California Cosmetology Written ExamNail CareMedium
During a manicure, a technician applies a light, continuous stroking movement with the fingertips along the client's forearm to promote relaxation before deeper massage techniques begin. Which massage movement is being used?
- ATapotement
- BEffleurage
- CFriction
- DVibration
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Effleurage
Effleurage is a light, gliding, continuous stroking movement used at the beginning and end of a massage to relax the client and warm up the tissue before more stimulating techniques are applied.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Tapotement is a percussive tapping movement, not a light gliding stroke.
- C. Friction involves deeper, circular pressure movements, not light stroking.
- D. Vibration involves shaking/trembling movements applied with fingertips, not gliding strokes.
Effleurage
A light, gliding, continuous stroking massage movement used to begin and end a massage sequence, promoting relaxation.
- Lightest of the massage movements
- Used to start and end massage routines
- Different from kneading (pétrissage) and tapping (tapotement)
Memory trick: Effleurage flows like a gentle wave over the skin.