What is interoception?

It’s your body’s ability to sense and perceive its internal sensations. These include basic needs/sensations such as hunger, thirst, pain, heart rate. But also includes your thoughts and emotions- everything we feel on the inside.
 

Why is it important?

It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, the body’s balance and stability. It allows us to recognise what we need: food, water, rest, comfort, or medical attention.

It also allows us to be aware of emotional changes and shifts, or thoughts as they pass through. We have c 10,000 thoughts a day, but only certain ones do we swill around and think more important.

It’s part of what allows to feel our realm of power: what we can change in our world and what we can’t.
 

How does interoception work?

Interoception involves both sensory and cognitive components. The sensory part is the physical sensation itself. Whilst the cognitive side analyses and interprets the sensation. Often in an unconscious way.

Dysfunctions in interoception have been linked to eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and autism.
 

How can we improve our own interoception?

Feldenkrais works on improving our awareness, feedback, and self-regulation. Body scans , (which we learn to do in Feldenkrais sessions) help to improve the baseline of where you sense yourself in relation to the outside world.

I’ll be looking at this in regard to anxiety, in my upcoming 10 week course on Reducing Anxiety for Musicians, starting on the 5th of June. If that’s of interest to you, do get in touch. There are more details here: https://mailchi.mp/a6ef80ca307a/reduceanxiety

If it’s not of interest to you, but you know someone who might appreciate some support in reducing their anxiety, send them my way!