The Concept of Interoception in Modern Psychology and Its Clinical Applications from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2023.21.001
- VernacularTitle:从中医学角度探析现代心理学内感受的概念与临床应用
- Author:
Jiding XIE
1
;
Yaping HE
2
;
Gaoxia WEI
2
;
Jingang DAI
1
Author Information
1. Experimental Research Center，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences，Beijing，100700
2. Institute of Psychology，Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
interoception;
view of body-spirit syncretism;
regulating qi;
purifying the spirit;
psychosomatic medicine;
psychology
- From:Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2023;64(21):2161-2169
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
This study critically examines the current status of interoception research in modern psychology， taking into account perspective of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， encompassing both foundational studies and clinical applications. The investigation highlights a deep interconnection between psychosomatic theories in TCM， such as the TCM emotions and viscera theory and the view of body-spirit syncretism， and the concept of interoception at the cognitive level. Moreover， philosophical principles， particularly the “Zhi Yi Lun” in TCM， align naturally with the three-dimensional interoception model. Importantly， this comparative analysis emphasizes that Western and Chinese medicine place different emphasis on interoception research with the former focusing on diagnosis and the latter on treatment. These differing approaches complement each other and provide opportunities for cross-fertilization. At the practical level of interoception application， “five-state personality classification” demonstrates promising potential for further clinical application. In addition， TCM has valuable insights for contemporary medical practices in terms of emotional regulation. TCM methods for emotional regulation， known as “Daoyin”， provide important knowledge in this area. One concept developed by TCM for clinical intervention targeting interoception is “Tiao Qi” （regulating qi）. This concept is used during diagnosis and treatment in TCM and plays a crucial role in managing interoceptive states. This paper aims to explain the cognitive and applied aspects of interoception in TCM， offering a perspective for future research and clinical application. By integrating modern psychology's psychosomatic medicine model， TCM can enhance its relevance and efficacy in contemporary medical contexts. This integration promotes a balanced relationship between the mind and body. TCM researchers have a responsibility to explore the inherent strengths and practical value of TCM in interoception research， and contribute to the advancement of TCM.
