Mindfulness-Based Approaches : From Body to Mind

Abstract

For patients with psychosomatic disorders who are unable to perceive the underlying mental state, a somatic approach that focuses their attention on breathing and/or other physical sensations is much easier for them to understand and adopt. There are various mindfulness practices based on the principles of shinshin ichinyo, the inseparability of body and mind, which first direct attention and enhance sensitivity to physical sensations on the moment, and once the mind is settled, enable the relationship between physical sensations and mental state to be understood. By being aware of their mental state and lifestyle habits in different daily situations, patients are able to not only explore appropriate responses, but also prevent and relieve psychosomatic symptoms.

Mindfulness is applied in a wide variety of health conditions, while its mechanism is being analyzed by brain science. In psychosomatic medicine, this approach enables patients to face the mental states that they recognize from their experiences and accept that they can care for themselves.