The word effleurage is from the French word effleurer, meaning “to glide” or “touch lightly”.
Effleurage is the most frequently used massage technique and is one of the most versatile techniques. Long and sweeping strokes are typically used to cover more than just one area of the body. Effleurage is used to spread lubricant and warm up the tissues to prepare them for deeper work. In addition, this technique is used at the beginning and the end of each massage technique, in order to facilitate the smooth transition from one technique to the next.
Characteristic of Effleurage Massage
Intensity: Minimum – Mild
Tip: Depends on facilility
Two-handed effleurage – Stroking parallel to the spine
Two-handed effleurage – Horizontal stroking across the low back
Effleurage using a forearm
Effleurage on upper chest wall
Effleurage (a light stroking massage) is a great relaxation massage techniques. Effleurage technique can be performed by many professional massage therapists.