Interoception, Contemplative Practice, and Health

Interoception, Contemplative Practice, and Health

Author: Norman Farb

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2017-02-07

Total Pages: 318

ISBN-13: 2889450945

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There is an emergent movement of scientists and scholars working on somatic awareness, interoception and embodiment. This work cuts across studies of neurophysiology, somatic anthropology, contemplative practice, and mind-body medicine. Key questions include: How is body awareness cultivated? What role does interoception play for emotion and cognition in healthy adults and children as well as in different psychopathologies? What are the neurophysiological effects of this cultivation in practices such as Yoga, mindfulness meditation, Tai Chi and other embodied contemplative practices? What categories from other traditions might be useful as we explore embodiment? Does the cultivation of body awareness within contemplative practice offer a tool for coping with suffering from conditions, such as pain, addiction, and dysregulated emotion? This emergent field of research into somatic awareness and associated interoceptive processes, however, faces many obstacles. The principle obstacle lies in our 400-year Cartesian tradition that views sensory perception as epiphenomenal to cognition. The segregation of perception and cognition has enabled a broad program of cognitive science research, but may have also prevented researchers from developing paradigms for understanding how interoceptive awareness of sensations from inside the body influences cognition. The cognitive representation of interoceptive signals may play an active role in facilitating therapeutic transformation, e.g. by altering context in which cognitive appraisals of well-being occur. This topic has ramifications into disparate research fields: What is the role of interoceptive awareness in conscious presence? How do we distinguish between adaptive and maladaptive somatic awareness? How do we best measure somatic awareness? What are the consequences of dysregulated somatic/interoceptive awareness on cognition, emotion, and behavior? The complexity of these questions calls for the creative integration of perspectives and findings from related but often disparate research areas including clinical research, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, anthropology, religious/contemplative studies and philosophy.


Biomarkers in Psychiatry

Biomarkers in Psychiatry

Author: Judith Pratt

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2019-01-05

Total Pages: 431

ISBN-13: 3319996428

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This volume addresses one of the Holy Grails in Psychiatry, namely the evidence for and potential to adopt ‘Biomarkers’ for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment responses in mental health conditions. It meshes together state of the art research from international renowned pre-clinical and clinical scientists to illustrate how the fields of anxiety disorders, depression, psychotic disorders, and autism spectrum disorder have advanced in recent years.


The Interoceptive Mind

The Interoceptive Mind

Author: Manos Tsakiris

Publisher:

Published: 2019

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 0198811934

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Interoception is the body-to-brain axis of sensations that originates from the internal body and visceral organs. The Interoceptive Mind: From Homeostasis to Awareness offers a state-of-the-art overview of, and insights into, the role of interoception for mental life, awareness, subjectivity, affect, and cognition.


The Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy

The Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Author: Bruno A. Cayoun

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2018-11-12

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 1119389631

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The essential guide to MiCBT for therapists working in clinical settings The Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy offers therapists working in clinical settings a practical set of evidence-based techniques derived from mindfulness (vipassana) training and the principles of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. The increasing popularity of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy (MiCBT) is principally attributed to its transdiagnostic applications. It offers novel tools that address a broad range of psychological disorders both acute and chronic, including those with complex comorbidities, and helps prevent relapse. The authoritative guide to this unique approach includes: A clear explanation of MiCBT’s origins and development, structure and content, scientific underpinnings and supporting empirical evidence A comprehensive guide to the 10-session MiCBT program for groups and individual clients that includes worksheets and handouts for each session and suggestions to overcome common difficulties A presentation of the research and practical experience of the authors, noted experts in the field of MiCBT Written for mental health therapists working with groups and individual clients, The Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy offers an effective guide for implementing the principles of MiCBT within their professional practice.


Handbook of Research on Evidence-Based Perspectives on the Psychophysiology of Yoga and Its Applications

Handbook of Research on Evidence-Based Perspectives on the Psychophysiology of Yoga and Its Applications

Author: Telles, Shirley

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2020-08-28

Total Pages: 577

ISBN-13: 1799832554

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While yoga was originally intended to be practiced for spiritual growth, there is an increasing interest in applying yoga in all areas of life. It is important to understand this ancient science and way of life through as many perspectives as possible (e.g., based on biomedical engineering). As its popularity and interest grows, more practitioners want to know about the proven physiological effects and uses in healthcare. The Handbook of Research on Evidence-Based Perspectives on the Psychophysiology of Yoga and Its Applications provides research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of yoga therapy and its physiological effects from diverse, evidence-based viewpoints. The book adds in-depth information regarding the (1) physiological effects of yoga; (2) neurobiological effects of yoga meditation; (3) psychological benefits related to yoga, such as mental wellbeing; (4) molecular changes associated with yoga practice; and (5) therapeutic applications (for lymphedema, mental health disorders, non-communicable diseases, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and trauma, among other conditions). Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as pain management, psychotherapy, and trauma treatment, this book is ideally designed for yoga practitioners, physicians, medical professionals, health experts, mental health professionals, therapists, counselors, psychologists, spiritual leaders, academicians, researchers, and students.


Better in Every Sense

Better in Every Sense

Author: Norman Farb

Publisher: Little, Brown Spark

Published: 2024-01-23

Total Pages: 218

ISBN-13: 0316434558

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Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Norman Farb and clinical psychologist Dr. Zindel Segal reveal how to break out of negative patterns by engaging your senses. For many of us, daily life has stopped making sense. Super-efficient routines that once served us well now stress us out. Patterns of judgment and negative thinking lead to downward emotional spirals. For others, life has simply lost its spark. Where does change come from when habit lets you down? Whether we’re struggling with a problem, a bad habit, or life in general, we often think we need to be resilient by “toughing it out” or “trying harder.” But when we do that, our brains double down on the thinking patterns that got us stuck in the first place—even when they clearly aren’t working for us. Fortunately, the science of sensation provides the key. In Better in Every Sense, neuroscientist Norman Farb and clinical psychologist Zindel Segal explain that the brain has two networks—the rapid problem-solving (habit) network and the sensory network, which is devoted to fresh insight. By tuning into new and everyday sensations—from the feeling of our feet on a crowded street to the sound of birdsong in the park—we can engage the sensory network. When we’re stressed or stuck, we can pause to notice and feel the dynamic, vibrant world around us and boost our resilience, well-being, health, and creativity wherever we are, in the moment. Grounded in decades of scientific research and filled with simple exercises and practical mental techniques for mastering “sense foraging,” Better in Every Sense explores the power of sensory experiences to liberate us from our ruts and dead ends—and help us successfully handle all of life’s challenges.


Yin Yoga Therapy and Mental Health

Yin Yoga Therapy and Mental Health

Author: Tracey Meyers

Publisher: Singing Dragon

Published: 2022-06-21

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 0857013831

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This highly illustrated guide teaches yoga therapists and mental health professionals how to integrate Yin Yoga into practice and treatment plans as part of a holistic approach to healing and treating a variety of mental health challenges and brain injuries. Yin yoga is an accessible form of yoga consisting of mainly floor based low force stretching, perfect for all patients regardless of physical limitations. The use of Yin yoga when combined with breath work and meditation can decrease anxiety, improve overall mood, and create a sense of well-being. With explanations on the principles of practice, such as asanas, meditation, breathwork and how to integrate different psychological methods to decrease emotional suffering and increase self-care along with examples of how to apply these principles for a range of mental health conditions; this guide is essential reading for all practitioners interested in an integrated approach to healing.