Naikan Therapy for behavior patterns related to the symptoms of medical diseases
行動様式が症状に影響を与える内科疾患への内観療法

Keisuke KAWAI
Journal of the Japan Naikan Association  
Naikan began as a method to build mental strength and self-awareness but has been extended for use as a therapy for diseases such as alcoholism, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) , drug dependence, and eating disorders. We show in this paper that Naikan Therapy is also effective for the following : 1) Conditions in which behavior patterns are related to the disease symptoms, such as bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis., and lifestyle-related
more » ... including diabetes and obesity. In particular, it is useful for intractable cases for which the standard treatment is not effective; and 2) Cases in which eating disorders are comorbid with another medical disease. Conventional medical treatments, medical education, and supportive psychotherapy/cognitive behavioral therapy have priority over Naikan Therapy in the treatment of these diseases. We combine Naikan Therapy with these standard therapies in the latter half of inpatient treatment for patients who have endured debilitating criticism and distrust from others. Patients become aware that significant others, including family, support the patient with heart and soul. The patients come to face their denial and the emotions that they had previously avoided. Self-esteem is restored, changes of behavior begin, and symptom control is enabled. In addition, we often experience emotional amplitude recovery after the patient remembers somatesthesia, such as degustation and cutaneous sensations that are important to the patient, in the latter half of intensive Naikan therapy. These points are important for understanding the mechanisms of Naikan Therapy. In conclusion, Naikan Therapy would be effective in the treatment of diseases, including lifestyle-related diseases, in which behavior patterns are related to the symptoms.
doi:10.34593/jna.25.1_31 fatcat:esdx2vhorbaj3iayfkxy5y6crm