Feel the rhythm in your massage. The clapping technique involves rhythmic, repeated slapping or tapping on different parts of the body. It is one of many variations used in tapotement, which is a Swedish massage style. The clapping technique is used to stimulate the muscles, target deep tissues, and increases circulation in the body. A massage therapist may use cupped hands to slap different areas of the body, such as the back, arms, legs, and feet. The slapping motion creates a vibration that helps loosen tight muscles and prepare the body for deeper massage work. Traditionally, experts perform this technique with their palms or with the sides of their hands. The clapping technique is perfect for warming soft tissues, which relieves tensions and boosts blood circulation.

A massage chair’s rollers follow the motion and rhythm of a traditional clapping massage as if it were being performed by a masseuse. Some massage chairs allow you to sync music to the rhythm of this massage program.