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. Liniment

Liniment

Liniment , from the Latin linere, to anoint, is a medicated topical preparation for application to the skin. Preparations of this type are also called balm...

 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

Television

Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...

 or virtual reality

Virtual reality

Virtual reality , also known as virtuality, is a term that applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world, as well as in imaginary worlds...

.