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.
Petrissage is a treatment of muscles.
It increases nutrition, strengthens muscles, relieves intestinal congestion and helps elimination of poisons. This involves hacking, tapping, clapping and beating and is achieved by striking the body rapidly. Short and quick blows are generally given from the wrist. Tapotement helps in atrophied condition of the muscles. It increases blood supply, soothes nerves and strengthens muscles.