Word of the Day – Effleurage

Effleurage (noun)

ef-lur-aj

A form of massage involving a repeated circular stroking movement made with the palm of the hand.

Late 19th century: from French, from effleurer ‘skim the surface, stroke lightly’, literally ‘remove the flower or ‘outer beauty’ of something’. Also accepted in verb form.

Example sentences

“Deep effleurage is perfect for the removal of stress nodules.”

“Effleurage the shoulders and press gently” (verb)