Los Angeles residents are seeking 'face-slapping' massage therapy to maintain a youthful appearance.

The upwards face-slapping technique is an evolution of the Thai massage routine called Sen, where therapists use a chopping motion around the neck and shoulders to relax a spa guest’s muscles.

The face-smacking is not usually part of Sen, but is being promoted in salons across Los Angeles as a way to increase the blood flow throughout the facial region, to stimulate lines of energy that some Thai medicine practitioners believe create a younger-looking visage.

There is no medical evidence that suggests the face-thwacking works.