I have a different take on the purpose of mindfulness and sensations of the body - more akin to minney's. I think by becoming aware of the sensations around us (and not even just our body) we can begin to ground ourselves in the actual moment, and not what is firing away in our heads.

I agree, knowing that you are upset AND your stomach is hurting is not really going to help you that much, but being aware that your stomach is hurting, or that the carpet feels good under your feet, or that there is a dog barking 2 blocks away, will ground you in the here and now.

The key to mindfulness is to actually get out of your mind and into the world - not necessarily to understand what is going on in your mind. In order to get out of your mind you have to be aware of the world around you. So you focus and observe the world right then, as it is.

No it's not numbing, but opening to a different feeling - distinct from emotion.

I've found it quite effective.