Science is catching up on yoga's wisdom

This week, I came across an email from a neuroscientist that really struck me—it confirmed something I’ve long felt in my own body and witnessed in my students over the years: a regular yoga practice truly supports mental health. It’s always been clear to me on the mat, and now science is putting words (and data!) to what so many of us experience firsthand.

Neuroscience research points to Interoception as the most essential skill for mental wellbeing. Interoception is your brain's ability to sense and interpret signals from your internal body.

This is what she wrote in her email;

Your body is constantly sending information to your brain through specialized receptors that detect internal states like tension, breath, heart rate, and even subtle gut sensations. This steady stream of data helps your brain assess safety, threat, and overall wellbeing.

When your interoceptive system functions optimally, three remarkable things happen:

• You can recognize emotional states before they overwhelm you

• Your sense of self becomes more stable and coherent

• Your capacity for empathy and connection deepens

The challenge is that many of us have diminished interoceptive awareness. Early experiences, chronic stress, trauma, or simply living in a hyper-cognitive culture can all contribute to disconnection from these internal signals.(@emonthebrain)

Every time we practice yoga we are building our listening skills. We are practicing the habit of attending to sensations in our body without judgement. This practice is exactly what builds the neural pathways that improve our Interoception and over time it creates powerful shifts in our brains ability to process internal data. 

Maybe many of you have experienced the benefits of this practice? Have you noticed an improvement in your ability to regulate emotions, make aligned decisions and maintain wellbeing. Maybe you've experienced  a clearer sense of your intuition and a deeper sense of connection with others? I'd love to know if you have.