The term for therapy that uses physical touch to promote healing and relaxation is massage therapy.
Massage therapy involves manipulating the body's soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Practitioners use techniques such as kneading, rubbing, pressure, and rhythmic movement. Depending on the style, massage may be intended to reduce muscle tension, ease pain, improve circulation, support flexibility, or encourage relaxation.
The practice has ancient roots. Forms of therapeutic massage were described in China, India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In the 19th century, Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling helped popularize a systematic approach that influenced what is now called Swedish massage.
Massage therapy is sometimes confused with reflexology, chiropractic care, or acupuncture. Reflexology focuses on pressure points, often on the feet; chiropractic care emphasizes the musculoskeletal system and joint manipulation; acupuncture uses fine needles at specific points. Massage therapy is distinguished by its direct hands-on work with soft tissue.