Swedish massage relies largely on a technique known as
effleurage.
Effleurage is the glue that holds a Swedish massage together. Its
smooth, gliding strokes may not deliver much pressure—the word itself is
taken from a French verb that means “to touch lightly”—but the
technique simultaneously soothes the nerves, boosts circulation, and
allows the massage therapist to identify problem zones that need extra
attention. Because effleurage doubles as an assessment tool, many
therapists begin each massage with it, usually by gliding their open
palms lightly across the body to feel for tense spots and potholes while
acclimating the client to their touch. This form of effleurage is known
as “superficial,” and it serves a soothing prelude, epilogue, and
transitional movement between deeper, more focused kneading.
A slightly more forceful style of effleurage is known as “deep
effleurage.” This form still uses gliding strokes, only with more
pressure, as the therapist aims to stretch out the muscle tissue and the
web of connective tissue that covers it. Therapists will generally
direct the first part of their deep-effleurage stroke towards the heart,
finishing with a lighter return stroke away from it. Not only does this
warm up tissues for deeper muscle work, but it can also speed up the
movement of blood and lymph fluid. This boost in circulation can help
drain fluid from injured areas, reducing painful pressure while also
releasing endorphins that further relax the entire body.