Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test 2025 - Free Esthetics Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is friction, which is a massage technique characterized by a rubbing movement that creates warmth and stimulates circulation in the skin and underlying tissues. Friction involves applying pressure and movement in a manner that stimulates the tissues, often using the fingertips or the palms to work deeper into the muscle layers and connective tissues. This technique can be beneficial for relieving tension and improving blood flow, making it an essential part of many massage therapies.

Effleurage, on the other hand, is a light, gliding stroke often used at the beginning or end of a massage, primarily to warm up the tissues. Petrissage involves kneading movements which lift, roll, and squeeze the muscles, and tapotement consists of rhythmic, percussive movements like tapping or slapping. Each of these techniques has its specific purpose, but it's the friction technique that distinctly emphasizes a rubbing action.