Kaho Yamasaki(Second-Year Master's Course Student)
Profile & Research
Research fields: psychophysiology; cognitive neuroscience
I focus on interoception and the underlying neural activities (e.g., neurotransmitters, functional connectivities involving the insular cortex, and the autonomic nervous system activities).
Currently, I am conducting intervention studies in humans (e.g., footbathing and yoga) to examine whether these interventions alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by reducing overactivity of central/peripheral nervous system and inducing endocrine changes. As an internal model of the mechanisms underlying these effects, I assume the minimization of interoceptive prediction errors.
Additionally, I am conducting cross-sectional studies using behavioral experiments to investigate the relationship between interoceptive processing and gastrointestinal symptoms or emotional sensitivity.
I was drawn to neuroscience, which led me to start my research. In the future, I aim to conduct neuropsychological studies encompassing interoception, emotions, and self-awareness, using neuroimaging techniques. My research scope spans from individuals with brain injury or psychosomatic disorders (pathology) to experts in embodied practices (enlightenment).
I also have an interest in the philosophy of science. My curiosity about allostasis and the stream of consciousness has led me to the concept of "impermanence," which I would like to explore from an interdisciplinary perspective.
In addition, I am involved in multiple collaborative studies on mindfulness and compassion.
Publication & Presentation
Researchmap:
