Counterstimulation

/ˈkaʊntərˌstɪmjəˈleɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The act or process of applying a stimulus in response to or opposition to another stimulus, often used in pain management and therapy.

Etymology

From 'counterstimulate' plus the noun suffix '-tion.' Emerges in medical and psychological terminology of the 20th century, particularly in pain management research.

Kelly Says

TENS units (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) use counterstimulation theory—weak electrical pulses overwhelm pain signals traveling to your brain, literally using counter-signals to silence pain, which is why they're so effective for chronic pain sufferers.

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