Interoception: The Hidden Sense That Shapes Emotional Wellness
We often think of five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—but science recognizes a sixth: interoception , the ability to perceive internal bodily signals. From heartbeat and hunger to breath and gut feelings, interoception plays a critical role in emotional awareness, decision-making, and mental health. What Is Interoception? Definition : Interoception is your brain’s ability to sense signals from inside your body—like heart rate, respiration, and digestion. Neural basis : The insular cortex and anterior cingulate cortex process interoceptive signals and link them to emotional states. Mind-body bridge : Interoception connects physical sensations to emotional experiences, influencing how we feel and respond. What the Research Shows A 2022 study in Nature Neuroscience found that people with higher interoceptive awareness had better emotional regulation and lower anxiety. Poor interoception is linked to conditions like depression, eating disorders, and PTSD. Mindfulness and ...