Louisiana Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of effleurage massage?

1. To energize the muscles

2. To relax the muscles

3. To exfoliate the skin

4. To decrease blood flow

The correct answer is: To relax the muscles

The primary purpose of effleurage massage is to relax the muscles. Effleurage is a gentle, stroking technique often used at the beginning and end of a massage session. This technique promotes relaxation by stimulating the superficial layers of the skin and underlying tissues, helping to reduce muscle tension and enhance the overall sense of well-being. Moreover, this method is effective in increasing lymphatic drainage and blood circulation, which can contribute to the calming effect on the body. This is essential in various spa and esthetic treatments, as a relaxed client is more likely to enjoy the experience and benefit from other types of treatments that follow. In contrast, the other options focus on different goals: energizing the muscles can be achieved through more vigorous massage techniques; exfoliation is related to the physical removal of dead skin cells rather than muscle relaxation; and decreasing blood flow is not a goal of effleurage, as this technique generally encourages circulation rather than restricting it.