The aim of haptosynesis is the therapeutic accompaniment of those who are handicapped or ill. It aims to optimise and humanize the relationship between the therapist and the patient in such a way that the person being helped can put their own resources to work to their best advantage. However, it is essential to understand that its objective is not to "cure" in the classic sense of the term. It is an accompaniment which helps the person to live with the handicap or illness independently of the prognosis and evolution. It helps to surmount the fears and apprehensions inherent in the boundaries and limitations established by the handicap or illness. Haptosynesis is one application of the haptonomic phenomenality. It is primarily concerned with physical comfort (animated corporality) whilst respectful of the dignity of the individual being. Its aim is that, despite the handicap or illness, the individual should not lose his place, his engagement, with those of his entourage. Haptosynesis is a specific application of haptonomy in medical health care. Synesis means: to meet, be with, as well as to bring help to, rescue, assist. This term is also used in the sense of to give understanding, to appeal to the faculty of comprehension, and to realize, become aware (of oneself, of one's aptitudes). Haptosynesis calls upons the health care professionals qualities of presence, transparence and prudence, which are the bases of the affective relationship. It initiates a psychotactile contact. It is important to understand that it is not "the body which is touched" but that it is the person who is encountered. The very specific quality of this encounter installs confidence and inner affective security. The therapy is then given in answer to a particular, personal demand, a need for care. The professional responds with respect for the individuality of the person being helped. The pathway to autonomy established by the haptonomic relationship is such that the person being helped is neither in a relationship of dependence nor of subordination. Haptosynesis, in its appeal to the vital intentionality of the person needing help, is not preoccupied by the illness or the handicap, but goes beyond that, taking into consideration the person and his capacity to rediscover the sense of his life to the best of his ability. It is therefore essential that it is the person himself who mobilizes his aptitudes and resources. He discovers that, despite his handicap, he is able to remain present in life, still being himself, with his own characteristic feelings and emotions, in relation to other human beings. One of the effects of the haptonomic relationship must be emphasized, for its particular interest to haptosynesis. It concerns the modification of what we call the representational tonus. This tonus (specific to such a relationship), is characterised by suppleness and elasticity and facilitates mobilisation... However it must be understood that over and above the facilitation (within the technical act) this, specific tonus is the manifestation and expression of the experience of an animated corporality which also brings a different experience of pain, in terms of its attenuation. It is therefore of immense interest in all the situations where mobilisation is painful during treatment ; or those concerning the rehabilitation of autonomous movement, as well as in the context of "palliative care" (accompaniment for the dying).