Gliding

This is the commonest of massage strokes. It is used to apply lubricant to each part of the body, and it is good on long stretches of muscle. The long, light gliding and feathering strokes are generally used at the beginning and at the end of a massage.

Extend your hands and close the gaps between your fingers.
Leave your hands relaxed but not limp.

Glide along the length of the muscle in the direction of the heart, allowing your hands to be moulded by the contours of the body. The longer the stroke is, the lighter it will be; the shorter it is, the deeper it will be.

Faster strokes are stimulating, slower ones more sedating. By putting more pressure on the upward stroke and returning with your fingertips only, you will reinforce the return flow of blood to the heart.

Arms are massaged using your active hand in a C shape and running up the arm from the wrist to the shoulder, while the other hand firmly holds just above the wrist.

The gliding strokes vary from light to firm but they should be done slowly.

Gliding strokes relax and stretch the muscles in preparation for the kneading strokes.