Effects of Effleurage
The effects of effleurage are generally related to the dynamic effect of
touch on the body. Depending on where the stroke is applied, how it is
applied (light or deep, slow or fast), the effect can be relaxing or
stimulating. Effleurage creates overall muscle relaxation and assistance
of blood and lymph circulation. It aids in the process of removing waste
products from normal cellular metabolism.
Light effleurage elicits only reflexive effects, while deep effleurage may
elicit reflexive and mechanical effects.
Effects of light effleurage:
Initially there is a reflexive parasympathetic nervous system response that
is relaxing due to the client's perception of touch. (Accessing the
parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system shuts down the
sympathetic trunk.)
Secondary effects of relaxation include:
- decreased heart rate
- vasodilatation (increase in the circumference of the blood vessels due
to relaxation of the smooth muscle that lines them, which can lead to
decrease in blood pressure.)
- decreased respiration
- overall muscle relaxation and body relaxation
Light effleurage can also help relieve pain possibly through the gate theory
or counter-irritation theory which is based on the observation that stimulating
an area of pain or adjacent to pain will suppress the sensation of pain and
therefore other sensations can over ride pain, increasing release of endorphins.
Effects of Deep Effleurage
Assists venous blood circulation and lymphatic flow which may assist with the
reduction of edema when applied proximal to the edema, with the strokes going
toward the body's core.
Increases arterial and capillary circulation, which increases the exchange of
gasses and nutrients at the site and aids metabolism of the skin and superficial
tissues.
Generates heat through friction of the skin resulting in an increased
peripheral circulation.
Mechanical effect of deep effleurage:
Assists with the flow of venous blood and lymphatic fluid when applied in the
direction of circulation. Assists in renewed nutrition and removal of
waste products.
Compresses and stretches the fascia layer between the superficial muscles and
the subcutaneous layer of tissue.
warms superficial tissue due to skin friction.
Assists with desquamation of dead skin cells.
Effects on the nervous system:
Light effleurage stimulates the receptors of the parasympathetic division of
the autonomic nervous system, which results in a reflexive, generally relaxing
response.
