Which technique is primarily used to help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation?

Effleurage is primarily used to alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation due to its gentle, gliding strokes that soothe the nervous system and enhance circulation. This technique involves long, sweeping movements that can be performed with the palms, fingers, or forearms. It helps in warming up the muscles and preparing them for deeper work, while also fostering a sense of calm and comfort for the recipient.

This technique is particularly beneficial at the beginning and end of a massage session as it sets a relaxing tone and can help the client ease into and out of the massage experience. It helps to reduce muscle tension by promoting blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can enhance recovery and relaxation.

Other techniques, while valuable in their own right, serve different purposes. Pétrissage focuses on kneading and manipulating muscle tissue, often targeting deeper layers and creating more intense sensations. Friction involves applying pressure in a specific area, which can be effective for breaking down adhesions and enhancing mobility but is more intense than effleurage. Tapotement, characterized by rhythmic percussive movements, is invigorating and stimulates the muscles, making it less conducive to relaxation than effleurage. Therefore, effleurage stands out as the technique primarily aimed at relieving tension and promoting a