Tapotement & Finishing Moves

Tapotement and finishing techniques can be used in different ways depending on the intention of the massage. Some techniques are stimulating, while others signal completion and closure. Choosing appropriately helps guide the person smoothly through the end of the session.

Tapotement as a Beginning Technique

In more athletic or sports-focused massage, tapotement may be used at the beginning of a session as a manual warm-up. It helps stimulate the tissues and prepare the body for movement and activity.

Tapotement as a Finishing Technique

Tapotement can also be used near the end of a massage to bring the person into a slightly higher state of alertness or energy. This can be useful when the massage takes place during the day and the person has work, tasks, or activity to return to afterward.

Feathering to Signal Completion

Feathering is a very light form of effleurage using almost no pressure. It is performed with the finger tips and can be done in a rhythmic pattern or random strokes. This could be done on the back, legs, arms or above the chest area. It is often used to signal that the massage is winding down. These gentle strokes help communicate completion without the need for words.

Re-Draping as a Clear Cue

Re-draping is another important non-verbal signal. Drawing the sheet or blanket back over the area you’ve been working on, and smoothing it gently with light pressure, lets the person know the massage is complete or that it’s time to turn over. This simple action helps the transition feel calm and unhurried.

Heat and Hovering Techniques

Rubbing your hands together to create warmth and then lightly hovering them over the eyes allows the person to sense the heat without pressure. This can be a quiet and reassuring way to close a session.

Vibrations for Awareness and Energy

Gentle vibrations may be applied in areas such as the sacrum, head or the bottoms of the feet. These can help bring awareness and energy into the body and are best used thoughtfully and briefly.

Some of these finishing moves will be demonstrated in this course. As with all techniques, choose what fits the person, the timing, the intention and outcome you want for that person.