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.

What would you like next?

Read some Sample Birth Plans and get information to help put your birth plan together.

Learn how exercise in pregnancy can shorten your labor.

Learn ways to handle Childbirth Challenges.

Discover the secrets of being emotionally prepared for labor.

Find easy meal ideas.