Is stress keeping your little one from going?
We are all under stress during this unprecedented time. Suddenly there’s more responsibility than ever. Not only are we a parent, we’re a teacher, a chef, a cleaner, an employee – it’s exhausting and anxiety provoking. We are also the ones helping our little ones cope. Suddenly their world is turned upside down. No more school, no meeting friends, more screen time than ever – whether Zoom or Netflix. And this stress and anxiety can really get to them. And since they don’t know how to express stress at young ages, it usually manifests itself through their body. Many patients have reported either constipation or overactive bowels in their children during the Shelter in Place.
From my prospective, it’s totally normal (assuming you have checked in with your pediatrician and all is well) – no need to stress out even more. You’re doing great and your kids will adapt. But here’s a few tips to help ease their bodies through and keep them as regular as possible in irregular times…
Daily Massage – I am sure every muscle in your body is desperately longing to go back to your favorite spa for a decent massage. Can you remember how relaxed you felt the last time you went? Lets see how we can help your child feel a bit more relaxed with a few easy techniques you can implement at home, while focusing on relaxation and digestion.
Watch the video:
Epsom salt bath – a warm bath is relaxing and when you add epsom saltת the magnesium in it adds extra relation and it can help constipation while also reducing stress and sometimes even improving sleep.
Yoga poses – The below 3 poses series can benefit the PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System) by relieving stress and anxiety (releasing tension from muscles, relaxing body and mind) and by soothing the digestive system (squeezing and moving the guts). They also encourage kids to move, play and discover their range of motions. These different asanas can promote overall body-mind health and joy.
Malasana – squat, rotation and jumping frog
Sarvangasana to Halasana – knees to chest, up and beyond the head.
Balasana – from stretching to relaxation.
***Credits to Vered Gani Katzir, RYT500. https://www.shevayoga.com/ and to Daniel Katzir (age 6).
Acupressure points – There are a few acupressure points that could be beneficial for your child’s constipation, the most “popular ones” I use when it’s stress related are the 2 demonstrated in the photos below:
This points is named GB34 – it is great to help move bowels while also working on emotions such as anger and frustration.
Located just under the head of the fibula bone (in the photo: where the index finger is applying pressure)
This point is named SP6 – It is great for constipation accompanied by stress and it is super useful these days for kids.
On the medial aspect of the lower leg, locate the highest peak of the ankle then four finger widths above the medial (inner) malleolus, on the posterior border of the medial aspect of the tibia. (in the photo: where the index finger is applying pressure)
Herbs for relaxing and constipation – with supplements and herbs I always recommend consulting with your practitioner first. A few of my favorites are: magnesium citrate, Chamomile tea (unless allergic to ragweed), probiotics, fermented foods (which are very rich in live culture probiotics)
Going on regular times – stress and lack of routine might be the cause of the newly diagnosed constipation as many kids that are used to going before school or at snack break or right after school have lost their “pooping routhine”. When that is the case you should set up times and maybe even a timer to get your child back on a “pooping schedule”.
Diet – There are so many dietary recommendations that you might get lost in the paradox of choice. It could be a good idea to consult with your practitioner related tailoring the dietary changes to your child’s specific situation. But it’s always worth a shot to try and reduce foods that are known to cause constipation like gluten and dairy, and add foods that help relieve constipation. Like adding more raw tomatoes, Mushrooms (especially “ear Mushroom”), fermented foods, etc.
Drink enough fluids – some kids drink more when they have a routine and school sends them to their water bottle during snack, lunch, after PE, etc. the “routine-less” days might be the a contributing factor to the newly acquired constipation. You could come up with creative ways to incorporate more fluids into the routine, like setting water breaks into the schedule, setting specific timers, using a water bottle that shows measurements and help your child track how much fluid was consumed.
Exercise – not moving enough might be contributing to both mood and constipation. I have been hearing from patients that kids lost the will to go outdoors and parents are struggling with even taking the kids out to a hike. My advise is to get them more engaged physically on a daily basis and not just for weekend activities. It could be riding bicycle/scooter, taking a “nature tour” to find souveniers on the ground like fallen leaves and twigs, doing yoga indoors, finding a hip hop tutorial online, or even setting up an obstacle course in the garage for hours of fun.
If you still are not able to resolve the constipation on your own, you are welcome to book a session either by Telehealth or an in-office-visit (under the required protocols) or send an email to Neta@sensoryBalancing.com for more questions.
Disclaimer: Information and statements made here are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. The views and nutritional advice expressed in this blog are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you pregnant or have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.