Presentation by Belén Vázquez NT BCST
As part of our commitment to continuous learning and the sharing of clinical insights, we were delighted to welcome IACST member Belén Vázquez as a guest speaker at our 2023 Annual General Meeting.
The AGM was held on Sunday, 15th October 2023, at the Westgrove Hotel in Clane, Co. Kildare. We were pleased to welcome members in person, and were joined by Upledger students, who attended the presentation following the AGM session.
Belén’s insightful presentation explored the connection between infant colic, the gut–brain axis, and the therapeutic role of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) in supporting infants and their families. The session was very well received and generated lively discussion among attendees, offering both new perspectives and practical clinical takeaways.
We would like to thank Belén for her time and expertise, and to all who attended for making the event a valuable learning opportunity for our professional community.
About the Speaker: Belén Vázquez
Belén Vázquez is a nutritional therapist with an MSc in Personalised Nutrition, and diplomas in Nutritional Therapy, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, and Integrative Baby Therapy. She specialises in helping parents build strong health foundations for their children, with a particular focus on how digestion, immunity, and behaviour are linked through healthy gut-brain interactions. Since 2017, she has run a busy baby and child clinic in Malahide.
Belén’s journey into holistic healthcare began with a deeply personal experience — when her six-year-old son recovered from learning difficulties and hyperactivity within two weeks of adopting a gluten-free diet. This transformative event 15 years ago set her on a path of lifelong learning and integrative care.
Her MSc research, titled “Is there a role for nutritional advice for breastfeeding women in the relief of colic?”, offers new insights into maternal behaviour and dietary choices in relation to colic. Her research paper is currently under review for scientific publication.
Website: belenoptimumhealth.com
Presentation Summary
At the AGM presentation, Belén summarised current evidence on the role of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) in gut-brain balancing for colic relief, and shared practical tips to support CST therapists in clinical practice.
Emerging research into the pathophysiology of infant colic points to inflammatory dysbiosis with gut-brain involvement. Understanding this complex aetiology requires knowledge of how various body systems — digestive, immune, and nervous — function in the developing infant, and how they interact and compensate to sustain health. Much of the gut-brain communication is mediated via the vagus nerve.
There is growing evidence supporting the use of CST for colic relief, particularly due to its positive influence on the vagus nerve and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Factors such as feeding method, maternal nutrition, exposure to toxins or medications, maternal stress, and birth trauma can all influence the onset of colic.
An integrative approach is essential to optimise the support provided to colicky babies and their families.
Belén has kindly given permission to the IACST to share her presentation slides.