Effleurage Massage Stroke

MASSAGE
STROKES,
TECHNIQUES AND
VARIATIONS
EFFLEURAGE (GLIDING
STROKES)
DESCRIPTIONS
• Effleurage is the application of unbroken gliding
movements that are repeated and follows the
contour of the client’s body using palm,
knuckles, fingertips, or forearm. It is used to
introduce touch and for applying lubricant
TECHNIQUES
• The hand placement used in effleurage variations is shaped
like the letter L
• Effleurage is in effect, a pushing of the tissue both
downward and away from the therapist and is delivered
using a lean-and-drag technique
• When working on extremities, apply pressure centripetally,
or towards the heart center. To promote venous blood flow
• Once the excursion is complete, drag your hands back
using no added pressure and only the weight of your hands
• When working on extremities, work the area the
most distally first, proceeding proximally, stroking in
the direction of the heart
• Apply more pressure when gliding from distal to
proximal
• When applying effleurage to the back, centripetal
application does not apply because the heart is
centrally located
• Avoid hyperextension of the wrist by keeping the
angle between 100 to 180 degrees
• The therapist’s hands, arms, shoulders, back, and legs
should be aligned long path of movement in order to
reduce injuries and increase ease of stroke application
• The hand should be relaxed and the movement is even
• Gradually increase the pressure with each repetition
• Effleurage is often repeated six times on an area of until
desired effect is achieved
• Remember to apply pressure in one direction, or you
may induce friction
VARIATIONS
ONE HANDED EFFLEURAGE
• This variation implies that one hand or one thumb is
used to apply gliding pressure and is used for small
areas such as in between the metacarpals or
metatarsals
• Raking- fingertips together or apart moving in
one direction
 The purpose of this is to check the proper alignment of
muscles
• IRONING- a deep one hand effleurage and is often
done with forearm, fist or palm of the hand
the deeper the glide the slower it moves
This technique calms the nervous system when done
slowly
• CIRCULAR- can be performed around the shoulder,

hip, knee and abdomen
It relaxes the client and prepares an area for deeper
stroke
•TWO-HAND EFFLEURAGE
Is executed using both hands gliding on the skin
simultaneously. The hands may glide together or
move apart
• Heart- Is executed using both hands gliding
on the skin in a heart shaped formation, up
the leg or up the arm
 It increases blood and lymph circulation and
relaxes the client
• Circular- one hand maybe placed next to or
on the top of the other hand
ALTERNATE HAND EFFLEURAGE
•To perform alternate hand effleurage, glide
on hand or thumb across the skin, lifting it
up as the other hand of thumb follows
behind in succession
•The sequence resembles a paddlewheel
•Alternate raking-the index and the middle
finger forming the letter V maybe placed
on either side of the spine
•Alternate circular- can be performed as

one-hand circles a region and the other
hand move behind the first hand in a half
circle or a crescent shape
Nerve Stroke
• Considered a light effleurage, nerve stroke is a feather-
light finger tracing over the skin
• This used as a finishing stroke in massage therapy ad is
typically done at the end of massaging a body segment
and at the completion of the massage
• Avoid pressure that is too light because it may be
perceived as the ticklish and produce goose bumps
• The direction of nerve stroke is superior to inferior or
proximal to distal because downward movements are
more relaxing
BENEFITS
• Warm the body tissues, making them more extensible
• Relax the client and prepare an area for deeper strokes
• Soothe an area after deep work
• Stimulate the nervous system when done quickly
• Aid in the moving of waste out of congested areas
(flushing)
• Create length in a muscle, if applied in fiber direction
• Increase blood and lymph circulation
• Soothe tired muscles
• Relieve insomnia

Effleurage Massage Stroke

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Effleurage Massage Stroke

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MASSAGE

• CIRCULAR- can be performed around the shoulder,

•Alternate circular- can be performed as

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