Cure

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The story of Peaceful Warrior Movement Cure begins with a few relatively unknown individuals from 19th century Europe and contemporary America that greatly influenced how modern health and fitness, massage and physical therapy are known to the world today. 

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Swedish Medical Gymnastics - as originally developed by Pehr Henrik Ling in the early 1800's - was system of active and passive movements that combined with massage and exercise for the purpose of providing relief of movement-related discomfort.

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Swedish Gymnastics was performed as a compliment to sport and exercise and expanded into health and wellness and the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. Some of the most enduring principles of modern physical culture and physical therapy are rooted in this system.

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Swedish Massage - shortly after the development of Swedish Medical Gymnastics, a Dutch doctor - Johann Mezger, had also begun developing a massage modality that we now commonly refer to as Swedish Massage that would eventually complement Ling's system.

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Drawing upon his foundation of medical gymnastics, his medical knowledge and his familiarity with French massage techniques, Mezger developed a system of five therapeutic techniques that would comprise Swedish Massage.

 

The five techniques of Swedish Massage are:  

1. Effleurage - long, gliding strokes

2. Petrissage - kneading of muscles

3. Friction - firm, circular rubbing motions

4. Tapotement - tapping or percussive motions

5. Vibration - shaking or jostling of muscles

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Swedish Movement Cure - which was imported to America by Dr. George H. Taylor in the mid-1800's when he authored a textbook of the same title - built on the concepts and methods of Ling’s and Mezger's systems while amplifying their holistic benefits and developing the precursor to today’s health spa by emphasizing well-being.

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Taylor’s imported system was implemented in popular health retreats and sanatoriums of the day including those of Henry Kellogg in Michigan. Taylor and like-minded health practitioners focused on the therapeutic health benefits of this system, particularly those related to visceral and gastro-intestinal pain and discomfort.

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Way of the Peaceful Warrior written by Dan MIllman about a gifted athlete whose desire for success drives everything he does. When a mysterious stranger opens Dan's eyes to a new vision of strength and understanding the Olympic hopeful finds he still has much to learn and more as he begins a spiritual odyssey in to realms of light and shadow, romance and mystery while rediscovering life's larger meaning and purpose.

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Peaceful Warrior Movement Cure is the integration of all of these systems and philosophies together, in addition to native and folk traditions and progressive principles - combining movement and massage with lifestyle, nutrition and positive mental attitude in the pursuit of good health, optimal well-being, and elite fitness.