The Three Secret Senses
Everybody knows the five basic senses: touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing. But there are three *special* senses that play a huge role in interpreting our surroundings and adjusting our behavior accordingly in response to internal and external stimuli. Occupational therapists play an important role in helping their clients understand their response to these senses and guiding them through activities that provide the input their bodies need for optimal function.
Vestibular
The vestibular system exists in the inner ear and provides our body with information about position and movement of the head. It tells us which way is up, down, left, right, and helps us maintain our balance. People with sensitive vestibular systems may have a fear of heights, experience motion sickness, or dislike going upside down. People with less sensitive systems may enjoy swinging, roller coasters, or rocking chairs. It’s possible to be sensitive to particular vestibular sensations, while enjoying, or even seeking out other sensations.
2. Proprioception
Proprioceptive input is provided to the body through input to the joints and tells our body its position in space. It allows us to know the position of our arms and legs and understand how much force to apply when moving. Stimulation to the joints helps improve body awareness and can assist in calming the body. Walking, running, and jumping are great ways to provide the lower extremities with proprioceptive input. Whereas, weightlifting, carrying heavy objects, everyday chores (laundry, carrying groceries, etc.), and hugging is a great way to get proprioceptive input to the upper extremities.
3. Interoception
The sensations that come from our internal organs such as hunger, thirst, nausea, or the need to use the bathroom is interoception. Interoception also tells us if we have an itch, when we feel pain, and muscle tension.
Bonus Sense: Deep Pressure
This sneaky sense did not make the numbered list because it is technically a form of touch but is still worth noting. Deep pressure is a touch that goes passed the top of the skin and deeper into the muscles. This kind of touch can have a calming effect and can be achieved with a tight hug, flopping onto a bed, or using a weighted blanket.
These extra senses work with our five basic senses to provide us with a picture of our body, and keep it functioning at the proper level. Everyone experiences each of the eight senses on a spectrum. Working to understand what sensations help our bodies feel ready and providing ourselves with the appropriate amount, can help us feel calmer and more productive throughout the day.
An occupational therapist plays an important role in helping children and adults understand what sensations promote an optimal state of arousal. Therapists help develop ways to incorporate the appropriate amount and type of sensations needed throughout the day. An example to assess our perception of particular sensations is to imagine going to a busy carnival.
Think about:
Do you seek out the rides, or prefer to sit back and watch? (vestibular)
Are you bothered by the loud sounds and various smells, or enjoy one or both of those sensations? (hearing, smell)
Do you enjoy walking around or prefer to sit? (proprioception)
Is the thought of bumping into people upsetting or just part of the experience? (touch)
Does watching people, rides, and action overwhelm you or is it fascinating? (sight)
Do you enjoy the food or maybe are looking for certain tastes? (taste)
Do you understand when you’re full of carnival snacks, or occasionally push past that point? (interoception)
Or maybe the entire idea of a carnival is overwhelming and something you would skip? (sensory sensitivity)
Our perception of each sense can also vary depending on a variety of factors like fatigue, illness, the seasons, and stress levels to name a few. Take a moment each day to assess the state of your body and think about what sensations your body may be craving. Based on that, consider the sensations that need to be avoided or limited to help promote regulation.
