This stress-reducing and healing therapy is based on the principle of using slow continuous motions, evenly paced and natural, which are connected by breathing. The mind-body connection of tai chi is based on the premise that negative physical body reactions can be minimized if a person learns to control their own thoughts and their reactions to those thoughts. There are no national standards and certifications in place to regulate the practice of tai chi. The theory of therapeutic massage is that the body's soft tissues respond to touch, an essential element of health and well-being. According to Massage Magazine, massage was the first health procedure used to relieve pain, because the first thing that people do is touch and rub a painful area.
Massage is defined as rubbing soft tissues of the body to alleviate pain and stress.
Proponents of this therapy also report that massage eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Nationally certified practitioners and health care providers routinely order massage therapy and health insurance programs frequently cover this treatment. Many touch therapists are registered nurses who integrate this therapy with their routine nursing care. Therapeutic touch attempts to redirect the body's energy fields to promote healing and alleviate pain. The name of this therapy is misleading because there is no actual touch involved.