Skin acts as a waterproof, insulating shield, guarding the body against extremes of temperature, damaging sunlight, and harmful chemicals. It also exudes antibacterial substances that prevent infection and manufactures vitamin D for converting calcium into healthy bones.
At the same time, skin allows us free movement, proving itself an amazingly adaptable & versatile organ.
Skin is made up of three layers. The top or outermost is the epidermis made up mostly of cells called keratinocytes, (from the tough protein keratin -also the material in hair and nails). These cells form several layers that grow outwards. As the outermost cells die they flake off. It takes close to five weeks for new cells to work their way to the surface. The epidermis also contains defensive Langerhans cells, which will alert the body's immune system to bacteria & viruses.
The skin's deepest base layer is called the subcutis, which includes a seam of fat laid down as a fuel reserve in case of food shortage. It also works as insulation and cushions us from knocks and falls.
In the center of these two layers is the dermis, which is made of fibers of collagen and elastin & gives the skin its strength and elasticity . There are also sweat glands, hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands that keep the skin & hair moist. Blood vessels in this layer help regulate body temperature & a network of sensory nerve receptors pick up feelings such as roughness & temperature (and pain), and send them to the brain. This layer is responsible for our sense of touch.
The sense touch enables an infant to turn their faces towards the nipple, when feeding, to start bonding with their parents and to feel calmed by warm blankets while falling asleep. Poor tactile response can result in problems with body awareness, balance, graceful fluid movement & an inner sense of security & confidence.
There are several ways to strengthen the tactile sense in children with sensory challenges: one way is through yoga. The tactile sense is stimulated through bare feet on mat or floor/carpet surface, as well as hands touching various parts of body or mat and blocks for support, instructor's physical prompts & through partner poses with other children.
Other ways to strengthen the tactile sense are hand & foot massages, (or makeup brush or feather 'massages') playing in sand, therapy putty, clay, finger paints, barefoot games in grass, sand or water, yoga games, dancing (barefoot) or using scarves, "Funny Football" game, water play, texture books, mixing salt dough, body brushing, scalp/face/back massage and grooming pets, (dogs, cats, horses whether real or stuffed).
The mouth also provides a strong tactile input. Crunchy foods and water ice will help integrate the oral tactile sense, especially for children that constantly mouth toys & non-food objects.
Its important to keep in mind that if the child is not actively participating or is resisting the activity should be stopped. Some children like lighter touch activities and others who are tactile defensive may find this to be too disorganized & overwhelming. (An example would be someone -adult or child- who is ticklish on the feet if touched lightly, and will pull away, yet loves a deeper pressure foot massage that they will find relaxing.) To help with tactile defensiveness, pair deeper, firmer pressure activities with lighter tactile activities to help reduce defensiveness about touch.
See the link below for instructions.
How to Make a Sensory Box
For more sensory games & activities from BodyLogique™, Please click here.
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