A Conversation for Massage
Hacking, cupping and effleurage
Cheerful Dragon Started conversation Oct 6, 2000
Two techniques are missing from this article: Hacking is gently and quickly striking the muscles with the sides of your hands. Cupping is similar, but uses your cupped hands, palm downwards.
The technique you call 'sweeping' I know as 'effleurage'. It's done at the start of the massage, to help the person relax; during the massage when moving from one part of the body to another; at the end of the massage as a sort of 'wind down'. As it's a very gentle stroke, it can be done in any direction, but should be firmer in the direction of the heart and lighter when stroking away from the heart.
Yes, a full length massage is wonderful. But if you come home stressed, as Richard often does, even a few minutes of back massage can do wonders.
Hacking, cupping and effleurage
Fragilis - h2g2 Cured My Tabular Obsession Posted Oct 6, 2000
I would agree that short massages should be given more due. One does not always have the luxury of longer massages, especially when both partners are equally frazzled. 
However, the entry was very good in general. I'm glad to see it included in the Edited Guide.
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Hacking, cupping and effleurage
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