# Interoception Interoception is the process by which we sense the internal state of the body, emotions, hunger, pain, digestion Not to be confused with [[proprioception]], the sensation of the body in space. [[insula]] is involved. Dissociation is the shutting down of interoception. Associated with depression. We can also be hypersensitive to these sensations, such as with [[anxiety]]. The insula can be directly connected to the fear circuitry in the brain. With practice we can improve our interoception accuracy. Things you can offer: - Touch the area that feels the strongest - Offer that area care - Relaxed area in the body - Allow sensations to be - Naming sensations Name, allow Touch, change in body, offer feeling of care, naming Thinking cuts us off from feeling and tells the survival brain that it is being ignored, which intensifies the feelings from the survival brain because it is trying to communicate with us