Which type of massage involves superficial stroking toward the body or heart?

Effleurage is a type of massage technique characterized by long, sweeping strokes that are applied to the surface of the skin. This method typically involves gentle, gliding movements, often carried out with the palms and fingertips, aimed at warming up the tissue and promoting relaxation. The direction of the strokes is usually toward the heart, which aids in enhancing circulation and lymphatic drainage. Effleurage is often used at the beginning and end of a massage session to prepare the muscles and provide a soothing experience.

In contrast, other massage techniques such as petrissage, deep tissue, and trigger point therapy involve different approaches. Petrissage incorporates kneading and squeezing motions, deep tissue focuses on accessing deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, and trigger point therapy aims to relieve specific muscle knots or tension points. Each of these methods serves distinct therapeutic purposes, but they do not employ the superficial, gliding strokes towards the heart that characterize effleurage.