In massage therapy, centripetal movement refers to what direction of strokes?

Centripetal movement in massage therapy specifically refers to strokes that move toward the heart. This technique is based on the principles of lymphatic drainage and circulatory benefits, as applying pressure in this direction helps promote venous return and assist in the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid back toward the core of the body.

Strokes designed to move outward or away from the heart, in contrast, are not considered centripetal. A circular pattern does not specifically direct movement toward or away from the heart, focusing instead on different aspects of stroke dynamic. Lastly, strokes that move across the body do not conform to the centripetal concept, which solely emphasizes the movement toward the heart to achieve the intended physiological effects. Thus, the emphasis on strokes directed toward the heart aligns correctly with the definition of centripetal movements in massage therapy.