You should begin with effleurage, a French word for a light, gentle stroke. This warm-up stroke acquaints your partner with your touch. Begin by gliding your hands along the torso, from the neck to the base of the spine; from the shoulders to the fingertips. You can use the palms of one or both hands, your knuckles, fingertips, or the ball of your thumb.
With one or two hands, or with your thumb and fingers, carefully “pick up” muscles and lift them away from the bones. Then roll, wring, and squeeze. This move is called petrissage. Direct pressure with your thumbs may be helpful on people who have thick, well-developed muscle. Massage experts say petrissage increases circulation, which helps speed the removal of toxins like lactic acid.
Now use thumbs and fingertips to trace deep circles near the joints and other bony areas such as the sides of the spine. Also circle the central part of large muscles. This “friction” stroke breaks down knots that result when muscle fibers bind together, giving new flexibility to joints, tendons, and muscles. Follow immediately with effleurage.
The short chopping stroke called tapotement can be done in many ways. You can chop with the edge of your hand or tap with your fingertips. Clap with your palms or the flat surface of your hands and fingers. You can even beat with the edge of a closed fist. Use tapotement for a few seconds to stimulate the muscles or for 10 or more seconds to relieve a cramped muscle.
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