The Importance of Sucking


The importance of sucking in human development is truly profound. Not only do we suck for nourishment, but, in sucking we do many other amazing things that build strength in our bodies!

As an example, the following functions are integrated with merely drinking through a ‘crazy straw’.  This simple exercise can help improve many functions frequently found to be weak in many special needs children.

*  Interhemispheric integration is affected
*  Binocular functions come into play
*  Light sensitivity is addressed
*  Sound sensitivity is addressed
*  Articulation is affected
*  Bowel and bladder control (sphincter muscles) are used

Interhemispheric integration – fancy words for both sides of our brain working together

We integrate the two sides of our mouth and cheeks and thereby stimulate the two cerebral hemispheres in a coordinated rhythmic fashion.  This enhances our ability to process language, balance our instincts with logic, and so many other functions frequently compromised in neurobehavioral disorders as well as in brain injury.

Binocular functions – fancy words for how the eyes work together as a team

As we suck, our Trigeminal nerves are stimulated, and they in turn help regulate many aspects of our vision, including the ability of our eyes to converge—focus together on a target.

Light Sensitivity

One reason that people become light sensitive is that the two eyes fail to work together in their processing of visual images.  The foundation of this processing is based on the perception of light and darkness.  Another reason for light sensitivity is that the pupils might have a reduced degree of reactivity to light. Drinking through the straw enhances these functions.

Sound Sensitivity

Stimulation of the Trigeminal nerve directly stimulates the nerves that service the ear as well as the eyes. A wonderful example of this is when chewing gum or sucking on hard candy helps people tolerate the pressure change in their ears during take-off and landing on airplanes.

Language skills

* When we are sucking, we increase tongue and lip control and coordinated breathing; all of which support our ability to speak with a clear articulation.

Basic Bowel and Bladder Muscle Control

A German physician discovered that when we strengthen any set of sphincter muscles; such as the lips and esophagus; we stimulate ALL the sphincters in our body; such as the pupils of the eyes and the bowel and bladder.   

Note: If the child has a tendency or history of crossed eyes make sure that s/he looks at a distant object while drinking through the straw.  If his/her eyes tend to wander or turn out rather than converge have him/her close their eyes.

By Toni Hager Can Learn Christian Academy ©2001   updated 2022

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