In recent years, the Japanese concept of Ikigai which is translated as “a reason for being” has moved beyond Philosophy into the realm of Science. Various emerging research demonstrates that “having a strong sense of purpose in life” may have profound biological effects on health; particularly assisting in lowering the mortality risk in patients suffering from CVDs and Cerebrovascular diseases, management during aging and functional disability, chronic disease management and prevention (such as Cancer), and mental well-being.
– A 2025 landmark study published in the journal “Nature Mental Health” utilized advanced techniques like fMRI imaging and longitudinal biomarker tracking to show that individuals with a well-defined life purpose experienced enhanced vagal tone, an improved HRV (heart rate variability), and reduced IL-6 (interleukin-6) levels which are markers directly related to cardiovascular and immune health. The study further demonstrated increased neuroplasticity in brain areas associated with motivation and resilience, suggesting that Ikigai may not only protect the mind, but it also holds potential to rewire it for long-term healing.
– Another groundbreaking 2024 study published in the journal “Frontiers in Psychology” found that individuals with a clearly defined Ikigai exhibited lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a direct link between life purpose and reduced systemic inflammation. Similarly, a research published in the journal “The Lancet Healthy Longevity” (2023) demonstrated that, elderly participants with “high purpose in life scores” had a 30% lower risk of cognitive decline over a period of 5 years, independent of lifestyle factors.
– Neuroscientists from the University of Tokyo have also discovered that purpose activates brain regions linked with reward and resilience, possibly explaining why Ikigai-centric practices support recovery in patients with chronic illnesses and the patients’s improved adherence to the treatment plans.
{ With growing empirical evidence, “Ikigai” is no longer just a philosophical idea now, but is now recognized as a measurable and impactful element in Medical Science that’s interlacing the field of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Preventive Medicine. }
1. Have you ever experienced a moment when reconnecting with purpose significantly improved your mental or physical health and how that transformation occurred?
2. Can integrating Ikigai-inspired counseling improve long-term outcomes in patients with chronic illnesses or at rehabilitation settings?