Balance - The forgotten sense

In addition to the traditional five senses there are a number of 'hidden' senses, of which our sense of balance is probably the most important one that influences our ability to learn and develop. We 'feel' our balance through sensors in our inner ear. A good sense of balance is obviously important to be able to walk, run, play sports or dance, but it also plays an important role in our ability to read and write, for instance.

The balance sensors in our inner ear send signals to the muscles controlling our eyes in order to keep the eyes on target when we move our head. A poor sense of balance can thus be the cause of difficulties with reading or writing and individuals diagnosed with visual Dyslexia can benefit from activities that strengthen their sense of balance. An under- or over-sensitive balance system can also be the cause of restlesness, fidgeting and certain hyperactive behaviour.

Our overall sense of balance also involves input from our visual, auditory and proprioceptive systems and all these systems have to work together in a coordinated and efficient way to ensure good health, a sense of well-being and a receptive learning environment.

The five senses – hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste – plus our sense of balance and where our body is in the space around us (proprioception) all contribute to how we learn and develop. How the brain receives, filters, processes and interprets the signals from these senses determines how we perceive reality and how we react, behave and express ourselves. The SAS methods are specifically designed to strengthen sensory processing and improve inter-hemispheric synchronisation and communication. The structured training and coaching programmes improve speech & pronunciation, reading & writing, attention & understanding and lead to better behavioural, social and emotional expression.

If you are interested in overcoming limitations, boosting achievement and creating a happier life, then find out how SAS is helping children and adults of all abilities become more successful:

► The SAS Methodology – what it does and how it works;
► SAS Research – client profile and feedback;
► The SAS Programmes – the services we offer;
► The SAS Centres – where you can find us;
► The People behind SAS – get to know us better.