Naturopathic Suggestions For Facial Tics

A friend reached out with a problem:

Her young child is developing a facial tic. She has exhausted all efforts excluding major scans and a trip to the neurologist- which will take her months to get into, so now what?

The brain is so complicated- but there is one thing that I know confidently: It needs free flowing communication. The following suggestions will help to achieve this better naturally. I'm sure there are MANY other things that would benefit and if you have experience here- please chime in!  

These are my naturopathic suggestions to her. These were hand selected for her child. Many of these suggestions will benefit anybody when the nervous system needs nourishing, but keep in mind; It's always best to see a natural health professional right away to assess his or her individual needs. 

Magnesium: 

I sometimes feel like every single ailment known to human kind could benefit from a bit of magnesium. This one included. Magnesium calms the nervous system, relaxes the muscle tissue, relieves tension, stress, muscle cramps, PMS and will benefit those with facial tics. I like Magnesium Citrate Powder by Natural Calms. Take on an empty stomach morning and night. 

Mag Phos 6X & Kali Phos 6X:

Both are minerals prepared homeopathically. They are easy to assimilate and more importantly for this situation they are EASY to give to children. Kids actually really like them. ALOT. Allow them to have them as often as they ask. 3-5 times a day is great. 3-4 tablets at a time. Great for the picky eaters as it nourishes the body. Magnesium, Phosphorus and potassium (these are the ingredients contained in Mag Phos and Kali Phos), is absolutely vital for proper nervous system function. They are inexpensive and readily available. I like to buy them on Vitacost.com. Magnesium and Potassium rich foods should be added to the diet as well. 

Craniosacral Therapy: 

This noninvasive, gentle approach to bodywork is one of the most precious gifts to mankind- No, I'm not exaggerating- well maybe a little! But it's perfect for children, adults, pregnant women and the sick and elderly as it is gently relieves restrictions in the movement of cerebral spinal fluid. This vital fluid housed around the brain and spine must flow freely or disorders will develop. Great for traumas old or new, pain, posture, TMJ, headaches, back pain- YOU NAME IT! AND it naturally activates the healing ability of the body. Amazing!

Look at Food Allergies: 

If you want to take your child for an allergy test that is one option. It's not pleasant I'm told. You can also go the non-invasive route and see a naturopath or chiropractor who does nutritional response testing. In this way, you can get an idea of where his or her sensitivities are and eliminate those factors for a while. There are absolutely ways to correct (sometimes permanently) food allergies. Please reach out with questions on that. 

Looking at Diet is Important:

Lot's of whole foods, limiting boxed foods, limiting artificial flavor and colors, artificial sweeteners and drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day. There are many herbs that support the nervous system too. Lemon Balm (aka sweet melissa), Valerian Root and Red Raspberry Leaf are a few that are nutritious, and supportive of minerals needed for brain health. Lemon Balm goes over particularly well with children as it's mild.

Other elements to consider:  

• WIFI exposure
• Recent Dental Work
• Recent Vaccines
• Nutrition
• Stress

 These can be assessed by a natural health professional that does muscle response testing. Please reach out with questions! 

Thanks for reading!