Cracking the Colic Code: A Natural Perspective for Tired Parents
By Dr. Marlo Swanepoel – Chiropractor & Homeopath | My Chiro Doc, Pretoria
If you’ve ever found yourself bouncing a red-faced, wailing baby at 2 AM—desperate for sleep and answers—you’re not alone. Colic, that mysterious and exhausting condition marked by inconsolable crying in otherwise healthy infants, affects up to 20% of babies. While it often resolves on its own by 3–4 months of age, those early weeks can feel endless for parents.
At My Chiro Doc, we approach colic with a gentle, holistic mindset. Combining chiropractic care and homeopathic principles, we aim to support your baby’s comfort and ease your parenting journey—safely, ethically, and within the scope of regulated care in South Africa.
What Is Colic, Really?
Colic is typically defined as episodes of excessive crying in an infant who is otherwise healthy and well-fed. The classic “rule of 3” often applies: crying for more than 3 hours per day, 3 days a week, for 3 weeks or longer. Symptoms may include:
- Intense, high-pitched crying
- Clenched fists and arched back
- Gassiness and tummy discomfort
- Difficulty soothing the baby
While the exact cause of colic is still debated, contributing factors may include immature digestion, nervous system sensitivity, or musculoskeletal tension after birth.
The Chiropractic Perspective: Balancing the Nervous System
From a chiropractic point of view, the birthing process—even in uncomplicated deliveries—can place mechanical stress on a newborn’s delicate spine and nervous system. These early biomechanical imbalances may lead to:
- Poor sleep or feeding patterns
- Digestive upset (wind, reflux)
- Heightened sensitivity to stimuli
Gentle paediatric chiropractic adjustments, using very light pressure (comparable to a fingertip touch), may help restore proper alignment and nervous system function. This in turn may ease tension, support digestion, and promote better sleep.
Homeopathy: Gentle Relief for Tummy Troubles
Homeopathy, a holistic system of medicine based on the principle of “like cures like”, offers natural remedies tailored to your baby’s unique symptoms. Some commonly used remedies for colic may include:
- Chamomilla – for babies who are irritable and only calm when carried
- Colocynthis – for colic that improves with firm pressure or bending the legs
- Magnesium Phos – for spasmodic cramping relieved by warmth
Each child is assessed individually, and remedies are chosen based on their full emotional and physical presentation—never just the symptoms.
A Holistic Partnership: Chiropractic + Homeopathy
While conventional medicine may offer strategies like gripe water, simethicone drops, or dietary changes, chiropractic and homeopathy aim to support the body’s natural self-regulation without suppressing symptoms.
Here’s how the two can work together:
| Chiropractic Care | Homeopathy |
| Reduces physical tension | Eases emotional and digestive irritability |
| Supports optimal nerve function | Matches remedy to individual baby |
| Encourages restful sleep and relaxation | Supports gut and immune health |
| Focuses on physical alignment | Focuses on internal balance and vitality |
Final Thoughts: Hope for Exhausted Parents
Colic can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean you have to “just wait it out.” With safe, gentle, and holistic care, many parents report improvement in their baby’s comfort—and in their own well-being, too.
At My Chiro Doc, we offer a supportive, ethical, and family-focused environment to help you navigate the challenges of early parenting. We work collaboratively with your paediatrician or GP and always refer when necessary.
Because every baby deserves comfort—and every parent deserves peace of mind.
📍 Visit us at My Chiro Doc – Pretoria
🍼 Gentle Chiropractic & Homeopathic Care for Growing Families
📞 Book your consultation today: [060 533 0969]
🌐 Learn more: [www.mychirodoc.co.za]
References:
- Alcantara, J., Alcantara, J., & Holt, K. (2011). The chiropractic care of infants with colic: a systematic review of the literature. Explore, 7(3), 168–174.
- Lucassen, P. L. et al. (1998). Effectiveness of treatments for infantile colic: systematic review. BMJ, 316(7144), 1563–1569.
- Ernst, E. (2002). Homeopathy for colic: A critical review of the clinical evidence. European Journal of Pediatrics, 161(5), 242–245.
- Saxton, J. (2007). Homeopathy for child health care: Evidence and effectiveness. Homeopathy, 96(4), 287–289.
