PSI Texas State Board Nail Tech practice exam

Which of the following BEST describes an effleurage movement on the hand?

1. Fast and rhythmic

2. Sharp and vigorous

3. Smooth and gentle

4. Heavy and forceful

The correct answer is: Smooth and gentle

Effleurage is a type of massage technique characterized by its smooth and gentle strokes. This method is often used in nail care and spa treatments to promote relaxation and circulation. It involves gliding movements across the skin, typically performed with the palms or fingertips, creating a soothing effect that can help ease tension and prepare the body for deeper massage techniques if necessary. The other descriptions do not align with the nature of effleurage. Fast and rhythmic movements, while they may have a place in certain massage techniques, do not convey the softness associated with effleurage. Sharp and vigorous methods suggest more intense pressure and quick actions, which contrast with the gentle finesse of effleurage. Lastly, heavy and forceful strokes would be more likely to cause discomfort rather than relaxation, deviating from the gentle touch that defines effleurage. Thus, the smooth and gentle approach encompassed in the correct answer captures the essence of this technique accurately.