Touch-Stim: Interoceptive Technologies for the Treatment of Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain

Interoception represents the ability to perceive and interpret the body's internal physiological signals, such as heartbeat, breathing, pain, and other visceral sensations. This process involves awareness of internal body states and plays a crucial role in the regulation of bodily functions and the processing of emotions. By continuously monitoring these signals, interoceptive perceptions help maintain homeostasis, influence decision-making, and contribute to our overall sense of well-being and self-awareness. The concept of interoception is closely intertwined with a unique type of bodily perception known as affective touch. Affective touch refers to tactile stimulation that elicits positive emotions and is characterized by interactions imbued with empathy, compassion, and emotional resonance. Typically conveyed through gentle and comforting touch, this form of tactile perception plays a significant role in emotional well-being and social bonding. Affective touch relies on the stimulation of specific nerve fibers located in the superficial layer of the skin, called C-tactile fibers.