The word 按摩 is formed by combining two characters, each representing a distinct but related physical action. The first character, 按, means "to press" or "to push down", while the second, 摩, means "to rub" or "to stroke". Together, they sequentially and conceptually describe the core techniques of the practice: applying pressure and then moving the hand over the area, fusing into the single, comprehensive concept of "massage".