Effleurage
These are the sliding or gliding Swedish massage techniques that cover different areas of the body. They are long sweeping strokes that alternate between firm and light pressure and with can be performed using the palm of the hand or the fingertips. The knots and tension in the muscles tend to get broken with this massage technique.
Petrissage
This is the technique of kneading the muscles of the body to attain deeper massage penetration. The thumbs and the knuckles of the fingers are used to knead the muscles of the body and to squeeze them to prepare them for the other Swedish massage techniques that follow.
Tapotement or Rhythmic Tapping
This technique of Swedish massage, as the name suggests consists of rhythmic tapping that uses the fists of the cupped hands. This helps to loosen and relax the muscles being manipulated and also helps to energize them. The sides of the hands are used in this massage technique.
Friction
This move seeks to create heat to bring about relaxation of the muscles. The palms of the hand are rubbed together vigorously with each other, or they are rubbed onto the skin of the person being massaged in order to produce heat by friction. This technique can be used as a warm up for the muscles of the body to be treated for deeper massage.
Vibration or Shaking
One of the very unique techniques applied in Thai massage is so called "Blood Stop" as translated from Thai "Opening the Wind Gate". Here a firm and lasting up to one minute pressure is applied on groin and and sometimes shoulders area arteries. After relieving the pressure client experiences hot flush of enrgy along the limbs, wich in fact is blood increased operation.
