Massage Techniques: focus on Effleurage

Massage techniques are classically categorised into these groups: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration. Let's focus on effleurage...the word comes from the French word 'effleurer' which means 'to touch lightly' or 'to skim'. In a massage, effleurage is usually the first massage technique to be applied. It's also usually the last massage technique to be applied too.

 

Here's more info on effleurage...

1) it can be used on any part of the body and face

2) it's a longer gliding stroke that follows the contours of the body or face

3) it's used for massaging in a 'general' way, not 'specific'

4) it can be light or deep, but always lighter to start with

5) you can effleurage making whole hand contact, with the palms of the hands, fists, knuckles, fingertips and forearms

6) it is used to apply the massage medium (oil, cream, lotion) to the skin

7) this technique prepares tissue for deeper massage, and soothes tissue after deeper massage

8) it warms, soothes, relaxes - both body and mind

9) light effleurage helps with lymphatic drainage, flushing waste products from the tissues

10) slow effleurage has a calming effect on the nervous system, and quick effleurage has a stimulating efect on the nervous system

11) the massage therapist can use a lot of effleurage where other deeper and more specific techniques are too tender for the individual client to receive

12) it accustoms the client to the therapist, and the therapist to the client

13) it is used as a way of exploring, sensing and evaluating the client's body...finding out where areas of tightness or soreness are

14) it's used to end the massage over the particular body part; to soothe the area that's been worked on

15) it is used as a linking movement between one technique and the next, facilating a smooth and fluid feel to the massage treatment

16) it reduces muscle tension

17) it prompts dilation of capillaries and improves circulation

18) it helps with desquamation of dead skin cells, leading to a healthier looking tone to the skin

19) it passively stretches muscle when applied along the muscle fibres

20) it can lead to greater flexibility

21) it can relieve tired achy muscles, decrease oedema, help with insomnia

22) effleurage is good for us!

Happy massaging - Doreen and Dympna

Comments

[Buy Fioricet Online]

Massage is really relaxing and can really help you sleep fast. My wife always massage me before we go to sleep.

[Greg]

I have had several massages in my life and they are wonderful. I was always curious about the process or technique called Rolfing. I heard it is uncomfortable and can be painful. Iwonder if they use this technique of effleurage to calm the muscles down afterward as well? I read a lot about the Rolfing process at http://www.unwindingmassage.com and see that it is a muscular realignment that uses hard and deep massage to work and is done over 10-12 sessions. WOW. I wonder if I will ever be brave enough to try?

[reiki massage table]

I agree on that article. Massage relaxes and soothes tired feeling. Its a way of mascular alignment. Since then I love relaxing while having a massage. However this service is pretty much indemand for busy people and got a tiring activity for the whole busy day.

[Von Andalora]

This is one of the most common Swedish massages used today. The list of information about it is accurate. However, people should try it to experience its soothing vibe.