The initial touch of massage is intended to achieve what effect?

The initial touch of massage is primarily intended to stimulate the body and prepare it for the deeper work that follows. This stimulation can engage the nervous system, increase blood circulation, and enhance the recipient's awareness of their body, which helps in creating a mental and physical transition into the massage experience. The initial touch serves as an invitation to relax deeper into the session, thus stimulating before bringing about relaxation.

Achieving a state of stimulation first allows the therapist to assess the client's response and tailor the massage more effectively throughout the session. It is also a technique that can help in identifying areas that may need more focused attention later on in the treatment.

The emphasis on a preliminary stimulation aligns with techniques commonly used in various massage modalities, where the initial strokes are designed to activate the body's natural responses before moving into deeper, more relaxing techniques. This approach supports a more comprehensive experience that ultimately leads to relaxation and relief from tension.