What is the primary movement used in petrissage during a massage?

Petrissage is a specific massage technique that primarily involves kneading the muscles and tissues. This movement is crucial because it helps to improve circulation, increase lymphatic flow, and promote relaxation. By applying sustained pressure and rhythmic lifting and squeezing motions, kneading effectively breaks down tension in the muscles and eases stiffness, which can significantly enhance the overall benefits of a massage.

In contrast, other movements such as rubbing, pounding, and effleurage serve different purposes. Rubbing focuses more on friction against the skin's surface, while pounding involves a more vigorous impact, and effleurage is characterized by long, sweeping strokes designed to warm up the muscles. Each of these techniques can be beneficial in their own right, but they do not represent the primary movement associated with petrissage, which is distinctly identified by its kneading action.