Yoga Meets Movement Science

Interoception, Emotions, Pain, & Yoga

Sep 6, 2022

Dive into the intriguing world of interoception and its vital role in shaping our bodily awareness. Discover how emotions and pain are closely linked through this overlooked sense. The discussion challenges common claims about yoga's effects on interoception, while debunking outdated brain myths. Learn what it means to have good interoception and how mindfulness can influence our emotional experiences. Unpack the fascinating interplay between mind and body and explore ways to enhance wellness through greater bodily awareness.

01:28:47

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Quick takeaways

Interoception, the awareness of internal bodily states, plays a crucial role in our experience of emotions and pain perception.

Mindfulness practices like yoga may enhance individuals' confidence in sensing bodily conditions without improving their actual interoceptive accuracy.

Understanding interoception provides yoga practitioners with valuable insights into emotional regulation, enhancing their overall mindfulness and connection to their bodies.

Deep dives

Understanding Interoception

Interoception is defined as the awareness of the internal states of the body, encompassing a broader range of sensory information than previously understood. It includes not just the sensations from the internal organs, but also proprioception, emotional states, and even temperature. This growing interest in interoception reflects a paradigm shift in understanding how humans perceive their bodily conditions and their implications for well-being. Given its potential impact, acknowledging interoception is particularly significant for individuals engaging in practices like yoga, as it enhances their connection to their body and overall mindfulness.

Intro

2min

Exploring Yoga's Impact on Interoception

3min

Understanding Pain Science and Interoception in Yoga

6min

Understanding Interoception and Proprioception

19min

Understanding the Connection Between Emotions and Bodily Sensations

4min

Exploring the Interconnectedness of Mind and Body

2min

Understanding Emotions and Interoception

29min

Understanding Interoception: Insights and Implications

16min

Enhancing Wellness Through Interoception and Mindfulness

7min

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the fascinating and hugely relevant topic of interoception and its connection to yoga, mindfulness practices, emotion, pain, and more.

Points of discussion include:

Pain science and interoception science are intimately related
The hugely integral role that interoception plays in how we experience and feel our bodies in the world is generally overlooked
Interoception research is rapidly evolving, and it’s important for yoga teachers to stay on top of these developing insights
Common claims we hear about interoception and yoga & mindfulness practices may be questioned by science
There’s a plethora of outdated information about the brain in the yoga world (i.e. “neuromyths”)
Emotions and pain are much more related than we realize – and their link is interoception
Interoception science tells us that we don’t store emotions or trauma “in our body” or “in our hips”, etc.
What is proprioception? What does having poor proprioception look like?
Your entire experience of your body in the world is a construction of your brain
What does it mean to have “good” interoception?
What does it mean to “improve” interoception?
It's commonly stated that yoga & mindfulness practices improve interoception, but this claim may not be accurate!
…And much, much more!

Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Jenni’s email newsletter

Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis

Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni

Strength for Yoga email newsletter

Take Jenni’s Welcome to Your Brain course for free w/ 7-day free trial

Book: How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett

To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram

Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.

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