Effleurage is defined as?

• A. Stroking, "massaging" patient; very traditional
• B. Kneading
• C. Tapping
• D. Deep compression

Answer: (A)

Effleurage is long, smooth gliding strokes across the skin, usually performed with the palms or fingers in continuous motions with light to moderate pressure. This stroking technique is used to warm the tissues, boost blood and lymphatic flow, and help relax the client, often serving as the opening (and closing) touch in a massage. That’s why it’s described as stroking or “massaging” the patient. Kneading involves lifting and squeezing tissue (petrissage), tapping is a quick rhythmic percussion (tapotement), and deep compression is sustained, firm pressure; none of these match effleurage.