[Unedited] Bessel van der Kolk with Krista Tippett
On Being with Krista Tippett
Eastern & Western Approaches to Treating Distress: Disembodied Numbing vs. Self-Regulation
The Western culture, particularly in psychotherapy, tends to focus on disembodied experiences where individuals are encouraged to numb their distress with substances like alcohol or pills. Contrary to this, Eastern cultures emphasize self-regulation through practices like mindfulness meditation, dancing, and singing, which help individuals reconnect with their bodies. Research shows that mindfulness meditation can profoundly impact the brain, particularly the medial prefrontal cortex, enabling individuals to consciously control their primitive brain functions. In Eastern cultures like China, Japan, India, and Africa, self-regulation has always been prioritized over simply thinking things through, offering a holistic approach to managing distress and trauma.
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