For people with a sensory processing disorder, the most overlooked aspect of rehabilitating the sensory system is proprioception, i.e., how we sense-feel ourselves in space. Proprioception is the ability to use muscle control and balance to resist gravity. It is also the most significant sensory stimulus for brain growth because, unlike any other stimulation, it occurs 24/7.
People with poor spatial orientation (proprioception) have a hard time knowing where they are in space. People familiar with this lack of groundedness feel that they never had a good sense of balance, or they tend to feel “disconnected” to their limbs. They have poor body awareness and do not feel grounded. They may also be unable to feel internal visceral sensations (interoception) and may have a hard time sensing their own emotions.
Interestingly, if you do not feel your body well in space, it may be hard to recognize not only your body and emotions but the body-mind of other people too. That is, the same areas of the brain (the parietal lobe) that is responsible for proprioception, is also related to the perception of other people. The remedy is to improve proprioception with brain balancing exercises and other sensory regulating activities. For example, the invisible sense of proprioception can be improved with rhythmic activities e.g., martial arts, dance, and yoga. Body socks and weighted blankets can also be used to create a sense of groundedness. Once people get better at sensing themselves in space, they may simultaneously become more adept at understanding their own emotions and the emotions of others. Likely, emotional regulation and more empathic social skills will be a side benefit. For more information about sensory processing disorders, please check out my book, Functional Scalp Acupuncture.
