Your Low-Stress Guide to Leveling-Up Your Bedtime Routine
Are You Burnt Out or Depressed?
Empathy is the ability to imagine yourself in someones place and understand what theyre experiencing.
People with a neurological condition called mirror-touch synesthesia, however, arent just cringing at the thought of pain.
Theyre actually experiencing it.
With our curiosity piqued, we asked neuroscience experts about this rare and fascinating phenomenon.
To what extent can someone experience physical pain through mirror-touch synesthesia?
co-founder ofVMeDx
Does their connection with the individual experiencing the actual physical sensation play a role in transmitting these sensations?
And what can mirror-touch synesthesia tell us about the human capacity for empathy?
Is mirror-touch synesthesia real?
A person can be born with synesthesia or develop this condition because of a brain injury or drug use.
The term mirror describes sensations that occur on the opposite side of the body.
They might tear up or feel a warm embrace while watching a parent comfort their child.
What they observe can feel very personal and immediate.
These elevated levels of physical empathy, though, can make someone vulnerable to sensory overload.
Dr. Frank explains that crowded spaces can be overwhelming due to the physical sensations triggered by observing peoples movements.
co-founder ofVMeDx
Self-reported symptoms include itching, tingling, pressure, or pain upon seeing another person being touched.
This heightened sensory experience often translates into intense emotional and physical empathy for others joy and pain.
In addition, a person may undergo imaging tests to determine if their symptoms are consistent with mirror-touch synesthesia.
What causes mirror-touch synesthesia?
Although research hasnt established the cause of this condition, mirror neurons are likely involved.
Essentially, their brain interprets other peoples physical experiences as happening in their own bodies.
These perceptions are so vivid, they feel like physical sensations and cant be thought away.
A third possibility is cross-activation between the brains sensory and visual areas, Dr. Frank says.
Is mirror-touch synesthesia linked with empathy?
Some studies suggest that people with mirror-touch synesthesia tend to displayheightened empathy2.
They also concluded that mirror-touch synesthesia may co-occur with autism at higher rates than previously thought.
Since their mirror neurons seem more active, they can easily simulate and empathize with other peoples experiences.
This shows an extraordinary level ofempathetic connectionthat goes beyond imagining or comprehending someones feelings, Dr. Frank says.
Some people may enjoy their sensory experiences, channeling them into creative and artistic pursuits, Dr. McCarthy says.
Practicing self-care can help minimize the effects of sensory overload.
Another way to help calm your mind is by incorporating deep breathing andfive-minute meditationexercises into your daily routine.
They can offer strategies like mindfulness and cognitive behavioral techniques for managing sensory overload.
Open communication can promote support and understanding.
Gillmeister, Helge, et al.
103, Aug. 2022, p. 103380, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2022.103380.
Ioumpa, Kalliopi, et al.
1787, 21 Oct. 2019, p. 20190395, https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2019.0395.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
