counterstimulation

{{Short description|Pain management based on distraction}}

{{notability|date=March 2019}}

Counterstimulation is a treatment for pain based on distraction.

A basic example is the practice of rubbing a fresh bruise, so that attention is paid to the sense of touch and pressure, rather than to the pain of the injury.{{Cite book |last=Lalkhen |first=Abdul-Ghaaliq |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1259047857 |title=An Anatomy of Pain: How the Body and the Mind Experience and Endure Physical Suffering |date=2022 |publisher=Scribner |isbn=978-1-9821-6100-2 |edition=1st |location= |pages=27 |language=en |oclc=1259047857}} Liniment and "medicated" products containing menthol work in the same way, producing sensations such as heat or cold or strong odors.

Counterstimulation can also be applied to a remote part of the body.

Pain control can also be achieved by the use of electronic media, such as television or virtual reality.