Effleurage is a French word that means 'to touch lightly on' used to describe a gentle, stroking movement that is used at the beginning of the massage session to warm up or precondition the muscles and body tissue before deeper tissue work begins. This is the most common 'stroke' in Swedish massage, one that is also used at the end of the session to 'warm down' the muscles that have been worked hard during the massage.
The oil or lotion should be applied at the beginning of the first stroke, enabling smooth movement from one part of body to another without losing contact with the body. Keeping your hands relaxed, allow them to glide in one continuous movement molding with the receivers body.
Ensuring ample oil is used at all times, Effleurage can be used on any part of body, especially the back and is a good place to start practicing and mastering the stroke.
The flat surface of the hands glide in a free-flowing manner across the surface of the skin as the oil prevents friction from occurring. The movement follows the contours of your partner's body, primarily towards heart to assist the flow of blood around the body. Use the palms of both hands and the padded tips of your fingers to gently work the skin and underlying flesh in long, gliding strokes.
Two essential features to successful Effleurage are constant contact and pressure with the body.Using firm pressure on the upward stroke, fan out across the area and using light pressure glide back to starting point. Vary the amount of pressure during effleurage from soft and gentle, to firm and deep, depending on the tissue you wish to work on.
Always use a steady rhythm, avoiding jerky movements. A slow stroking movement is used for relaxation and a fast rhythm stimulates the body systems. Effleurage improves blood circulation, soothes the nerves, heightens relaxation and helps to promote increased lymphatic drainage all at the same time. In essence, it is the perfect preparation for the more intense part of a massage that follows.
If a deeper massage is required, then follow this up with circular effleurage on the area. Only one of your hands is used for this stroke. Put your thumb on one side of the spine and your index and middle fingers on the other side. Put your other hand on top of the head to convey reassurance to your receiver. Press into the muscle and make small circular movements.
Benefits of effleurage
繚 Soothes nerves and relieves anxiety and stress
繚 Relieves headaches and migraines
繚 Reduces blood pressure which in turn helps insomnia
繚 Helps eliminate waste products by improving blood circulation and encouraging the flow of lymph
繚 When combined with other massage strokes it can increase agility
繚 Helps prevent muscle strains from occurring
When performed correctly and regularly the therapeutic effects of the effleurage stroke are immense, as it builds up a relationship of trust between you and the recipient who experiences a deep sense of relaxation.
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