The term 'kind of anesthetic' can refer to three different types of anesthetics: LOCAL, TOPICAL, and epidural. LOCAL anesthetics are injected directly into the area that needs to be numbed and work by blocking nerve signals from the affected area. TOPICAL anesthetics are applied directly to the skin and work by numbing the area they are applied to. Epidural anesthetics are injected into the space around the spinal cord and are used to provide pain relief during labor and other medical procedures.