A percussion massage involves a tapping or ‘karate chop’ motion that releases tension in the muscles. This type of massage is best performed by a massage therapist but nowadays there are many portable massagers that emulate a percussion massage.
There are two main types of percussion massage: cupping and hacking
Cupping is performed with your palms facing downwards, forming a hollow curve. When you bring your cupped hands down to the body in rapid succession, a vacuum is created which is released when you bring your hands up. You will hear a hollow cupping sound.
What’s Great about Hacking massage strokes
Hacking is a well known massage stroke that most people have seen in films. This technique involves holding your hands over the body with the palms facing each other with thumbs up. You then flick your hands up and down rapidly. This can be used at the end of a session to wake the person up.
Flicking is similar to hacking and can be described as ‘finger hacking’. For this technique, do the following; flex your wrists slightly and bring the sides of your fingers into contact with the body (but don’t use the edge of your hands). Flicking is a lighter and softer movement than hacking.
Beating and pounding movements are applied with your hands in a closed position with your fists lightly clenched. These movements should be applied fairly rapidly.
Benefits of a Percussion Massage
- Percussion movements can induce muscle tone and strengthen muscles since it stimulates the muscles to contract.
- Can reduce flabby muscle areas so percussion massage is popular for the buttocks and thighs.
- Cupping is beneficial when applied over the upper and middle back.
- Percussion movements are very stimulating; a lot of athletes receive a percussion massage before an event.
Tips to improve a Percussion Massage
- When cupping, make sure your hands are really cupped or else a smacking sound will be heard which can be painful.
- During hacking, do not tense up your fingers & hands or else it will feel like a karate chop.
- Keep your elbows tucked closely in; if you use your elbows and shoulders, you will be exhausted quickly.
- Do not perform percussion movements over bony areas of the body.
- Try not to concentrate on the strokes, otherwise you may lose your rhythm.
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Originally published at https://www.vitactivate.com on December 24, 2019.