What is the kneading and pinching motion in massage called?

The correct answer is petrissage, which refers to a massage technique involving kneading and pinching motions. This method is aimed at increasing blood circulation and lymphatic drainage while also relaxing the muscles. Petrissage can help alleviate muscle tension by applying pressure and kneading on specific areas, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being.

Friction, while another massage technique, involves rubbing or moving the skin against the underlying tissue to generate heat and improve circulation, but it does not encompass the kneading and pinching aspects found in petrissage. Tapotement consists of rhythmic tapping or percussion movements that stimulate the tissues, rather than kneading. Compression involves applying steady pressure to an area, which is not the same as the alternating motions of kneading and pinching characterized by petrissage. Each of these other techniques serves a unique purpose in the realm of massage, but none replicate the specific actions described in the question.