We have always lauded the virtues of hammocks – from how it helps in relaxation to productivity at work. But did you know that a hammock can help beyond that. Did you know the act of swinging influences a persons’ vestibular system?
Hold On..Vestibular Sys… What?
The Vestibular System, in a nutshell, is the one that give us a sense of balance and spatial orientation. It balances us as we walk up or down a flight of stairs for example and if we lose our footing and wobble it will automatically rebalance itself without us needing to do anything. In fact, have you ever tried to keep your balance and found that you have reduced balanced as a result? It is a system that prefers to operate beyond the boundaries of the mind.
The system also orientates us in our surroundings. When we wake up in unfamiliar surroundings it will try to coordinate itself through sensory perceptions.
So, what has this got to do with hammocks or a sensory swing?
Hammocks are a great form of sensory integration in a variety of spaces. Hammocks and hanging chairs can easily be used indoors within living spaces or bedrooms, as well as outdoors, making them a super flexible and accessible option for introducing calming sensory experiences into everyday environments.
While most of us have a normal sense of balance, for children and adults who have autism, this is an area where they may need help. In fact many who have autism also have some form of vestibular dysfunction.
The natural swing of a hammock, much like a sensory swing has been found to improve and restore the vestibular system. The swinging action has a soothing effect and helps to improve a person’s sense of balance. For a person with autism, the act of swinging can be initially met with resistance but with regular use can help. Hammocks have also been found useful for helping individuals with ADHD and even Asperger’s.
"Swinging is beneficial to people whose sensory systems are still developing and getting organised, as is the sensation of being cocooned. - Wonderfully in a hammock you can get both sensations simultaneously. Many people will find this mixture of sensations soothing meaning that the option of chilling out in a hammock can be used to deescalate a situation where stress is building." Joanna Grace: The sensory Projects
It is great to see so many of our hammocks being sold to parents of children with special needs and by institutions, where our products are often used in a similar way to a sensory swing for therapeutic and sensory regulation purposes.
