What is one of the primary benefits of applying friction during massage?

Applying friction during massage primarily aids in relaxation by promoting circulation and reducing muscle tension. The technique involves applying varying degrees of pressure and movement across the skin, which not only helps to warm up the muscle tissues but also facilitates the release of pent-up tension. This process can lead to an increase in blood flow and a decrease in stiffness, allowing the recipient to feel more relaxed overall.

While stimulating nerve pathways can be a beneficial effect of massage techniques, friction is particularly known for its role in facilitating relaxation. Additionally, the increase in muscle bulk is typically associated with strength training rather than massage, and enhancing skin texture may occur as an ancillary benefit of improved circulation but is not the primary purpose of applying friction. Thus, the key outcome of using friction in massage aligns closely with relaxation as the main benefit.