Introduction
Body massage utilizes a range of techniques, systematically applied to promote relaxation of both mind and body, thereby achieving the intended outcomes for the recipient. This discussion highlights a particular massage technique known as effleurage, also referred to as gliding.
Effleurage is a massage technique that fosters relaxation, enhances blood circulation, and stimulates lymphatic flow. It increases circulation by warming the muscles, preparing them for more intense massage techniques, and also activates the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system aids in the removal of waste products from the body, contributing to overall health.
Effleurage is applied with light pressure, typically at the beginning of a massage session. It is performed on various body areas using fingers and flat hands. Effleurage enhances blood circulation towards the heart through long strokes that increase the temperature of the soft tissues. It effectively stimulates the lymphatic system, a component of the circulatory system that transports lymph fluid throughout the body. Effleurage is directed upwards towards lymph nodes, which are distributed throughout the body and connected to lymphatic vessels, thereby enhancing lymphatic function. Effleurage is also a common technique in therapeutic massages and can be performed slowly to reduce stress and tension.
Effleurage is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
Relaxation
Stress
Post-injury
Post-surgery
Slowly performed effleurage can promote relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which releases positive hormones and increases temperature. The parasympathetic system is responsible for fostering relaxation and calmness after stress. Effleurage relaxes the body and lowers heart rate.
Effleurage helps alleviate stress, which can stem from emotional or physical events such as work, health, or sports activities. Massage can address all forms of stress, as effleurage encourages the body to relax, thereby alleviating stress and enhancing mood by stimulating positive hormones and the parasympathetic nervous system.
Effleurage is utilized post-injury to encourage lymphatic flow. Stimulating lymphatic flow aids the immune system and facilitates the drainage of waste products. Lymphatic drainage is crucial after an injury to reduce swelling and assist the immune system in combating infections.
Effleurage is also applied post-surgery to maintain lymphatic system function. Surgical procedures can damage or remove lymph nodes, affecting lymphatic function. If the lymphatic system is compromised, excess fluid can accumulate, causing lymphedema and potential health issues. Maintaining lymph flow throughout the body is essential to prevent fluid build-up. When nodes are affected, effleurage massage treatments help keep lymph fluid moving.
Physiological effects of effleurage
We have already seen how massage can induce significant physiological effects on the body, but the effects of effleurage also include:
Increased endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine
The release of serotonin can mitigate depression, anxiety, and stress, and dopamine is known as the happy hormone.
Types of Effleurage
The following are types of effleurage used in a back massage sequence, but this can be adapted and there are no strict rules about their use as the desired outcome is relaxation.
Straight effleurage
Bilateral Effleurage: Position one hand on each side of the spine, starting at the lower back.
Alternating Hand (Shingles): Begin with one hand to the side, glide hands approximately 6 inches up the back, follow with the other hand, working up to the shoulder, then return to the starting point and repeat.
Butterfly effleurage: Strokes move from the shoulders down to the iliac crests, around, and back up the outer sides of the body.
Backward Alternating Gliding - (Shingles): A reverse of the alternating hand shingles.
Definition:
What Is Effleurage
Effleurage is a gentle massage technique executed in a manner that does not attempt to move the muscles beneath the skin.
Meaning of effleurage
The term "effleurage" is derived from the French verb "effleurer", meaning "to skim over". When translated, "effleurer" conveys the sense of "to touch very lightly, to brush." Despite the name, the effleurage technique is not necessarily a brushing stroke but rather a sweeping motion.
The effleurage technique can be applied either deeply or superficially. Effleurage involves a relatively slow, continuous stroke, often described as hypnotic, and is typically performed using the palm of the hand. In certain effleurage techniques, such as shingles effleurage, the speed of the stroking motion may be slightly increased. The method offers numerous benefits, including relaxation and improved blood and lymph circulation.
Most effleurage techniques require the use of a lubricant, such as massage oil or lotion, although a powder product is more suitable for individuals with more body hair. However, faster and more superficial techniques are better performed without lubricant. The therapist must adjust the session accordingly if the client requires such a technique.
In conclusion
Effleurage is a massage technique involving long, light strokes over body areas, commonly applied to the arm, back, thigh, and calf. It aids in relaxation, stress reduction, post-injury, and post-surgery recovery. Effleurage produces physiological effects such as increased venous return, lymphatic drainage, and positive hormone release. Its benefits include enhanced healing, improved recovery, and relaxation.
Disclaimer:
Massage does not replace medical assessment and treatment where necessary by a licensed medical physician.
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