Effleurage & Petrissage

A combination of effleurage & petrissage are used to diagnose the clients problem. Flowing motions and connecting strokes ensure that the massage is holistic and redresses the body's balance.

Basic effleurage is a technique used at the beginning of a treatment to spread the oil/cream and encourage relaxation and a feeling of warmth and comfort. Effleurage pumps the circulation and deep work can loosen adhered fibres and break down scar tissue. It helps to gain patient confidence and should be returned to in between other techniques. The stroking is done with the palms of both hands, stronger pressure upwards towards the heart and lighter pressure on the return. The strokes will also be slow enough for the therapist to detect problem areas. Superficial stroking will help flush out any particles loosened by previous deeper techniques. As well as longitudinal strokes, which will stretch and realign fibres, transverse strokes will break adhesions between fibres.

Petrissage stimulates the circulation, generally loosens and softens the tissues and has a great warming effect. Kneading is performed with both hands working alternately, grasping, squeezing and lifting the tissues. Steady rhythm is maintained and hands travel slowly up and down the body part being treated. Work with fingers and thumbs is also beneficial on smaller areas. If petrissage feels tender then the therapist will return to effleurage.

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