How Yoga Supports Sensory Processing in Pediatric OT: A Research-Based Guide

Sensory processing challenges are everywhere in pediatric practice.Whether you're in schools, outpatient, EI, or a sensory gym, you work with kids who struggle to regulate their bodies, emotions, behaviors, and attention.

And while sensory diets, brushing, or proprioceptive activities help, many OTs are realizing something powerful:

Yoga is one of the most effective, OT-aligned sensory tools — yet one that most therapists never receive formal training in.

This guide breaks down exactly why yoga supports sensory processing and how you can integrate it into your OT practice.

⭐ Understanding Sensory Processing (OT-Friendly Overview)

Kids with sensory differences may struggle with:

✔ Proprioception

• Crashing, pushing, squeezing, seeking deep pressure

✔ Vestibular

• Spinning, rocking, difficulty sitting still, poor balance

✔ Tactile

• Avoiding messy play, discomfort with touch, clothing issues

✔ Interoception

• Difficulty identifying hunger, bathroom needs, emotions

✔ Body Awareness

• Clumsiness, bumping into objects, poor motor planning

Yoga supports ALL these systems at once — and in a predictable, structured, calming way.

⭐ How Yoga Supports Each Sensory System

1. Proprioceptive Input

Yoga provides deep pressure and joint compression through:

• Downward dog

• Plank

• Chair pose

• Warrior poses

• Animal walks

These poses help regulate sensory seekers and calm sensory avoiders.

2. Vestibular Input

Balancing and gentle motion regulate the inner ear:

• Tree pose

• Airplane pose

• Boat pose

• Forward folds

• Controlled rolling

This improves balance, attention, and body control.

3. Interoceptive Awareness

Breathing increases awareness of internal signals.Breathwork teaches kids to notice:

• heart rate

• breathing speed

• emotional intensity

• calming strategies

OTs find this incredibly helpful for kids who shut down or melt down.

4. Motor Planning & Coordination

Yoga sequences improve:

• bilateral integration

• crossing midline

• sequencing motor steps

• core strength

• stability for handwriting and classroom posture

Movement pathways = stronger executive functioning.

5. Emotional Regulation

This is where yoga becomes magic.Breath + movement shifts children out of fight/flight into regulation.

Yoga slows down brain activity, relaxes the body, and helps kids regain control.

⭐ How to Incorporate Yoga Into Real OT Sessions

1:1 Sessions

• Start sessions with a 2–3 minute regulation routine

• Use yoga to prep for fine motor/handwriting

• Use calming poses before transitions

Group OT

• Follow-the-leader flows

• Partner yoga

• Simple sequences for circle time

Classroom OT

• Transition flows

• “Brain break” movement

• Breathwork during SEL lessons

Sensory Gyms

• Yoga as the “cool-down”

• Breathwork before swings

• Poses after vestibular activities

⭐ Want Training Designed Specifically for OTs?

Yoga Phamily’s 20-hour Kids Yoga Teacher Training was created with pediatric therapists in mind.

You’ll learn:✔ Sensory-adapted poses✔ Breathwork for regulation✔ Trauma-informed teaching✔ Motor development sequences✔ OT-ready lesson plans✔ Printable visuals

You’ll also earn 20 PDUs for NBCOT renewal.

👉 Enroll Now — Start Your 20 CE Hours