Sensory Proprioception & Vestibular Yoga Poses 

There are many other yoga poses that can be beneficial for children with sensory processing disorder. Yoga can also have a positive impact on the emotional well-being of children with sensory difficulties. The practice of yoga promotes mindfulness and focus, which can help these children learn to regulate their emotions. It also provides a safe and non-competitive space for them to explore their bodies and build confidence in their abilities.

Proprioception is our body’s ability to sense and understand where it is in space. This sensory system is responsible for our body awareness and coordination. Children with proprioceptive difficulties may struggle with activities that require balance, coordination, and understanding spatial relationships. This can affect their motor skills and overall confidence. Yoga, with its focus on body awareness and posture, can help improve proprioception in these children.

Vestibular system is located in the inner ear, is responsible for our sense of balance and movement. It helps us understand our body’s orientation and movement in relation to gravity. Children with sensory differences may have difficulties with their vestibular system, leading to symptoms such as poor balance and coordination, sensitivity to movement, and difficulty with spatial awareness. Yoga poses that involve balance and movement can provide the necessary stimulation to improve the function of the vestibular system in these children. 

Tree Pose: This pose requires balancing on one leg while the other leg is bent with the foot resting on the opposite inner thigh. This pose provides proprioceptive input to the feet and ankles and also challenges the vestibular system as the body maintains balance.

Downward-Facing Dog: This pose involves being on all fours with hands and feet on the ground and raising the hips to form an inverted “V” shape. This pose provides proprioceptive input to the arms, shoulders, and back while also stimulating the vestibular system with the change in body position.

Warrior Pose: This pose involves standing with one foot forward and one foot back, with the arms outstretched and palms facing down. This pose provides proprioceptive input to the legs and challenges the vestibular system as the body maintains balance and coordination.

Spinal Twists: These poses involve twisting the spine while sitting or lying down. Spinal twists provide proprioceptive input to the back and also stimulate the vestibular system as the body moves in different direction. 

Yoga Poses for Children 

Tree Pose

One of my girl’s favorite poses, this helps builds balance as the body works hard to remain still and upright.

Airplane Pose 

This pose builds balance and core strength and kids love pretending they can fly!

Plank Pose 

Another great pose for proprioception as it has muscles throughout the body engaged and helps to build core strength.

Downward Dog Pose 

One of the most common yoga poses, this one is a simple one for kids.  They receive proprioception input from the pressures on their arms and input to the vestibular system by having their head inverted.

Table Top Pose 

The Table Top Pose is great for children as it is a beginner pose. This pose will help your children with balance in their body while the entire muscles in the body are equally stretched. 

Butterfly Pose 

You can try the Butterfly Pose to help regulate your child's breathing. Having your children focus on their belly breathing as they move their antennae and flap their wings. Children feel calmer with this pose. 

Warrior Pose 

This strong pose strengthens your whole body while improving your balance.

The Dancer Pose 

A little bit more difficult but they are excited when they can complete it.  Your body works hard to remain grounded as you extend your arm and leg outward.

Resources For Parents 

TheraPLAYoga   4 Calming Yoga Poses for Sensory Regulation - TheraPLAYoga

YoGalore    SPD -- Yoga for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder

Yo Re Mi Kids     Yoga Sensory Activities for Autism (Using the Three M's!) — Yo Re Mi

Yoga Chicago   Sensory Integration and How Yoga Helps - Yoga Chicago

Mapping Out Joy   Yoga and Your Sensory Child: Poses to Improve Proprioception and the Vestibular System - Mapping Out Joy

Sensory Sid  Yoga and SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) - Sensory Sid - Blog

Mindful Child Wellness   Sensory-Based Kid's Yoga Sequence - Mindful Child Wellness

DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a medical professional. Click on links throughout each page for more resources and information. Click here for more resources https://sensoryprocessingdisorderparentsupport.com/sensoryprocessingdisorderresources

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Sensory Yoga Tools For Children