2018 Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 45-50
In this article, I describe some possibilities for the form ‘Naikan’ might take in the future, categorizing them into three points. 1. The spread of ‘Naikan’ and the promotion of a licensing system for practitioners of Naikan therapy: ‘Naikan’ started as a form of mental cultivation and self-awareness, and subsequently developed into a treatment for disease. It is important that we begin again to contribute to improved mental health. Therefore, a licensing system is required. 2. The need to show the efficacy of Naikan therapy through research based on objective parameters: Randomized control trials and the examination of functional brain images are useful methods for showing the effects of the Naikan therapy. Furthermore, such research may provide an opportunity to construct a new theory of, and system for Naikan therapy. 3. The Globalization of Naikantherapy: The process of promoting and developing Naikan Therapy internationally requires us to present the theory of Naikan in a manner that is easy to understand. Yet in addition, it will be necessary for us to contemplate deeply upon the true meaning of ‘Naikan,’ basing our understanding on Japanese social values.
