Effleurage

What is effleurage?

The effleurage touch is a light pressure applied over a wide area of the body.

Why does effleurage work?

Light effleurage promotes relaxation, alleviates pain and encourages sleep. Relaxed muscles short-circut the FEAR-TENSION-PAIN cycle allowing the mother to labor with less pain.

Deep effleurage improves circulation, while stretching and relaxing tense muscles.

How do I do it?

From "The Healing Touch of Massage" by Carlo DePaoli

Performed in a circular motion, with the hands relaxed, palms on the body, always keep the momentum on the upward stroke, easing the pressure on the return movement.

Sample Effleurage Touches:

Use a flat-hand stroke on the arms, legs and broad flat surface of the back.

Effleurage with only the fingertips gliding (rather than the whole hand) is called feathering.

Effleurage can also be done with a cupped-hand on areas that are sensitive, such as the calf muscles.

You May Also Be Interested In: Read some Sample Birth Plans and get information to help put your birth plan together. Find out about ways to reduce unnecessary pain in labor. Search The Natural Childbirth Directory to find a midwife or doula to help you use natural comfort techniques in labor. Find out what normal labor is like. Review the birth plan options that may be available to you.

© Copyright 2000-2008 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally <

Home | Site Index | Disclaimer | Contact