What is the primary benefit of effleurage in massage therapy?

Effleurage is a technique in massage therapy characterized by smooth, gliding strokes typically using the palms, fingertips, or forearms. The primary benefit of effleurage is its ability to promote relaxation. This is achieved through the gentle and rhythmic nature of the strokes, which helps soothe the nervous system and decrease stress levels. By encouraging relaxation, effleurage also aids in reducing muscle tension, alleviating anxiety, and improving overall emotional well-being.

While stimulating circulation is indeed a benefit of effleurage, it is secondary to the primary objective of relaxation. Strengthening muscles typically involves more vigorous techniques that engage muscle fibers directly, which is not the primary aim of effleurage. Reducing inflammation is often a result of various techniques in massage therapy, but it does not capture the essence of what effleurage primarily accomplishes. Thus, the focus on promoting relaxation aligns most closely with the core benefits of this technique.