Interoception, sometimes described as the sixth sense, refers to the internal perception of bodily states – or how we understand our body’s inner sensations.
It encompasses the awareness of physiological conditions such as hunger, thirst, heartbeat, breathing, and internal pain, allowing us to experience and respond to these internal bodily signals.
So, unlike the traditional five senses that perceive the external environment – exteroception, or external perception – interoception focuses on the internal landscape of the body.
It is being increasingly recognised by researchers as a key mechanism in helping us understand and regulate both our physical and emotional states, through listening to and understanding our bodies’ signals.
Our articles are always evidence-based and oriented to a Personalised Health approach, and we aim to provide you with actionable knowledge and tips to help you on your journey to optimal health.
In this article we’ll look at how interoception works, examples of interoception in the human body, why it is important, how you can learn to listen to your body’s subtle signals, and how enhanced understanding of interoception can boost your overall health and wellbeing.
How does interoception work?
Interoception is the process by which your nervous system senses, interprets, and integrates signals originating from within your body, providing a sense of your physiological condition. These signals are conveyed to the brain through various pathways, primarily involving the vagus nerve and the spinal cord, and are processed in brain regions such as the insular cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex.
Examples of interoception in the human body
Importance of interoception
Interoception is crucial for maintaining homeostasis – your body’s stable internal environment. It helps you to respond to physiological needs and maintain optimal functioning.
Here are some reasons why interoception is important:
Learning to listen to subconscious signals
Enhancing interoceptive awareness involves tuning into your body’s subtle signals.
Here are some strategies to help you develop this skill:
Benefits of enhanced interoception
Improving interoceptive awareness offers numerous health benefits:
Takeaway
Interoception is a fundamental aspect of human physiology, encompassing the perception of your internal bodily states. It plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating emotions, guiding behaviour, and promoting overall health.
Enhancing interoceptive awareness through practices like mindfulness, breathwork, yoga, biofeedback, journaling, and physical exercise can lead to significant health benefits, including stress reduction, better emotional regulation, improved physical health, enhanced self-awareness, pain management, and better decision-making.
By learning to listen to your body’s subtle signals, you can develop a more profound connection with your internal landscape, leading to a more balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life.
In an increasingly fast-paced and external-focused world, cultivating interoceptive awareness is a valuable skill that will help to promote your holistic wellbeing.
If you are looking to optimise your health, why not come to one of our beautiful detox health retreats – designed to help you detoxify both physically and mentally – either in the tranquil English countryside or on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Gozo.
Our Personalised Health practitioners will support you, recommending positive, sustainable lifestyle choices tailored to your individual health circumstances and goals.
You will be immersed in a supportive and nurturing environment, combining a Functional Medicine and naturopathy approach, that enables you to switch off, relax and kickstart your health journey, and Change for Good.
