Effleurage (stroking) is one of the principal movements of massage and may be performed on any area of the body. It signals the beginning and the end of a massage both preceding and succeeding all other strokes and facilitating the flow from one movement to the next. Initially, it enables the giver to distribute the oil evenly on to the receiver's body. Use the palms of both hands as you glide over the surface of the skin moulding your hands to the contours of the body. You should keep as much of the hands as possible in contact with the body. The receiver experiences one continuous movement as you apply firm rhythmic pressure on the upward stroke yet glide downwards to your starting point with a featherlight touch. Maintain an even rhythm and avoid jerky movements at all times. Pressure can be superficial or deep according to the effect required. Close your eyes as you effleurage to accentuate and heighten your sensitivity and sense of touch. Experiment with different depths of pressure. Where the area to be treated is small (e.g. the face) use the pads of the palmar surface of your fingers or thumbs.

Benefits

* The receiver experiences an immediate sense of well-being and relaxation.

* A relationship of trust is established between the two of you as your hands become accustomed to the receiver's body.

* Stroking enables you to familiarize yourself with the amount of pressure to apply.

* Effleurage provides a link between techniques.

* Effleurage, when performed slowly, has a sedative action and is particularly beneficial for soothing the nerves. Stress and strain may be relieved, tension headaches dispelled and patterns of insomnia broken.

* Use brisk effleurage to enliven, revive and stimulate the central nervous system.

* The tissues will warm up as you stroke the body, improving the circulation.

* The flow of lymph is increased, helping to get rid of waste and poisonous substances.

* Effleurage improves the skin, encouraging a healthy and glowing complexion

Errors to avoid

* Do not lose contact with the receiver (loss of contact means loss of confidence and loss of relaxation).

* Relax your hands and flow, avoiding any jerky or sudden movements (jerky movements cause jangled nerves). The movements must be rhythmic, smooth and even.

* Use your whole hand and not just the fingertips (you can cover a much wider area), except when working on small areas.

* No pressure whatsoever on the downward stroke (effleurage is always performed towards the heart - up the legs, and arms, and up the back). It can also be applied in a centripetal direction (in a circle travelling towards the centre) or in a centrifugal direction (in a circle travelling outwards away from the centre).

Remember

If in doubt, effleurage! Everyone adores this stroke