Massage Strokes

There are many strokes used in giving massage, and each stroke has its own purpose. Each stroke used by a massage therapist in giving massage is chosen for a specific reason and not on some random whim. The therapist uses a particular kind of stroke depending on what her client wants out of the session of treatment, whether he or she wants to be relaxed or energized. That is how it is: a particular stroke can act like a calming sedative or a refreshing stimulant depending on the speed and pressure with which it is applied.
In massage, each stroke is done rhythmically, with one stroke flowing fluidly into the next. Also, massage strokes are ideally done with firmness towards the heart, and with lightness when moving away from it.
Below are the names of the massage strokes that a therapist often uses, and what these strokes are for.