Effleurage

Effleurage is a form of massage involving a series of long, flowing strokes, usually towards the heart, to assist with circulation and lymphatic drainage. It is often used in physiotherapy and holistic therapy to promote relaxation and improve blood flow.

Overview

Effleurage is a French word, meaning 'to skim' or 'to touch lightly on', which describes the light, continuous-stroking movement applied in this massage technique. It is often used at the beginning of a massage session to warm up the tissues and prepare them for deeper work. It can also be used at the end of a session to flush out any toxins released during the massage and to help the client relax.

Technique

The technique of effleurage involves the use of the whole hand, or both hands, where the fingers and palms are in continuous contact with the body. The strokes are long and sweeping, typically moving towards the heart to assist with circulation and lymphatic drainage. The pressure can be light or deep, depending on the purpose of the massage and the needs of the client.

Benefits

Effleurage has several benefits, including:

• Increasing blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
• Relaxing the muscles and relieving muscle tension
• Reducing pain and swelling
• Promoting relaxation and stress relief
• Preparing the body for deeper massage work

Applications

Effleurage is used in various types of massage, including Swedish massage, sports massage, and aromatherapy massage. It is also used in physiotherapy to help rehabilitate patients with muscle injuries or conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

See Also

• Petrissage
• Tapotement
• Friction (massage)
• Vibration (massage)

References

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  Effleurage des Rückens nach unten, extracted from Die Technik der Massage (1898)