In massage therapy, pressure is typically applied from the:

In massage therapy, applying pressure from insertion to origin is favored because it aligns with the natural direction of muscle fibers and the functional anatomy of the body. Muscles are anchored at their origin, which is the point closest to the body’s midline or more stable base, while the insertion is the point where the muscle attaches to the bone or body part that it moves. By working from insertion to origin, therapists can effectively encourage blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and relaxation of muscle tension in a way that respects the muscle's natural orientation and function. This technique helps in reducing soreness and enhancing recovery while minimizing the risk of injury.

The other options, such as applying pressure from origin to insertion, do not take full advantage of the muscle's mechanics in promoting relaxation and proper engagement. Additionally, lateral movements, such as left to right or top to bottom, do not inherently cater to the directional engagement of muscle fibers and may not yield the same therapeutic benefits as targeting the relationship between origin and insertion.