treatment that involves touching or manipulating parts of an individual’s body to ease physical pain or to promote relaxation and a general sense of well-being. Touch therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits for children (among others), such as improving the physical and psychological development of preterm infants and bringing about a greater tolerance of touch by children with autism, which has resulted in enhanced bonding and communication with their parents. Also called therapeutic touch. See also complementary and alternative medicine; massage.