Inverting the head may seem like an unusual activity, but it offers a range of sensory Benefits of Being Upside Down that make it an excellent tool for physical and emotional regulation.
From increasing body awareness to promoting relaxation, this simple activity can support children and adults alike in navigating sensory challenges.
My son absolutely loves being inverted. It’s the perfect way for him to reset and calm down!
So just what are the benefits of being upside down or inverting the head?
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Stimulating the Vestibular System
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, helps us maintain balance, spatial orientation and coordination.
Inverting the head activates this system in unique ways, providing valuable input that can enhance body awareness.
Activities like hanging upside down, practicing yoga poses like downward dog or swinging with the head tilted back can improve balance and promote a sense of stability in the body.
Enhancing Proprioception
When the head is inverted, the body receives proprioceptive input, which helps us understand where our body is in space.
This deep sensory input can be grounding and calming, particularly for individuals with sensory processing challenges.
Proprioceptive activities, such as headstands or leaning over a therapy ball, can improve motor planning, coordination and overall body confidence.
Promoting Relaxation and Emotional Regulation
Inverting the head can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
The gentle compression of the body during inversion stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
This can be especially beneficial for individuals who experience sensory overload or heightened emotional states.
Boosting Circulation and Alertness
When the head is inverted, blood flow to the brain increases, delivering oxygen and nutrients that enhance focus and mental clarity.
This boost in circulation can lead to improved energy and alertness, making it a great activity to incorporate during transitions or moments of sluggishness.
Incorporating Being Upside Down Safely
Simple activities like lying on an incline, practicing child-friendly yoga poses or using swings and therapy balls provide safe and enjoyable ways to experience the benefits of head inversion.
There are many fun and safe ways to invert the head, providing sensory and physical benefits for children and adults alike.
- Practice yoga poses such as downward dog, forward folds or child’s pose for gentle head inversions
- Hang upside down on monkey bars or a sturdy tree branch for a playful vestibular system boost
- Drape over or lean backward on therapy balls for controlled and sensory-friendly inversions
- Use sensory swings designed for head inversion while enjoying calming motion
- Lie on sloped surfaces, such as wedge cushions or inclined benches, for a simple and safe way to invert the head
Always ensure proper supervision, especially with children, to prevent strain or injury.
By integrating head inversion into daily routines, your child can experience a range of sensory benefits that promote physical coordination, emotional regulation and overall well-being.
Whether at home, in the classroom or in therapy settings, this practice offers a fun and effective way to support sensory integration and balance.
For more sensory diet ideas:
The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder (The Out-of-Sync Child Series)
Everyday Games for Sensory Processing Disorder: 100 Playful Activities to Empower Children with Sensory DifferencesThe Sensory Processing Diet: One Mom’s Path of Creating Brain, Body and Nutritional Health for Children with SPDHands-on Activities for Children with Autism & Sensory Disorders
I used to spend ages hanging inverted as a child. Felt SO good to do!
Enjoyed this article. Made me think of things I had not before about hanging upside down. I used to do this a lot as a kid and still like to from time to time as a 55 year old man. It is fun and it helps to stretch our my back. There is just something neat about hanging upside down.
So interesting. My 9 year old has SPD and his favorite way to read is laying on my bed with his upper half of his body hanging off and his head resting on the floor.