clapping [AS, cloeppan, to beat] , 1. (in massage) the procedure of making percussive movements on a patient’s body, usually on the chest wall or back, by lowering the cupped palms alternately in a series of rapid, stimulating blows. In this procedure the movement of the hands is from the wrist. Clapping stimulates the circulation and refreshes the skin. It is often done to improve the comfort of bedridden patients, especially during administration of a bath. Also called percussion. 2. a therapeutic technique usually used in conjunction with postural drainage. The rhythmic motion of cupped hands gently tapping the chest was believed to loosen secretions in the lungs. There is limited evidence of efficacy in adults with pneumonia.