If correctly done on a bare body, it can be highly stimulating and invigorating. The general massage, dealing with all parts of the body is highly beneficial in many ways. It tones up the nervous system, influences respiration and quickens the elimination of poisons and waste material from the body through the various eliminative organs such as the lungs, skin, kidneys and bowels. It also boosts blood circulation and metabolic processes. This involves sliding with the hands, using long even strokes over the surface of the body.
Effleurage increases blood circulation and soothes the nervous system.
It also warms and relaxes. The movements, which are circular in nature, are performed with the help of the thumb and tips of fingers or palm of the hand towards the joints or around the joints. Friction limbers up the joints, tendons and muscles and facilitates the removal of deposits by breaking them. This is a process of kneading, pressing and rolling of the tissues and is performed with one or both hands, with two thumbs or with thumbs and fingers. One should apply heavy pressure for deep kneading and light pressure for superficial kneading.