Wartenberg wheel

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For other uses of "Wartenberg", see Wartenberg.

A Wartenberg wheel, also called a Wartenberg pinwheel or Wartenberg neurowheel, is a medical device for neurological use. It was originally designed by Dr Robert Wartenberg to test nerve reactions as it glided across the skin. A Wartenberg wheel is generally made of stainless steel with a handle of approximately seven inches in length. The wheel, which has evenly spaced radiating sharp pins, rotates around as it is rolled across the flesh. A disposable plastic version is available.

[edit] Nonmedical use

Wartenberg wheel in use on a sensation play.

The Wartenberg wheel is a popular BDSM toy, proven by its constant presence on the bestsellers list of BDSM retailers.^{[citation needed]} It is also seen in more general sex toy catalogs, such as the Blowfish catalog. In practice, the wheel is often rolled over a person's skin, generating a unique sensation. Light pressure often provides an intense ticklish sensation, where more pressure allows the pins to be felt. The pins are pointy enough to be felt, but are not sharp enough to puncture the skin, unless excessive pressure is used.

[edit] Literature

Phillip Miller, Molly Devon, William A. Granzig: Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism. Mystic Rose Books 1995, ISBN 0-9645960-0-8