An agent that causes local inflammation of an area
A substance applied to the skin to produce an irritating, heating, or vasodilating effect, in order to speed local healing by increasing circulation of blood, radiating the heat inward to inflamed tissues deep below the skin. It can also be used to induce reflex stimulation to seemingly unrelated internal organs. (see DERMATOMES)
n. an agent, such as methyl salicylate, that causes irritation when applied to the skin and is used in order to relieve more deep-seated pain or discomfort. —counterirritation n.
oil of wintergreen: a liquid with *counterirritant and *analgesic properties, applied to the skin as an ingredient in preparations to relieve pain in lumbago, sciatica, and rheumatic conditions.... methyl salicylate
n. a form of treatment favoured in Japan, in which cones of sunflower pith or down from the leaves of the plant Artemisia moxa are stuck to the skin and ignited. The heat produced by the smouldering cones acts as a counterirritant and is reputed to cure a variety of disorders.... moxibustion
Health Encyclopedia