In the context of massage therapy, what does "effleurage" primarily refer to?

Effleurage refers to a technique that involves gliding movements across the skin, typically using the palms or fingers. It is commonly used in various massage therapies as an introductory technique to warm up the muscles and prepare them for deeper work. The smooth, flowing strokes help increase blood circulation and promote relaxation, making it an essential component in both Swedish massage and sports massage practices.

Using effleurage can effectively transition into deeper techniques or more targeted manipulations, as it conditions the body for more intense pressure. The soothing effect of these gliding movements is beneficial for both the client’s physical and mental state, allowing for a gradual buildup of intensity if needed.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of effleurage; for instance, stationary pressure techniques do not involve movement, deep tissue manipulation focuses on significant pressure in specific areas, and stretching techniques emphasize elongation of muscles rather than gliding movements. Therefore, understanding effleurage as gliding movements distinguishes it clearly within the realm of massage techniques.