Body in Space

The Vestibular System is the sensory system that provides the leading contribution to the sense of balance and spatial orientation for the purpose of coordinating movement with balance. 

The Vestibular System is a collection of structures in your inner ear that provide you with a sense of whether you are right-side-up or upside-down. Your brain then integrates that information with other sensory information from your body to coordinate smooth and well-timed body movements.

Spatial Awareness requires heightened focus and attention. Knowing where our body is in space helps us know where we are in relation to people and objects and leads to the development of visual motor skills. 

Proprioception is the unconscious perception of movement and spatial orientation arising from stimuli within the body itself. In humans, these stimuli are detected by nerves within the body, as well as by the semicircular canals of the inner ear. The proprioceptive sense continuously provides information to the brain as to the position, location, and orientation of your body in your environment.

The way that we can tell that an arm is raised above our head, even when our eyes are closed, is an example of proprioception. It occurs when there is compression, pressure, or weight bearing placed on a joint. It is also very important for developing body awareness and body in space, as well as for joint stability and strength. It also promotes self-regulation and can be very calming, regulating, and organizing for the brain and nervous system.