Have a Colicky Baby?
If you’re a parent struggling with a colicky baby, you’re not alone. The endless crying, the sleepless nights, and the frustration of not knowing how to help can be overwhelming. But take heart—this phase is temporary, and there are gentle, effective ways to support your little one. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, colic is not just an unexplained phenomenon but a sign of an immature digestive system that needs a little extra care.
Baby colic is a condition characterized by excessive, often inconsolable crying and fussiness for more than three hours a day, three days a week, over more than three weeks in an otherwise healthy and well-fed infant. The crying usually begins suddenly and for no clear reason. It typically starts a few weeks after birth, peaking around 6 weeks of age and often improves when your baby is 3 months old and usually resolved in 90% of babies by the time they are 9 months old.
Pediatric Tuina is a natural and non-invasive massage therapy specifically designed for young infants and children, between the age of 3 months old to 6 years old. It involves gentle stimulation of acupoints along the meridians on their delicate skin through rhythmic kneading, rubbing, and tapping to improve energy circulation, relieve discomforts and enhance overall wellness in your child (a safe option with minimal side effects).
Recognizing Colic Symptoms
• Intense and inconsolable crying for no apparent reason, typically in the late afternoon or evening
• Cries for 3 hours a day, for at least 3 days a week, for 3 consecutive weeks.
• Clenched fists, arched back, tensed abdomen and pulled up legs during crying
• Fussiness, irritability
• Frequent spitting/vomiting after feeding
Possible Causes
• Immaturity of the nervous and/or digestive system
• Cow’s milk protein allergy
• Imbalance gut flora in infants
• Overfeeding, underfeeding or infrequent burping
• Certain foods consumed by breastfeeding mothers (caffeine, spicy food, heavy animal proteins)
Understanding Colic From A TCM Perspective
According to TCM theory, a baby’s digestive system is considered delicate and still developing until they turn six years old. The two key organs involved — the Spleen and Stomach—are not yet fully matured and efficient.
The Spleen is responsible for transforming and transporting food, ensuring the extraction of nutrients, and promoting Qi circulation (vital energy) in the body. Weakness or imbalance in the Spleen may result in poor digestion, accumulation of dampness, and disrupted Qi flow, contributing to a colicky baby.
The Stomach works closely with Spleen to transport Grain Qi and food essences to the whole body. An imbalance in the Stomach function can lead to the accumulation of undigested food, causing indigestion and contributing to colic symptoms.
In addition, TCM considers the concept of Qi stagnation, where the flow of vital energy is obstructed in the body. This can manifest as pain, discomfort, and irritability, all of which are common features of a colicky baby.
1. Weak Spleen Qi:
The Spleen governs digestion and nutrient absorption. An underdeveloped Spleen can lead to Dampness and indigestion, causing discomfort, bloating, and excessive gas.
2. Stomach Disharmony:
The Stomach processes and transports food. When disrupted,
undigested food accumulates, leading to indigestion, reflux, and irritability.
3. Qi Stagnation:
Blocked or stagnant Qi results in pain, discomfort, and frustration, which manifest as inconsolable crying and restlessness in colicky babies.
Home Remedies to Ease Colic Gently
1. Herbal bath to soothe digestive discomfort
A warm bath with these herbs can help to relax your baby’s muscles, promote circulation and provide comfort.
Ingredients:
• 15g Lavender, Lavandula (Xun Yi Cao 薰衣草) – relax and soothe colicky infants
• 15g Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla L. (Yang Gan Ju 洋甘菊) – aid digestion and soothe the stomach
• 10g Lemongrass (Xiang Mao 香茅) – ease indigestion discomforts
• 10g Patchouli (Guang Huo Xiang 广 藿 香 ) – aromatics and warming to resolves dampness and ease indigestion discomforts
Instructions:
• Rinse these herbs thoroughly to remove any dirt.
• Place the herbs in a large pot and add about 2 liters of water.
• Bring it to boil then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
• Strain the herbal infusion through the strainer and allow it to cool.
• Meanwhile, prepare the baby tub and pour in the herbal infusion before using it for your baby’s bath.
2. Gentle tummy acupressure with our in-house Belly Bliss essential oil blend for babies
Instructions:
• Apply baby Belly Bliss on baby’s tummy whenever necessary.
• Rub your baby’s tummy in circular clockwise motion with light consistent pressure throughout and pay attention to your baby’s reaction.
• If they seem uncomfortable or fuss, stop the pressure and cuddle them to soothe them first.
• Repeat the tummy massage for 3-5 minutes, and move their legs in bicycle kicks –gently move your baby’s legs back and forth for 3-4 times, pause and repeat 3-5 times.
• After the massage, you can comfort your baby with some sweet cuddles, lullabies, or skin-to-skin contact.
3. White Noise or Soothing Sounds:
Some babies find comfort in white noise or soothing sounds. You can use a white noise machine, a fan, or play soft lullabies to create a calming environment.
4. Feeding Adjustments:
• If you are breastfeeding, consider your diet. Some babies may be sensitive to certain foods that pass through breast milk. Experiment with eliminating common culprits like dairy, caffeine, and gas-inducing foods.
• If formula-feeding, consult with your pediatrician about trying different formulas that may be easier on your baby’s digestive system.
• Give your baby frequent small feeds and burp him or her after.
5. Carry and Hold Upright (especially after feeds):
• Holding your baby upright, especially after feeds, can help prevent gas and aid digestion. Consider using a baby carrier for hands-free carrying.
• Hold your baby close to you as cuddling may help some babies to quieten and calm down.
6. The 3S Technique:
Swaying, Sucking, and Soft Music
• Swaying: Gentle rocking can be deeply soothing. Try slow side-to-side movements or babywearing.
• Sucking: A pacifier, nursing, or even a clean finger can provide comfort.
• Soft music: Rhythmic sounds can have a calming effect.
A Gentle Reminder For Parents
Colic can be exhausting but know that this phase shall pass. Trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to seek support from professionals – TCM physicians, lactation consultants to treat and resolve colic symptoms as soon as possible. Addressing colic early helps nurture and strengthen your baby’s digestive system, setting the foundation for better gut health and a stronger immune system.
You are doing an amazing job, and your baby feels your love even through the cries. Take a deep breath, hold your baby close, and know that relief is on the way.
Our TCM Physicians
Edmund Pang
Principal TCM Physician
- M.Med(TCM Gynaecology)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- Dip. Naturopath
- Ayurvedic Therapist(500hrs)
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
Jasmine Xie
Senior TCM Physician
- M.Med(TCM Acupuncture & Moxibustion)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- Certified Aromatherapist
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
Lau Ee Wen
TCM Physician
- M.Med(TCM Gynaecology)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
Lee Jia Ven
TCM Physician
- B.Med(TCM)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
