EXPLAINED: THE MANY BENEFITS OF TAPPING YOUR BODY EVERY DAY

Have you heard of tap massage?

According to health and wellness content creator Mike Chang, “One of the easiest things that you can do for yourself to increase your health, and overall well-being is tap your body every day.”

In a post shared on Instagram, he advocates the topic due to its “many benefits.”

Benefits of the tap massage

Dr Shreya Doshi, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, HN Reliance Hospital, Mumbai agrees, “There are physiological benefits of tap massage that promote general health. The rhythmic tapping can enhance blood flow, which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to tissues and remove metabolic waste. It can help in relaxing tight muscles, reducing muscle tension, and alleviating soreness.” 

It can also provide temporary relief from musculoskeletal pain by stimulating nerve endings and interrupting pain signals, she says. “Like other forms of massage, tapping can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels by triggering the release of endorphins. Regular tap massage can improve flexibility and range of motion, particularly useful for those recovering from injuries or suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis.”

Comparison of tap massage with other therapeutic techniques

Vibhuti Arora, face yoga teacher, face yogi, skin-tech expert, informs that tap massage, compared to other forms of massage or therapeutic techniques, offers similar overall health benefits such as improved circulation, muscle relaxation, pain relief, stress reduction, and lymphatic drainage. 

“Its effectiveness varies depending on individual preferences and needs, but it can be particularly beneficial for athletes or those seeking relief from muscle tension and stiffness. However, other techniques such as deep tissue massage may offer more specific benefits for certain conditions or preferences,” she says. 

Overall, the effectiveness of any massage technique depends on various factors, including the skill of the practitioner and the individual's unique health concerns.

Are health claims associated with tap massage correct?

Tap massage can offer various health benefits, Arora promises. “However, I would suggest individuals who have fractures, severe osteoporosis or any other medical conditions to avoid it.”

“One needs to also consider limitations of this technique as well since the benefits of tap massage are generally temporary,” Dr Dodhi adds. “Proper technique is crucial to avoid bruising or tissue damage. It's advisable to consult with a trained professional.” 

And more importantly, she notes, while tap massage can complement other treatments, it should not replace conventional medical care, especially for serious conditions. Tap massage currently has very few literatures to its credit and still has scope for more plausible research in the future.  

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2024-06-13T08:03:50Z dg43tfdfdgfd