Effleurage is best defined as which massage action?

• A. Deep kneading
• B. Petrissage
• C. Stroking, light-sedative, deep-venous, and lymphatic drainage
• D. Tapotement

Answer: (C)

Effleurage consists of long, flowing gliding strokes with light to moderate pressure. These strokes are soothing and help relax the tissue, warm the muscles, and promote circulation back toward the heart, including venous return and lymphatic drainage. That gentle, sweeping action captures what effleurage is used for: a light, stroking touch that supports drainage and overall relaxation. It differs from deep kneading, which is petrissage and focuses on squeezing and lifting muscle tissue, and from tapping or percussion, which are tapotement and involve short, percussive blows.