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Chapter 2 - Visceral Sensitivity as a Superpower

from Part I - The Background Science Behind Feeling and Body Investigators

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 November 2023

Nancy L. Zucker
Affiliation:
Duke University Medical Center, Durham
Katharine L. Loeb
Affiliation:
Chicago Center for Evidence Based Treatment
Martha E. Gagliano
Affiliation:
Duke University Medical Center, Durham
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Summary

Children with sensory superpowers live life out loud! They have a vivid experience of themselves and the world around them that adds richness to life. Pain sensitivity does not have to be a vulnerability. This chapter is about reframing visceral hypersensitivity as an asset that contributes to three specific superpowers. First, children with visceral sensitivity have spell-binding powers of perception. Because of their history of pain, children may become hyper-vigilant and scared of all the sensations they notice. As they become FBI agents, children learn to harness this perception and use playfulness and curiosity to detect body clues and investigate body mysteries. Second, children with visceral hypersensitivity have awe-inspiring self-awareness. Readers learn about the function, power, and experience of emotions. The intensity with which children feel their bodies runs parallel to strong emotions that can provide vital information to help them get to know and trust themselves. Finally, children with sensory superpowers have faster-than-lightening intuitive decision-making capacities. We explore how sensitivity to physical sensations in the gut can translate to strong feelings that help one “go with their gut” reaction. This chapter links how the tools of the FBI intervention are designed to harness and build each of these superpowers.

Type
Chapter
Information
Treating Functional Abdominal Pain in Children
A Clinical Guide Using Feeling and Body Investigators (FBI)
, pp. 9 - 21
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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