Interoception

Interoception is a relatively new term that can be described as the perception of inner sensations. Interoception allows for self-regulation, a sense of well-being, and associates preference to sensory experiences. Various studies have shown that dysfunctional interoceptive processing is evident in a variety of disorders.

Disorders of interoception are on the rise and often either accompany the main complaint or are the main complaint of patients. These disorders include, but are not limited to stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, fibromyalgia, as well as chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic pain. Manual therapists have an ideal opportunity to improve the sensory experience of these patients, thereby improving their well-being, self-regulation and awareness. Fascia has been shown to have a direct link to a part of the brain, the insular cortex, that drives interoception. Manual therapists who treat fascia within treatment will be targeting sensory receptors that are wired for interoception and therefore improving the interoception of their patients. 

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