New Beacon Hospice

Effleurage and Aromatherapy

Effleurage is a French word meaning "to skim" or "to touch lightly on."   It is a technique used in Swedish massage to warm up muscles prior to a deep tissue massage.  Research has shown that many terminally ill and geriatric patients can drive great benefit from effleurage.

What professionals are saying about effleurage

• The benefits of enjoying the simple pleasure of human touch and company for a brief period of time is priceless for many who are lonely, depressed or gravely ill.  Careful massage can help provide symptomatic relief and give patients increased vitality.
• In cases where patients are not ambulatory and/or do not have full use of their hands, a hand or foot massage can enhance body awareness, increase sensation and improve circulation in the aged.

Our Effleurage Program:

• Is offered to all our Hospice patients following evaluation by an RN for appropriateness
• Focuses on the hands and feet only and is administered by our caregivers who have been trained in a proprietary program we developed specifically for this purpose
• Is delivered during routine hospice aide visits and requires only an additional 10-15 minutes
• Is often given in conjunction with aromatherapy, provided the patient has no skin integrity issues and is not allergic to any oils or fragrances
• Is one of the components of our hospice care that sets us apart from other providers

The Many Benefits of Effleurage and Aromatheray

• Anxiety relief
• Reduced guilt and depression
• Increased hopefulness
• Decreased insomnia and restlessness
• Reduced irritabilty and nervous tension
• Decreased tireness and exhaustion
• Improved circulation
• Increased relaxation and improved mood

We developed the Effleurage Program in keeping with our philosophy of viewing the patient as more than just a physical body and in order to provide all-encompassing palliative care for patients at the end of their lives.