An Active Inference Account of Touch and Verbal Communication in Therapy

Abstract

This paper offers theoretical explanations for why “guided touch” or manual touch with verbal communication can be an effective way of treating the body (e.g., chronic pain) and the mind (e.g., emotional disorders). The active inference theory suggests that chronic pain and emotional disorders can be attributed to distorted and exaggerated patterns of interoceptive and proprioceptive inference. We propose that the nature of active inference is abductive. As such, to rectify aberrant active inference processes, we should change the “Rule” of abduction, or the “prior beliefs” entailed by a patient’s generative model. This means pre-existing generative models should be replaced with new models. To facilitate such replacement—or updating—the present treatment proposes that we should weaken prior beliefs, especially the one at the top level of hierarchical generative models, thereby altering the sense of agency, and redeploying attention. Then, a new prior belief can be installed through inner communication along with manual touch. The present paper proposes several hypotheses for possible experimental studies. If touch with verbal guidance is proven to be effective, this would demonstrate the relevance of active inference and the implicit prediction model at a behavioral level. Furthermore, it would open new possibilities of employing inner communication interventions, including self-talk training, for a wide range of psychological and physical therapies.

The osteopath-parent-child triad in osteopathic care in the first 2 years of life: a qualitative study

“…The environment in which osteopathic visits occur is crucial, as supported by the enactivist interpretation of the therapeutic process ( Kim et al, 2022 ). According to the enactive model, the body and brain are attuned to the interactive environment, shaping one’s sense of self, meaning from past experiences, and predictions about the future ( Stilwell and Harman, 2019 ).…”

“…The therapeutic alliance serves as a cooperative relationship between the clinician and the patient, playing a vital role in person-centered care. It fosters trust, recognition, and alignment with an individual’s unique needs through cooperative communication ( Miciak et al, 2019 ; Ryu et al, 2021 ; Kim et al, 2022 ). In the context of osteopathic care, it is essential to go beyond mere knowledge and execution of techniques.…”

“…The close contact between mother and infant during the initial months of life allows for the mutual regulation of each other’s physiological activities, creating a form of physiological body-to-body synchrony known as body tuning or co-regulation ( Normann et al, 2015 ; Atzil and Gendron, 2017 ; Kim et al, 2022 ). Through this co-regulation, the mother and infant engage in a reciprocal process of influencing and aligning their physiological states.…”