Massage techniques (1/4): Stroking
Effleurage is a massage technique in which the massage therapist applies pressure to the patient's skin without displacing it.
Although effleurage techniques are the most superficial and have the gentlest effect on the patient, they can safely be considered the foundation of the entire massage procedure. In fact, in the lion's share of massage techniques, effleurage accounts for almost half of the entire procedure. Massages are typically started and ended with effleurage, and are also performed throughout the procedure between other massage techniques (rubbing, kneading, and vibration). In some cases, a massage may consist solely of effleurage (for example, massage for newborns).
All effleurage techniques are conventionally divided into planar and enveloping, and even more conventionally into primary and auxiliary.
Effleurage techniques primarily affect the central nervous system, calming or stimulating its activity, reducing pain, and relieving swelling by accelerating lymph flow. Stroking also allows the patient to become accustomed to the massage therapist's touch, which is why the massage always begins with these techniques.
Incidentally, neglecting stroking techniques between rubbing and kneading can cause bruising in the patient.
You can watch an abridged version of the lesson here: • Экспресс урок массажа: Приёмы поглаживания