Dr. Milton Trager; Promoted Massage

Dr. Milton Trager, 88, who espoused massage and physical movement to cure many illnesses of the mind and body. A medical doctor who practiced in Hawaii for three decades, Trager founded the Trager Institute of Psychophysical Integration and Mentastics, based in Mill Valley, Calif. He wrote several books and taught hundreds of followers the practice of “mentastics,” which he sometimes described as “movement intrusion.” The technique involved gentle motions by the instructor, sometimes likened to dancing, and light touching or rocking of a patient on a massage table. Trager claimed that the pain-free procedure produced emotional as well as physical relaxation and healing. On Monday in Mission Viejo.