NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamSkin Care and ServicesMedium
A cosmetologist is performing a facial massage. Which massage manipulation involves a light, continuous stroking movement applied with the fingers and palms in a slow, rhythmic manner, and is primarily used for relaxation?
- APetrissage
- BEffleurage
- CTapotement
- DFriction
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Effleurage
Effleurage is a light, continuous, stroking movement performed with the fingers and palms, typically at the beginning and end of a massage, and is known for its relaxing and soothing effects.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Petrissage involves kneading, lifting, squeezing, and pressing the tissue, which stimulates muscles and circulation, but is not a light, continuous stroke.
- C. Tapotement involves short, quick tapping, slapping, and hacking movements, which are stimulating, not primarily relaxing.
- D. Friction involves deep rubbing movements, often with circular motions, which stimulate circulation but are not primarily for light, continuous stroking.
Effleurage
A massage technique characterized by a light, continuous, stroking movement performed with the fingers and palms in a slow, rhythmic manner, primarily used for relaxation and to begin/end a massage.
- Light, continuous stroking
- Fingers and palms used
- Slow, rhythmic
- Primarily for relaxation
- Introduces and concludes massage
Memory trick: Effleurage is effortless, a soothing massage!