What describes the technique where the therapist uses the fingertips to apply pressure and stimulate energy points?

The technique described is acupressure, which involves using the fingertips to apply pressure to specific points on the body, often referred to as energy points or acupoints. This practice is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and is believed to help balance the body’s energy, alleviate pain, and promote healing.

Acupressure works by stimulating these points to encourage the flow of qi (pronounced "chee"), the vital energy that is thought to circulate throughout the body. By applying pressure to these points, the therapist can help release tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall wellness.

The other techniques listed, such as pétissage, effleurage, and tapotement, focus on different methods of manipulation and do not specifically target energy points in the same way acupressure does. Pétrissage involves kneading soft tissue, effleurage consists of long, gliding strokes to warm up the muscles, and tapotement refers to rhythmic tapping or percussion on the skin.