Tapotement is a specific stroke and movement and technique and motion used in Swedish massage technique. It is a rhythmic percussion.
Percussion movements (tapotement) involve a series of light, brisk movements which include hacking, beating, slapping and cupping toward the heart; compression (petrissage), which includes kneading, squeezing, and friction .

Answered by Shweta Singh , an ibibo Advisor, at 9:27 PM on January 27, 2009

Percussion movements (tapotement) involve a series of light, brisk, striking actions applied with alternate hands in rapid succession. Two of the main percussion strokes are cupping and hacking; they may be performed on many areas of the body, although they are especially effective when used on fleshy and large muscular areas of the body such as the thighs. Other tapotement movements include flicking, beating and pounding. When performing tapotement movements the action originates from the wrists and not from the elbows or shoulders, which remain still throughout. Many beginners make the mistake of practising percussion movements from the elbows and shoulders, resulting in frustration and clumsiness.

Cupping is performed with your palms facing downwards, forming a hollow curve. It is sometimes known as 'clapping'. As you bring your cupped hands down on to the body in quick succession, a vacuum is created which is released when you bring your hands up. The sound should be hollow like a horse trotting. Listen for the sound.

Hacking is probably the best-known massage stroke since it is the movement almost always shown in films. It is achieved with the edge of the hands (the ulnar border). Hold your hands over body with the palms facing each other, the thumbs uppermost. Flick your hands rhythmically up and down in rapid succession. Use these movements at the end a massage to wake the person up! Obviously, if you are trying to relax someone totally hacking may be omitted altogether. If you are nervous about using these movements, practise them first on a cushion or a pillow placed on your lap.

Benefits


Percussion movements are very stimulating. Tapotement is extremely useful for athletes before an event.
As the blood is drawn to the surface the circulation is improved.
Cupping is beneficial when performed over the upper and middle back area as it loosens mucus in the lungs aiding expectoration.
Percussion movements are also valuable in inducing muscle tone as well as strengthening muscles since they stimulate the muscle to contract.
They are also useful in reducing fatty deposits and flabby muscle areas and are often used over the buttocks and thighs.
Gentle tapotement given over the abdomen increases peristalsis, thereby aiding conditions such as constipation.

Answered by Sanjay , an ibibo Specialist, at 3:39 PM on January 09, 2009

Tapotement a Swedish massage technique consists of manipulations which aim essentially at mechanical stimulation of muscles or nerves; these manipulations are all characterised by their blow - like nature and are named as already mentioned, hacking, beating, shaking, vibration.Tapotement, involves tapping the muscles with a percussive stroke.

Answered by Shishir , an ibibo Master, at 9:35 AM on January 09, 2009

Tapotement is a specific stroke and movement and technique and motion used in Swedish massage technique. It is a rhythmic percussion, most frequently administered with the edge of the palm or the tips of the fingers. Using the edge of the palm is also called Hacking. With the fingers, you wiggle them and lightly tap on the face ( facial for example). It is primarily used as a stimulating stroke and can release lymphatic build up in the back..

The name of the stroke is taken from the French word "Tapoter", meaning to tap or to drum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wi ki/Tapotement

Answered by Arle Rambabu , an ibibo Master, at 9:29 AM on January 09, 2009