What is the primary goal of effleurage in massage therapy?

The primary goal of effleurage in massage therapy is to promote relaxation. This technique involves long, gliding strokes and is often used at the beginning and end of a massage session. Effleurage helps to soothe the nervous system and can aid in reducing tension and stress. By using gentle pressure and rhythmically moving across the skin, it encourages blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, contributing to an overall feeling of relaxation.

In the context of massage practices, while kneading (as seen in another choice) involves deeper, more intensive manipulation of the tissue, and percussion involves rhythmic tapping or strikes to stimulate the muscles, these techniques aim at achieving different goals such as muscle tension release and stimulation rather than relaxation. Creating vibrations might refer to techniques that introduce a different form of stimulation to the tissues, which again does not align with the primary intention of effleurage. Thus, the focus of effleurage is firmly rooted in relaxation and promoting a sense of calm for the client.