Final answer:
The technique involving light, gliding strokes used at the beginning and end of a massage is effleurage. It's known for its soothing effect and helps in warming the muscles and promoting relaxation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The massage manipulation that involves light, gliding strokes and is often used to begin and/or end a treatment is known as effleurage. This technique is characterized by its soothing and relaxing effect on the body. It assists in warming up the muscles, enhancing circulation and promoting relaxation. Effleurage can be contrasted with other techniques such as friction, which involves deep circular movements to generate heat and relieve muscle knots, petrissage, which includes kneading and squeezing of the muscles, and tapotement, which consists of rhythmic tapping or percussive movements.