All massage movements are divided into four basic groups.
- Effleurage – stroking movements
- Petrissage – compression movements
- Tapotment – percussion movements
- Vibrations
A massage can be either relaxing or toning and invigorating, depending on the strokes used. For a relaxing effect these will be stroking (effleurage) and compression (petrissage) movements. If stimulating the circulation and muscle toning is required, a firmer massage with plenty of percussion (tapotment) movements and vibration is the best choice
