Qian Ming, Wang Minghui, Song Siyi, Xia Hansong, Huang Rui, Yuan Qin, Zhu Zhi, Wei Haiyan, Chen Ming, Ma Qing, Zhang Hui
Nanhui Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China.
Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Front Integr Neurosci. 2025 Feb 25;19:1476654. doi: 10.3389/fnint.2025.1476654. eCollection 2025.
NaiKan Therapy, a method of self-reflection and introspection, has garnered considerable interest for its psychological benefits. However, its physiological impacts, particularly on hormonal regulation, remain underexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of NaiKan Therapy on salivary oxytocin and cortisol release, shedding light on the psychophysiological mechanisms underlying this introspective practice. Sixty participants underwent Naikan Therapy sessions over five consecutive days, during which salivary samples were collected at multiple time points. Salivary oxytocin and cortisol levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Our results revealed significant increases in salivary oxytocin levels following NaiKan Therapy, suggesting a potential role of this practice in enhancing social bonding and emotional regulation. Conversely, salivary cortisol levels exhibited a decrease post-therapy, indicating a reduction in stress reactivity. These findings provide novel insights into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying NaiKan Therapy and highlight its potential as a holistic approach to improving mental wellbeing. Further research exploring the long-term effects of NaiKan Therapy and its implications for clinical practice is warranted.
内观疗法是一种自我反思和内省的方法，因其心理益处而备受关注。然而，其生理影响，尤其是对激素调节的影响，仍未得到充分研究。在本研究中，我们旨在调查内观疗法对唾液中催产素和皮质醇释放的影响，以揭示这种内省练习背后的心理生理机制。60名参与者连续五天接受内观疗法治疗，在此期间在多个时间点采集唾液样本。使用酶联免疫吸附测定（ELISA）试剂盒测量唾液中催产素和皮质醇水平。我们的结果显示，内观疗法后唾液中催产素水平显著升高，表明这种练习在增强社会联系和情绪调节方面可能发挥作用。相反，治疗后唾液皮质醇水平下降，表明应激反应性降低。这些发现为内观疗法背后的神经内分泌机制提供了新的见解，并突出了其作为改善心理健康的整体方法的潜力。有必要进一步研究内观疗法的长期影响及其对临床实践的意义。
