rubdown

14:42 Feb 13, 2009 

I do not want to seem self-serving here, as the points are less important to me than helping Jianming, but I did just want to add that, while I certainly agree there might be a more professional term at this time, and that massage is a form of rubdown, here in the US, when someone says rubdown they mean it (in every day language) to be clearly distinct from massage. Massage here is more of a slow and deep relaxation process where rubdown is brisk and invigorating. The problem with thinking about terms too deeply is that we often then get into their etymology and lose their immediate meaning.

11:50 Feb 13, 2009 

I don't doubt your expertise in the subject. But as I mentioned, you cannot neglect the context.

The question was very precise and relevant:
What does “rubdown” really mean here?

The point is, the original text was written by HW Armstrong, and he talked frequently about his X number of points or rules about life and good health. In these always referred to this hobbyhorse of his; the daily rubdown. Moreover, he always explained, what he meant by it, and where this wisdom was coming from.

Now I am suspicious about his findings regarding the centennarians and about their daily rubdown practice, but in his texts we have to accept his explanation about what he meant by the expression.

Besides, if there was a survey done by Taft's physio, and subsequently Armstrong wrote about it, it had to happen not later than in the 1950-s or 60-s. Therefore the people in question were born in the 1850-s or 60-s, when physical treatment did not reach the status and cult of ancient civilisations, - where of course, the massage was not available to everybody, but the young, fit sportsmen and the upper classes, whose slaves obliged. Also, the people of the survey lived through difficult times, particularly the great depression. It is unlikely that they would have been able to afford, or choose to spend their money on daily massage treatment year in, year out, for the best part of their life.
It would be interesting to know, if there ever was a person who was lucky enough in his/her life to be able to receive a daily massage in all circumstances, even if they did not live to be a 100. On the other hand, I am sure that countless people can say that they had a wash-down and rub practically every day during their lifetime.

14:05 Feb 12, 2009 

Further on the text in question explains what the writer means by "rub down".
Ten simple rules that lead to health! by Herbert W. Armstrong
www.zoomnet.net/~bbratt/hwahealt.html

"Bath and rubdown -- Take a regular morning shower bath if possible, making it short and snappy, ending with a vigorous rubdown. If no shower is available, take a tub bath at least two or three times a week. End with cold water, especially in cold weather. This closes the pores and prevents chilling and taking cold.
If no shower is available, take a vigorous rubdown in the bedroom daily or twice daily, using a turkish or bath towel or massage brush. Begin at wrists and feet massaging vigorously toward the heart. If the room is cold, just apply a little more energy -- the vigorous rubbing will keep you warm."

Lesson: read your whole text if possible, it may contain the answer to your initial query.