effleurage

[ ef-luh-rahzh ]

noun

1. a delicate stroking motion in massage.

effleurage

/ ˌɛflɜːˈrɑːʒ /

noun

1. a light stroking technique used in massage

verb

1. intr to massage using this movement

Word History and Origins

Origin of effleurage¹

1885–90; < French, equivalent to effleur ( er ) (to) stroke as one would a flower (i.e., lightly; ef-, flower ) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of effleurage¹

C19: from French effleurer to stroke lightly

Example Sentences

The wholistic therapy incorporates herbal heat wraps, reflexology, effleurage and lymphatic drainage detoxification.

From Los Angeles Times