WHAT IS COLIC REALLY?

The term ‘colic’ refers to a collection of colic symptoms and, as such, does not make for a very accurate diagnosis. The major causes are described below and account for almost all cases. Interestingly enough, there appears to be a higher incidence of colic babies in the case of Caesarean deliveries. This is probably due to the baby not being stretched out and 'decompressed' in the normal birth process (common sense suggests that a baby, who has developed in a tight cocoon, has a few 'kinks' that probably needs to be 'straightened out').

Intestinal wind and gas
Gas or wind can be trapped in the still immature intestinal tract. Perhaps the intestines are lying in such a way that the free flow of gas is sluggish. This causes your baby to push excessively in order to try and get them out. They will be experiencing severe bloating and will often moan, grunt, contract and cry excessively. Upward pressure from the intestinal region may cause reflux.

Exercises: (1) Squeezebox, (2) Psoas Release, (4) Ileo Caecal Valve Stimulation, (5) Push the Poopy, (6) Colic Release and (8) Jack-In-The-Box
Objective: Stimulate the movement of gas and reposition intestines.

Diaphragmatic tension
Hiccups are a symptom of diaphragmatic tension or spasm. The immature digestive tract needs to accommodate a large amount of milk in a short time and 'adjusts' itself via hiccupping. Abnormal tension results in reflux and excessive hiccups which causes indigestion in your baby.

Exercises: (7) Diaphragm Release, plus do all exercises for Intestinal Wind.
Objective: Relieve pressure on the diaphragm.

Spinal muscles
The spinal column has been tightly curved for nine months and could easily develop minor spasms or nerve irritation as it rapidly straightens out and grows. A vertebral fault may even be present. Babies delivered by C-section have a greater incidence of musculoskeletal spasm, having not been de-kinked in the birthing process. Your baby will appear restless, arch and moan and may even develop full blown colic.

Exercises: (3) Baby Arch, (9) Hanging Baby, (10) Spine-A-Robics, (1) Squeezebox and (2) Psoas Stretch.
Objective: Stretch thoracic and lumbar spine to release tension and spasm.

Hip flexor muscles
The hip flexors (iliopsoas muscles) bring the knees toward the chest. As with spinal spasms, C-section babies have a greater incidence of tight hip muscles. Because these muscles are relatively tight, your baby will frequently contract the knees toward the chest and this in turn may impede the progress of wind through the digestive tract. Your baby's legs may seem more difficult to straighten out.

Exercises: (2) Psoas Stretch, (1) Squeezebox, (3) Baby Arch and (10) Spine-A-Robics
Objective: Stretch hip and pelvic muscles to relieve contractures.

COLIC RELEASE TECHNIQUE

The Colic Release Technique has been designed to address all of the main culprits in an effective way. By performing all of these on a regular basis for up to ten days, you will probably get the main problem area to release. Once this happens, the body's innate intelligence will generally fix itself without further need for intervention.