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Reverse Effleurage?

Getting used to the different massage styles here in the UK compared to what i've experienced, and what i've been taught in the US has been interesting.
One of the first things I've noticed is that all of the massages I've had here in the UK so far, when having my back worked on, the therapists have done all their work from Inferior to superior.
No harm in it being done differently, I'm just wondering if anyone knows if there are benefits to working "up" the back this way rather than down?

Also I have found whilst looking around that there are some teaching establishments which refer to working from Superior to inferior as "Reverse Effleurage"
Would there be any reason for calling it this? Since the stroke itself (effleurage) isn't really being done in reverse, its just the way that the body is being addressed.

I'd love to hear thoughts.opinions on working either of these directions on the back,, and if anyone has resources they could share which might describe the benefits if working different directions, I'd love to check them out.
:)
Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Stephen Jeffrey on August 30, 2010 at 6:02am

Inferior to superior is supposed to be more stimulating and working the otherway is supposed to be more relaxing. Reverse Effleurage may be just be someone's way of making a technique appear different or sound new.

With a client who is not injured, you may find the more variations, to a stroke, you can apply, the more relaxing or effective your work will be.

The more variation you bring to the table the easier you can activate your own intuative potential.

A great way to annoy a client is just keep doing 10 strokes exactly the same way, same pressure etc, wether you are going up, down or across the spine. You know! Army style, Hup Too 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Some Schools still teach this, or some massage therapists use this, to avoid engaging the intuative brain and get them through the next 60 mins (sigh)

Sorry no refs available, just my 2pence worth.

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Permalink Reply by Sally Chamness on August 30, 2010 at 7:32am

Thanks Stephen,
I wasnt aware that there was a difference in stimulation/relaxation depending on which direction was used.
This gives me somewhere to start in my research :)
Cookie cutting massages are no fun ;)

Stephen Jeffrey said:

Inferior to superior is supposed to be more stimulating and working the otherway is supposed to be more relaxing. Reverse Effleurage may be just be someone's way of making a technique appear different or sound new.
With a client who is not injured, you may find the more variations, to a stroke, you can apply, the more relaxing or effective your work will be.
The more variation you bring to the table the easier you can activate your own intuative potential.

A great way to annoy a client is just keep doing 10 strokes exactly the same way, same pressure etc, wether you are going up, down or across the spine. You know! Army style, Hup Too 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Some Schools still teach this, or some massage therapists use this, to avoid engaging the intuative brain and get them through the next 60 mins (sigh)

Sorry no refs available, just my 2pence worth.

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Permalink Reply by Marilyn St.John on August 30, 2010 at 9:00am

In massage school I was taught the "inferior to superior" approach and assumed it had to do with directing toward the heart, as in basic Swedish technique. When I receive massages in Canada, I notice the approach is opposite, as you describe...and I have to say, I like being on the receiving end of that stroke a bit more, I find it is more relaxing. Same goes for when I get a pedi at the local VietNamese salon...leg massage top-to-bottom instead of the way I was trained. Feels great. In practice now, I use my strokes both ways (depending) so I'm curious to see others weigh in on this too...because, to answer your initial question Sally, I don't know either ~ and now wish I did.