Colic in Infants: Why It’s Not Always About Food
Understanding Colic Beyond the Bottle
When a baby cries for hours and can’t be soothed, parents often suspect food — formula ingredients, dairy, or something in mom’s diet. But colic isn’t always about what goes into the baby’s stomach. Often, it’s about how the body’s nervous system and digestive organs are working together.
The Role of the Nervous System and Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve connects the brain to the gut and helps control digestion, heart rate, and the ability to relax. During birth, mild compressions around the head, neck, or diaphragm can affect this nerve or surrounding fascia. This can lead to:
Digestive discomfort and gas
Trouble burping or passing stool
Arching or fussing after feeding
Restlessness and poor sleep
In these cases, the baby’s body isn’t intolerant to food — it’s overstimulated and struggling to regulate.
How CranioSacral Therapy Supports Babies with Colic
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and gentle visceral techniques help release restrictions around the cranial base, diaphragm, and abdomen. This supports vagal function, improves digestion, and helps the nervous system settle into “rest and digest.”
Many parents report that after just a few sessions, their baby:
Feeds more comfortably
Passes gas and burps more easily
Sleeps more deeply
Cries less frequently
At Avalon Wellness & Performance in Naples, FL, our pediatric CranioSacral Therapy sessions are designed to support both baby and parent — encouraging calm, comfort, and connection.
The Gentle Approach
As Dr. John Upledger taught, “The most profound changes often come from the lightest touch.”
CST educator Carol Beames also emphasizes that many cases labeled as colic stem from mechanical or autonomic tension — not food intolerance. By helping the body find balance, we support natural healing from within.
References
Upledger, J. (1997). CranioSacral Therapy II: Beyond the Dura. North Atlantic Books.
Beames, C. (2018). Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy: A Gentle Approach to Early Development.
Chaitow, L., & Bradley, D. (2014). Multidisciplinary Approaches to Breathing Pattern Disorders.
