Skin-formation....

The skin is the largest organ in the body packed with nerves for keeping the brain in touch with the outside world. Adults carry about 8 pounds and 20 square feet of it. It is estimated that there are approximately 100 tactile/touch receptors in each finger!

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.

We all rely on our sense of touch more than we know. As children we begin to explore & understand the world through our senses and the tactile sense-or sense of touch - is the first sense to operate before a child is even born. The sense of touch is vitally important for growth and development as well as survival. It is a necessary building block of fine motor skills.

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.
 

Tactile senses can also be strengthened by using Sensory Boxes. They are very easy to put together; using pasta, rice, beans or a combination of the 3 and small toys or plastic animals. The items you can use are inexpensive & variations are endless.

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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