Medical toys - sex toys inspired by equipment used in real clinical settings - are one of the most exciting categories of BDSM gear. Whether you have a full-on medical fetish, or just want to play doctor or dress like a naughty nurse, items like the Wartenberg Pinwheel have wonderful sexual role play possibilities.
The Wartenberg Wheel can tingle; tickle; or prickle when the spikes are rolled over the skin, depending on how much pressure is applied. Because of this, in BDSM, the Wartenburg Pinwheel is often classed as a sensation play toy, as well as a medical sextoy. Sensation play equipment is designed to stimulate the senses, and despite the harsh reputation of fetish play, it’s often used sensually, rather than painfully, to tease and torment the recipient via sensory overload. In kinky role playing, sextoys like these are often combined with a sensory deprivation toy like a blindfold, to more completely control the subject’s sensory input.
Learn other exciting tips on how to use the Wartenburg Pin Wheel, as well as instructions on how to shop for and care for a pinwheel, here on this site.
History of the Wartenberg Pinwheel
The Wartenburg Pinwheel was invented by Dr Robert Wartenberg, a Belorussian neurologist working in Germany during the Nazi occupation. In 1935 he escaped Germany and moved to San Francisco, where he was appointed clinical professor of neurology at the University of California in 1952. During his tenure there, he invented a device to test nerve reactions in the skin. The device was made of stainless steel and had a seven inch handle with a sharp, spiked wheel at the end that could be rolled over the skin to test the pain receptors on the skin’s surface. The Wartenberg Wheel is still commonly used for neurological testing today, though BDSM enthusiasts and sensual adventurers have come up with a few more interesting uses for this type of device.
Suggestions for Using Pinwheel Toys
When the Wartenberg pin wheel rolls over the skin, it generates a tingling or prickling sensation when used with a light touch – or it can actually pierce the surface of the skin, if used more intensely.
The intensity of the experience can be heightened through a variety of techniques, including:
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Using sensory deprivation devices (blindfolds are best)
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Changing the temperature: heat the pinwheel by running it under warm tapwater, or cool it by placing it in the refrigerator
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Using an electrosex device such as a Violet Wand kit with a body contact electrode attachment to electrify the pinwheel, which will both shock and needle the skin at the same time
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Shaving the hair off the target area; putting on an astringent, such as witchhazel; then using the pinwheel on that area to combine the prickling spikes with the cooling astringent.
Buying a Pinwheel: What to Look For
When shopping for any pinwheel there are some important areas to pay attention to:
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Different Types of Pinwheels
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Material: Hygienic materials are always important when it comes to toys like the Wartenburg Wheel, which come in direct contact with the skin. To protect your health and that of your partner, you should choose either a disposable plastic pinwheel, which is intended for one time use, or a wheel made of surgical stainless steel, if you want to be able to use the pinwheel over and over again. (See cleaning suggestions below for steel pinwheels.)
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Quality: Check the item carefully to insure the item has no bent pins, the wheel turns well and it handles well for you.
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Reliable Manufacturers: Quality is the number one factor in purchasing a pinwheel. Stockroom.com has surgical stainless steel Wartenberg Pinwheels for an excellent price, as well as a handy leather pinwheel sheath for storage, to prevent the spikes from poking holes in other items – or in you, when yosu put them in your pocket!
