GENERAL COUNTER-IRRITANT
the galvanic bath has few if any superiors. The degree of counter-irritation can be very nicely determined by regulating the intensity of the current. The characteristic tingling sensation of the galvanic current is felt over the entire surface, corresponding in degree of course to the intensity of the current; while the redness of the skin, bearing a like relation to the intensity of the current, is observable more especially near the electrodes, being particularly conspicuous over the entire back. Concentrated local counter-irritation can be obtained by the use of the surface board.
The counter-irritant effects of the galvanic bath, differ from those of ordinary counter-irritants in their freedom from pain, even the slight burning sensation accompanying strong currents ceasing with the application. The redness remains quite a while and the stimulus to the peripheral circulation causes the persistence for some time of a “glowing” sensation all over the body.
In the chapter on physiological effects enough has been stated to make it apparent that as a