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Effleurage
Massage is normally though of as the manipulation or handling of the soft tissues
by movable pressure in the form of stroking, rubbing, pinching, kneading or
beating performed with a therapeutic aim. Effleurage is a specific form of massage
Effleurage massage involves long, slow, gliding strokes, as opposed to the
circular strokes of conventional massage. The main role of effleurge is to promote
rest and relaxation.
Effleurage consists of centripetal stroking performed with varying strength
generally over alarge surface of skin, and with a large surface of
hand. During effleurage the palm or heel of the hand, finger tips, ball of the
thumb and the knuckles can all be used.
Effleurage is used to stimulate the blood circulation. As the muscle relaxes,
blood rises through the muscle, as the blood vessels dilate, and the skin above
the muscle becomes redder indicating that the muscles underneath the skin were
tight or tense.
Effleurage has also been used in the Lamaze method of childbirth to massage
the abdomen.
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