Body Awareness: a phenomenological inquiry into the common ground of mind-body therapies
2011

Understanding Body Awareness in Mind-Body Therapies

Sample size: 16 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wolf E. Mehling, Judith Wrubel, Jennifer J. Daubenmier, Cynthia J. Price, Catherine E. Kerr, Theresa Silow, Viranjini Gopisetty, Anita L. Stewart

Primary Institution: University of California, San Francisco

Hypothesis

What is the conceptualization of body awareness in mind-body therapies?

Conclusion

Body awareness is a key aspect of self-awareness that enhances therapeutic outcomes in mind-body practices.

Supporting Evidence

  • Body awareness is seen as an inseparable aspect of embodied self-awareness.
  • Practitioners emphasized the integration of mind and body in their therapeutic approaches.
  • Patients reported improved emotional responses and self-regulation through body awareness practices.

Takeaway

This study shows that being aware of your body can help you feel better and connect your mind and body.

Methodology

Qualitative analysis of focus groups with practitioners and patients of mind-body therapies.

Limitations

The study may not represent all body-awareness practices, and individual experiences may not be generalizable.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 8 practitioners and 8 patients, predominantly female, with varied backgrounds and reasons for therapy.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1747-5341-6-6

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