Which massage technique is primarily used to improve circulation and promote relaxation?

Effleurage is a massage technique that involves long, sweeping strokes, typically performed with the palms of the hands. This technique is primarily used to improve circulation and promote relaxation. It helps to warm up the muscles, allowing for better blood flow and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the massage.

As the therapist glides their hands over the skin, effleurage stimulates the lymphatic system, aids in the removal of metabolic waste, and encourages oxygen-rich blood to reach the muscles. This creates a profound sense of relaxation, making the client feel calmer and more at ease. It is often used at both the beginning and the end of a massage session to help transition into deeper work or to bring the session to a close.

The other techniques, while beneficial in their own right, serve different purposes. Friction is focused on deeper muscle layers, petrissage involves kneading that targets muscle tension, and tapotement is characterized by rhythmic tapping or striking, which can energize the body but does not primarily aim at relaxation or circulation improvement the way effleurage does.