One-handed Effleurage is Petting With a Purpose
C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.The one-handed effleurage stroke resembles petting but is definitely petting with a purpose. The term effleurage comes from the French word effleure, which means to glide or skim the surface. The name aptly describes techniques that use the one-handed effleurage stroke that uses the open hand to slide over the dog's coat. NOTE: This is one of the many massage strokes you can learn with Sue at the Zoo.
Effleurage strokes look and feel quite gentle, but yield great rewards throughout a massage session. They follow the contour of the dog's body and push the tissue down and away from the massage practitioner. Even light to moderate pressure with effleurage warms the underlying tissues causing the arteries to dilate and increase blood flow bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the region. Effleurage also promotes the movement of venous blood to the heart ridding muscles of excess protein-containing extracellular fluid and waste products such as lactic acid. Removal of these wastes refreshes tissues allowing them to function more efficiently. Effleurage also has a soothing effect on the nervous system that facilitates relaxation and fosters a sense of well being in the dog and stimulates important psychological and emotional modifications.
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| Figure 1a | Figure 1b |
To perform one-handed effleurage, place both hands lightly, on the dog (Fig. 1a). Slide the palmar surface of one hand over the area to be effleuraged (Fig. 1b). For small dogs or small areas of large dogs, you may use two or three fingers rather than the whole hand. Always keep the second hand in contact with the dog even if it is not actively being used in the massage stroke. This maintains a constant communication with the dog and keeps you aware of his body. For example, you immediately know if his muscles are relaxed or tense.
Dr. C. Sue Furman
Holistic Touch Therapy
Text and photos are Copyright © 2013 Dr. C. Sue Furman & Holistic Touch Therapy, appeared in the January 2013 HTT Newsletter and were excerpted from the book, Canine Massage for the Athlete in Every Dog.