Which massage movement is specifically designed to soothe muscles?

The massage movement specifically designed to soothe muscles is effleurage. This technique involves long, gliding strokes that can be applied with varying pressure. Effleurage is primarily used at the beginning and end of a massage session, promoting relaxation and helping to calm the nervous system. The gentle nature of this movement encourages blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can alleviate muscle tension and create a sense of overall well-being.

While the other techniques, like petrissage, tapotement, and friction, have their own benefits, they serve different purposes. Petrissage involves kneading and can be invigorating, tapotement includes rhythmic tapping which stimulates the muscles, and friction uses deep pressure to heat and stimulate tissues. None of these approaches are as directly soothing as effleurage, which is uniquely focused on creating a calming effect on the muscles and facilitating relaxation.