Colic refers to excessive, repeated crying in an infant that otherwise appears healthy. It is seen in at least one in five infants. The colic begins when the child is a few weeks old and normally stops until the age of four months. At the latest, it has been gone for six months. Colicky children are usually fussy and difficult to calm down.
In Ayurveda, pain in and around the navel is called shul. It is commonly associated with constipation. In infants, dhatu (body tissue) is still new and developing; Agni (digestive fire) is also low or dim. This means that they cannot digest everything eaten by the mother or the formula food they give. Thus the mother has to be very careful about what she eats while breastfeeding. According to Ayurveda, the increase in the air causes abdominal pain.
Some expert belives, A clinical syndrome with intermittent abdominal pain characterized by sudden onset and cessation. It is usually associated with obstruction of the INTESTINES; of the CYSTIC DUCT; or of the URINARY TRACT.
What is the main cause of colic?
Colic is usually caused by distended gas that an infant has swallowed while feeding. It is suggested that the infant's digestive system is still growing, so it can cause muscle cramps. Colic is also developed due to hormonal changes or sensitivity to foods or light and noise etc. Some experts believe that colic is the result of an allergy to milk protein (or lactose intolerance) in formula-fed babies. More rarely, colic may be a reaction to specific foods in Mom's diet in breastfed babies. Either way, these allergies or sensitivity can cause tummy pain that may set off colicky behavior.
Signs of colic pain:
Signs and symptoms of colic include:
Rapid crying.
Crying spells that begin in the late afternoon or evening and last for several hours.
Crying baby's face turns red and swells.
While crying, the child closes its fist and pulls its knees to its abdomen, or arches its back.
The child refused to take feed.
The stomach may look distorted.
Draws legs near the abdomen.
The cry automatically stops after some time.
Precautions and prevention according to the Ayurvedic methodology
Colic Pain in infants and children:
Most infants with colic eventually get better by the time they are 4- 6 months old. Unless there are serious signs or the baby stops crying after a few hours of feeding, there is nothing to worry about. Simple changes in diet and lifestyle and some herbs may help relieve the symptoms and prevent colic in children. A number of Ayurvedic herbs and formulas are effective to relieve colic in children.
Aahaar-Vihaar Recommendation:
The mother’s diet while breastfeeding should be carefully chosen to avoid colic in the baby.
The mother should have a diet as light as possible and easy to digest during this condition.
Foods high in carbohydrates and starch should be avoided.
Fried foods, spices, and condiments should also not be taken.
Fresh fruits and boiled vegetables and vegetable soup should form the major part of the diet. Fats should be avoided.
Adequate amounts of water should be consumed.
Breastfeeding mothers should avoid too many milk products caffeine, onions, cabbage, beans, broccoli, and other gas-producing, irritating foods.
If the baby is formula-fed, a change in the brand may help ease the colic.
Feed the baby correctly to reduce gas ingestion.
Burp the baby after meals to remove the ingested gas and ease the colic.
Avoid anxiety or stress in the mother.
Some babies seem to be soothed by rhythmic, steady movements, like rocking gently or by gentle sounds.
Baby massages and warm baths also help ease the colic.
Treatment of colic?
Livheal Syrup, Lavan Bhaskar Churna, Hingadi Vati, Kumaryasava, Chitrakadi Vati, Agnitundi Vati, Hingvastak Churna, Maha Shankh Bati, Shulvarjini Vati, Pravalapanchamritha Bhasma, Ajamodark
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. These are only based on the study and practical performances. We do not recommend any of the above medicines to directly intake or to do not use this information to diagnose or ayurvedic treatment of kids-health and/or colic pain without consulting the doctor. Consult your physician before beginning an exercise regime.