What type of movement does effleurage primarily facilitate?

Effleurage is a massage technique characterized by long, sweeping strokes made with the palms or fingertips. It primarily facilitates fluid and gentle motion, which serves several purposes during a massage. This type of movement helps in warming up the muscles, promoting relaxation, and aiding in the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid. The gentle nature of effleurage creates a calming effect on the nervous system, making it an ideal technique for beginning or concluding a massage session.

Moreover, effleurage is often used to transition between different areas of the body and can help to blend other techniques into the session seamlessly. The fluidity of the strokes encourages a sense of ease and can also help the practitioner assess the condition of the underlying muscles and tissues before applying deeper techniques. This makes effleurage a foundational movement in many massage modalities, aligning well with the principles of relaxation and management of physical and emotional stress.