Vestibular stimulation is a technique that involves gently moving the body to stimulate the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Some studies have shown that vestibular stimulation can be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Here's how vestibular stimulation may affect emotions:
- Modulates cerebral cortex: The vestibular nucleus acts as a relay station between the peripheral and central nervous system. Experience and behavior are two major factors that can influence emotions, and the cerebral cortex plays a critical role in mediating emotions. Vestibular stimulation has been found to modulate brain functions, probably by activating somatosensory areas, (particularly the thalamocortical), and deactivating the visual areas.
- Influences limbic system: The limbic system is a major cluster of higher centers that influences emotions. The limbic system consists of cingulate gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus in the cerebral cortex, several nuclei in the cerebrum, amygdala, hypothalamus (mammillary body), and hippocampus. Vestibular stimulation has been shown to activate the limbic system, including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus.
- Regulates autonomic nervous system: The activity of autonomic nervous system (ANS) can influence emotional response. Vestibular system influences autonomic regulation through vestibule-autonomic networks. Vestibular system balances autonomic activity by stimulating vagal system and inhibiting sympathetic system, hence driving the physiology toward a much calmer state.
- Influences insula, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and medial prefrontal cortex: These areas of the brain are also involved in emotional processing. Vestibular stimulation has been shown to modulate activity in these areas, which may help to improve emotional regulation.
- Activates dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN): The DRN is a major source of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation. Vestibular stimulation has been shown to activate the DRN, which may help to improve mood.
How Vestibular Stimulation Can Be Used to Help Children with Neurodevelopmental Challenges
Children with neurodevelopmental challenges, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sensory processing disorder (SPD), often experience emotional difficulties. Vestibular stimulation may be a helpful tool for these children.
Here are some ways that vestibular stimulation can help children with neurodevelopmental challenges:
- Reduce stress and anxiety: Vestibular stimulation can help to reduce stress and anxiety in children with neurodevelopmental challenges. This can be helpful for children who have difficulty regulating their emotions or who struggle with social interactions.
- Improve mood: Vestibular stimulation can help to improve mood in children with neurodevelopmental challenges. This can be helpful for children who have difficulty with depression or who experience frequent mood swings.
- Increase self-regulation: Vestibular stimulation can help children with neurodevelopmental challenges to improve their self-regulation skills. This can be helpful for children who have difficulty controlling their impulses or who struggle with maintaining focus.
- Enhance sensory processing: Vestibular stimulation can help children with neurodevelopmental challenges to improve their sensory processing skills. This can be helpful for children who are oversensitive to sensory input or who have difficulty with proprioception and balance.
If you are a parent of a child with neurodevelopmental challenges, you may want to talk to your child's doctor about whether vestibular stimulation would be a good option for your child. Vestibular stimulation can be provided by a variety of professionals, such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, and vestibular specialists.
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