Interoception: A Crucial “Sixth Sense” That Links the Mind and Body

NIH VideoCast - Probing Interoceptive Processes: Behavioral, Psychological, and Neurophysiological Levels

How do we know when we need to breathe, eat, drink, or use the bathroom? How do we sense and interpret signals from within our bodies to get this information?

We do it through a process called interoception, which is considered a “sixth sense.” Research on interoception is providing insights on how the brain and body interact and how mind and body approaches may affect our health.

To learn more about interoception, check out:

• This message from NCCIH Director Dr. Helene Langevin.
• This summary of two NCCIH-funded studies on interoception in animal models.
• The video recording of our recent Hot Topic Webinar “Probing Interoceptive Processes: Behavioral, Psychological, and Neurophysiological Levels.”