The scale
| Level | Receiver feels | Typical strokes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Barely there, soothing | Feathering, light effleurage |
| 3–4 | Relaxing, gentle | Effleurage, light petrissage |
| 5–6 | Firm, a “good” pressure | Petrissage, compression |
| 7 | Strong but comfortable | Deeper petrissage, frictions |
| 8+ | Too much for relaxation massage; stop and ease off | — |
Check-in phrases
- “On a scale of 1 to 10, where’s that pressure for you?”
- “Let me know if you’d like it firmer or lighter at any time.”
- “How is that area feeling?”
Check in early (after the first Effleurage strokes), whenever you change region, and whenever the client tenses up or holds their breath.