What is the purpose of a body scan exercise?

The primary purpose of a body scan exercise is to cultivate awareness of bodily sensations nonjudgmentally. This practice encourages individuals to bring attention to different parts of their body, observing any feelings, tension, or discomfort without labeling them as good or bad. This nonjudgmental awareness helps develop a deeper understanding of one's physical state, promotes relaxation, and can enhance mindfulness.

While identifying muscle weaknesses and measuring emotional responses can be beneficial outcomes of various practices, they are not the primary focus of the body scan. Similarly, achieving a meditative state may be a byproduct of intense focus during the body scan, but the fundamental intention is to foster a detached observation of sensations throughout the body.