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Origin of Tennis

The origin of tennis like most origins of things, come as a mystery and has a lot of theories and disputes.  One of the versions of the origin of tennis brings us back to the Stone Age man hitting rocks backwards and forwards possibly with clubs. A more extensive origin of tennis is derived from Handball, an adaptation of which was played in the ancient civilizations of Rome, Greece and Egypt.  It is believed that the origin of the name ‘tennis’ came from an Egyptian town on the Nile called Tinnis and the word ‘racquet’ is taken from the word ‘rahat’ which means palm, both are Arabic words.

Another assumption on the origin of tennis believes that the French invented the game, around the 11th or 12th century, and that the word tennis is taken from the French word ‘Tenez’ which means ‘take it’ or ‘play’. Legend has it that the game was given to French Royal Court in the 10th century by a wandering minstrel, but anyhow, by the 11th century early tennis was being played by French monks, they played the game by hitting the ball against the monastery walls and sometimes even over a rope strung across a courtyard. Hands were used to hit the ball in the beginning which is why it was first called jeu de paume (game of hand); then later on gloves were used and eventually players started to use short bats which came to be the modern day racquet.  Louis IV and the Church both tried to ban the game in France because of the popularity the game was gaining where about 1800 courts were built, but they failed.  By the 14th century, Tennis spread to England where both Henry VII and Henry the VIII became avid players of the game initiating building of courts across the country.

By 1500 the tennis racquet was no longer made completely of wood but consisted of a wooden handle with a sheep gut strung head.  In 1850, Charles Goodyear invented vulcanization which resulted to bouncier balls being available for tennis game. In 1858, Major T.H. Gem and J.B. Perara invented an outdoor version of tennis which adapted for play on grass, and in 1873, Major Walter Wingfield reinvented a newer version of Tennis using modified rules and equipment which he patented under the name “Sphairistike”.  He can be said to be the father of modern day tennis.

The old game of Tennis still called jeu de paume in France experienced being overshadowed by the new found dominance of the Lawn version.  Tennis is now called Real Tennis or Royal Tennis in Britain to differentiate it from Lawn Tennis and in the USA it is known as Court Tennis.

Oriental Massage Therapies

Are you feeling a bit unwell?  Suffering from stress, tension and pain?  If so, then why won’t you try an alternative to the Western style of kneading, stroking, rubbing, or pressing the body to make you feel better?  Yes, there is an alternative to that – the oriental massage.

The oriental massage techniques have long been considered as a great way to make the body relax and feel better.  Unlike the Western techniques which seek to determine the organic roots of any health problem to treat the affected parts of the body, the oriental massage actually pays little attention to the physiological causes of these health dilemmas.  What it pays much attention to is the possible patterns that may identify any signs of disharmony in the bodily systems, particularly to the intrinsic energies of the body commonly known as Qi (pronounced Chi).  Simply put, the oriental massage seeks to improve the flow of these vital energies by releasing them through pressure techniques.

There is a variety of oriental massage commonly practiced today.   Three of the well-known oriental massage therapies are Shiatsu, Thai Massage and the so-called Tui Na massage.  Let’s take a look at these popular forms closely.

Shiatsu

The practice of shiatsu has long been practiced not only in the oriental seas, but also in the West.  However, according to some reports, the Shiatsu seen in the West has departed from its Chinese roots, although much of the theories and principle of its Chinese origin has been retained and added to it.   Also, this oriental massage therapy remains popular for belief that shiatsu has the power to reflect the Qi of the whole body, making it useful for diagnosis.

Today, there is the so-called modern shiatsu, which involves relatively few techniques of manipulation compared with the other known oriental massage, Tui Na.  This modern technique also borrows certain techniques from Thai massage, and all of the actions are done on a mat on the floor.

Thai Massage

Claims have it that the Thai massage, as an oriental massage, provides the receiver with an advanced yoga workout that needs no effort or self discipline on the receiver’s part.  This oriental massage therapy basically involves pressing, which is done along all the energy channels of the body, known as “Sen”, including all the muscles to which these energies pass.  The pressing is performed with the use of the thumbs, palms and soles of the feet.   This is particularly considered for the notion that a single muscle can hardly escape from this treatment.   Well, one thing that sets Thai massage apart from the other oriental massage techniques is the fact that it involves a slow and rhythmical pace.

Tui Na

The purest form of Tui Na is highly performed in hundreds of departments of traditional medicine through China.   According to some experts, this oriental massage is a very comprehensive healing technique that includes a branch of specialized bodywork that is deemed perfect for infants and babies.   The Tui Na is also considered throughout China as a treatment for sports-related injuries, osteoporosis, and other related physical pains and injuries.

However, unlike the other forms of massage, Tui Na is not perfect for an occasional massage that is aimed for deep relaxation and feeling of being pampered.  This is for the reason that this oriental massage is far too vigorous and serious.  Yes!  Claims have it that those who receive it usually feel a bit sore after the action.

All of these above mentioned oriental massage techniques can be used to treat pains, tension, stress and injuries.  It is important to note your condition, however, before considering any of these techniques, as each system has its own power and one may not be right for you.