Tapotement is characterized by which type of motion?

Tapotement is characterized by rapid tapping or striking motions, which is a technique commonly used in massage therapy and certain beauty treatments. This method involves making rhythmic and percussive movements on the skin, typically using the fingertips or palms. The action stimulates blood flow, energizes the muscles, and can promote relaxation or invigoration depending on how it is applied.

Understanding the characteristics of tapotement helps differentiate it from other massage techniques. For example, continuous rubbing is associated with effleurage, long fluid strokes pertain to techniques that involve sweeping or gliding movements, and deep tissue friction focuses on applying pressure to relieve tension in deeper muscle layers. Each of these methods serves distinct purposes within therapeutic and aesthetic practices, but tapotement specifically relies on its quick, repetitive strikes to achieve its effects.