A stimulus that opposes or counteracts another stimulus; something that produces an opposite effect.
From Latin 'contra-' (against) plus 'stimulus' (something that provokes a response). A singular technical term used in neurology and experimental psychology.
In pain management research, applying a 'contrastimulus'—like rubbing a sore spot or applying heat opposite to cold—explains the old "rub it better" advice through the 'gate control theory' of pain.
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