Touch as the Gateway to Interoceptive Awareness

How strategic use of tactile experiences can build internal body awareness - this research is fascinating!

The Neuroloscience

Research demonstrates that tactile input and interoceptive processing share overlapping neural pathways. Studies using the rubber hand illusion reveal that coordinated tactile and visual feedback significantly improves participants' ability to detect internal sensations- in this research it was heartbeat awareness. This suggests that external tactile experiences can actively enhance internal body awareness rather than simply providing comfort or sensory input.

The implication for occupational therapy practice is fantastic: tactile activities represents an opportunity to strengthen interoceptive skills.

Clinical Application: Strategic Tactile Interventions

Deep Pressure as an Interoceptive Facilitator

Deep pressure input creates an optimal neurological state for internal awareness while providing a concrete external reference point. Consider these applications:

Weighted materials during functional activities: A weighted lap pad during snack time helps children attend to hunger and satiety cues by providing calming input that allows the nervous system to process internal signals more effectively.

Crawling with guided awareness: "Can you feel the carpet under your hands? Now notice your breathing in your chest"—creates a bridge between external and internal sensation.

Compression activities with purpose: Using therapy balls or lycra tunnels while directing attention to internal responses builds the connection between external input and internal awareness.

Textural Experiences for Body Awareness

Tactile exploration activities become more powerful when combined with interoceptive learning objectives:

Mindful texture engagement: During sensory bin activities, incorporate questions about internal responses: "does your body feel more tense or softer with your hands in the rice?

Cooking activities with awareness: Food preparation naturally combines tactile input with opportunities to notice hunger, taste preferences, and internal comfort levels.

Fabric and material exploration: Different textures can be paired with emotion identification and internal state awareness, helping children connect physical sensations with feeling states. Eg firm denim fabric, soft and silky fabric, fluffy fabric, rough woven fabric etc. Contrasts can be helpful here

Evidence-Based Strategies

The Synchronicity Principle

Research emphasises the importance of synchronised sensory experiences. When external tactile input aligns with internal sensations, learning is enhanced:

Pulse awareness techniques: Placing gentle touch on pulse points while helping children identify their heartbeat creates a direct connection between external touch and internal awareness (for older children/teens)

Breathing with tactile cues: Hands placed on chest or abdomen during breathing exercises provide external feedback that supports internal awareness of respiratory patterns.

Movement with tactile feedback: Activities that combine proprioceptive input with varied tactile experiences help children notice how different sensations affect their internal state. Eg swinging in lycra with balls

Practical Implementation

Begin sessions with preferred tactile input paired with a simple body check-in. This establishes the connection between external touch and internal awareness from the start.

Embed interoceptive questions into existing tactile and multisensory activities rather than creating separate interventions. This approach feels natural and maintains engagement.

End sessions by helping children notice how their internal state has changed through the therapy experience provided.

Family Education

Help families understand touch as a learning tool: "When we provide deep pressure hugs or back rubs, we're helping your child's nervous system learn to notice important internal signals like tiredness or emotional states. The external touch helps them pay attention to what's happening inside their body."

This reframes everyday tactile experiences as therapeutic opportunities, empowering families to support interoceptive development throughout daily routines..

Moving Forward

Touch provides tangible external reference points for abstract internal sensations.

The connection between tactile input and interoceptive awareness represents an evidence-based opportunity to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

This approach doesn't require complex training or specialised equipment. Instead, it follows the natural neurological connections between external touch and internal awareness, for improved body awareness

Every therapeutic interaction becomes an opportunity to strengthen the vital connection between external sensation and internal understanding.

Consider incorporating one touch-based interoceptive strategy into your practice this week. Small changes in how we use tactile input can create significant improvements in children's ability to understand and respond to their internal body signals.

Ready to Learn More? Your Next Step: If you're ready to transform your understanding of how sensory systems work together to support human development, The SenseUp Approach Course LITE is waiting for you.  

Why TSAC - LITE? 

This comprehensive course will help you: 

• Understand the Complete Picture: Explore how proprioception integrates with vestibular, tactile, visual, auditory and interoceptive systems to support participation and wellbeing. 
• Master Assessment Strategies: Learn to identify when proprioceptive processing difficulties are impacting interoceptive awareness and overall function. 
• Develop Targeted Interventions: Discover evidence-based approaches that address the multisensory foundations of body awareness, motor planning, and emotional regulation. 
• Apply the Research: Transform recent neuroscience into practical, effective intervention strategies that make a real difference in people's lives. 
• Think Systemically: Move beyond single-system approaches to understand the beautiful complexity of multisensory integration and its impact on participation.

Learn More about TSAC Here