Effleurage massage is a series of massage strokes that is based on the French term “to skim.” It is typically used before deep tissue work begins.
The warm-up massage strokes help to relax and soften the muscles. Several variations are available, including effleurage face massage, effleurage hand massage, and pregnancy massage.
Effleurage Massage on Face
Effleurage face massage is a soothing massage movement performed on the face. It is usually performed at the beginning and the end of a facial massage and also acts as a linking movement between various facial massage techniques. It involves using the palm to gently glide around the face and soften and relax the skin.
The technique should start on the Procerus muscle between the eyebrows and glide in a circle-eight motion, passing over the brow and the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Then, glide over the opposite brow, nose, and undereye area, repeating the process without pausing. If necessary, finish the massage by applying light pressure to the temporal areas of the face.
Effleurage massage can also help the body’s lymphatic system function properly. If a lymph node is damaged or removed, the lymphatic system will have trouble draining fluid from the body. Increased lymphedema can lead to a range of health problems.
The lymphatic system must keep the lymph fluid flowing through the body to prevent increased lymphedema. Performing effleurage face massage regularly can help maintain the proper flow of lymph fluid throughout the body.
Effleurage Hand Massage
Effleurage massage; Effleurage hand massage uses light pressure to improve circulation by stimulating the lymphatic system and promoting blood flow. The hand is used to apply light pressure to the body’s soft tissues using long strokes.
The massage helps improve blood circulation from the limbs to the heart. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, which transports lymph fluid throughout the body.
Effleurage also promotes muscle relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which releases positive hormones and lowers the heart rate. This system is responsible for returning the body to a calm, relaxed state after a stressful situation.
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The massage stimulates the release of these positive hormones, such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. These hormones play an important role in controlling mood, appetite, sleep, and memory.
Effleurage also helps promote healthy circulation throughout the body, which helps the body fight infections and promote recovery. Increasing blood flow improves the immune system and the body’s ability to flush out waste products.
It also helps to reduce swelling and promote the flow of white blood cells to the affected area. Effleurage is especially helpful in the post-injury recovery and may help reduce pain and swelling.
Effleurage Massage Pregnancy
Effleurage massage; It would be best to ask your doctor before giving yourself an effleurage massage during pregnancy. There are a few situations where a massage is unsafe or even contraindicated, including bleeding during pregnancy, pre-term labor, and preeclampsia, a high blood pressure and protein level that can result in a stroke or even death.
Massages during pregnancy can alleviate pain and stress. This is primarily due to their ability to relax the body and induce a state of comfort. The massage also increases blood circulation and reduces tension. It has also been shown to reduce the pain associated with dysmenorrhea.
Another reason that massages during pregnancy are beneficial is that they can help relieve lower back pain. Because of the change in body posture caused by pregnancy, women often complain of lower back pain.
This pain can be caused by changing positioning, using high heels, or lifting heavy objects. Massages with effleurage can help relieve this pain, and lavender essential oil aromatherapy can also benefit pregnant women.
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