Baby Colic & Digestion Problems: Natural Relief Through Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding Infant Digestion & Colic
Few things are harder on parents than a baby who won’t stop crying. You’ve fed them, burped them, changed them, rocked them—and still the crying continues, often for hours at a time, especially in the evening. This period is often called “colic,” and while it’s incredibly common, it can leave parents exhausted, anxious, and questioning what’s wrong.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, colic isn’t mysterious. It’s simply a sign that your baby’s developing digestive system is struggling to process what it’s being given. The Spleen and Stomach—organs responsible for digestion and transformation—are still very delicate in newborns. When they’re overworked or exposed to the wrong conditions, the digestive Qi (energy) becomes stagnant, leading to discomfort, gas, and prolonged crying.
The Developing Digestive System
In the early months of life, a baby’s digestion is like a small fire just learning to burn steadily. Too much or too little fuel, cold exposure, or emotional tension can easily disrupt its balance. Common factors that can weaken a baby’s Spleen and Stomach Qi include:
Feeding too often, not allowing full digestion between feeds
Cold or heavy formula (which burdens the Spleen)
A depleted or anxious mother—babies “absorb” the emotional tone around them
Maternal imbalance (Heat or Cold) that transfers through breast milk
Birth factors like a long labour or use of anesthetics that weaken the baby’s Qi
When the digestive fire dims or becomes blocked, discomfort builds up in the abdomen. The result: tension, gas, and those heart-wrenching cries that often come at the same time each day.
The Two Common Patterns of Colic in TCM
Just as no two babies are the same, colic doesn’t look the same in everyone. TCM recognizes different underlying patterns that cause the crying and discomfort.
1. Hot Food Stagnation (Excess Type)
When a baby consumes more milk than their developing digestion can manage, milk stagnates and creates internal Heat.
Signs:
Red face, warm body, hands, and feet
Loud, forceful crying
Strong-smelling gas or stools
Feels better after a bowel movement
Pulls knees up toward the abdomen
Treatment principle: Disperse stagnation and clear Heat.
This involves easing the digestive load and restoring the flow of Qi so the intestines can move smoothly again.
2. Cold Food Stagnation (Deficiency Type)
In some babies, the digestive system is too weak or cold to move milk through efficiently. Instead of Heat, there’s Cold and deficiency at play.
Signs:
Pale face, cool hands and feet
Cry is weak or lacks force
Baby feeds often but in small amounts
Stools are loose or not smelly
General tiredness or quietness
Treatment principle: Disperse stagnation and strengthen Spleen Qi.
Warmth and nourishment help the digestive fire rebuild so that food can be properly transformed and transported.
Gentle Ways to Support Your Baby’s Digestion
Small, mindful adjustments can make a world of difference for a colicky baby.
Leave time between feeds. Allow full digestion before offering the next feed so the stomach isn’t overwhelmed.
Warmth matters. Keep your baby’s abdomen warm and avoid drafts or cold environments.
For breastfeeding mothers: Eat warm, cooked foods that strengthen the Spleen—soups, grains, lightly steamed vegetables, gentle spices like ginger. Avoid cold smoothies, raw salads, and iced drinks.
Create calm during feeding. Babies digest best when both they and their caregivers are relaxed. Turn off bright lights and noise, take a few deep breaths, and feed in a quiet space.
Rest and support. Caring for a colicky baby is exhausting. When possible, call on friends, family, or your community to help you rest and reset. A calm parent helps calm a baby.
Gentle massage or Tui Na. Light circles on the belly or gentle stroking down the arms and legs can move Qi and relieve gas.
When to Seek Professional Support
If your baby’s symptoms are persistent or severe—such as frequent vomiting, poor weight gain, or inconsolable crying—it’s important to check in with your pediatrician to rule out underlying conditions. Once serious causes are excluded, pediatric acupuncture and Tui Na can help gently regulate digestion, calm the nervous system, and strengthen the Spleen and Stomach Qi.
Treatments for babies are incredibly gentle—often involving touch, acupressure, or subtle stimulation rather than needles. Parents are frequently shown simple techniques they can continue at home.
The Takeaway: Helping Your Baby’s Digestion Grow Stronger
In TCM, an infant’s digestion is still learning, just like the rest of their body. With warmth, patience, and the right support, the digestive system grows stronger—and harmony returns to both baby and home.
If your baby struggles with colic or digestive upset, gentle pediatric acupuncture and Tui Na treatments can help regulate their digestion and bring relief. Book your session today.
Read more about the types of children’s conditions TCM supports.