Integrative Pediatrics

There is ample evidence that children and adolescents in large numbers are actively using integrative (complementary and alternative) therapies. Various studies now indicate that over 50% of pediatricians surveyed would refer a patient for integrative therapy, and they would welcome more natural therapies for children provided they were safe and effective. However, there has been little training for pediatricians in this area. Integrative Pediatrics addresses these issues and provides guidelines for pediatricians, parents, and general audiences in a balanced, evidence-based manner. In this volume in the Weil Integrative Medicine Library series, the authors describe a rational and evidence-based approach to the integrative therapy of childhood disorders and well-child care, integrating the principles of alternative and complementary therapies into the principles and practice of conventional pediatrics. The authors examine what works and what doesn't and offer practical guidelines for physicians to incorporate integrative medicine into their practice and how to advise patients and their parents on reasonable and effective therapies. The text also covers areas of controversy and identifies areas of uncertainty where future research is needed. Chapters also cite the best available evidence for both safety and efficacy of all therapies discussed. The series editor is Andrew Weil, MD, Professor and Director of the Program of Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizon. Dr. Weil's program was the first academic program in the US and he is the major name in integrative medicine in the US, and well-known around the world. His program's stated goal is "to combine the best ideas and practices of conventional and alternative medicine into cost effective treatments without embracing alternative practices uncritically."

Pediatric integrative medicine is a rapidly evolving field with great potential to improve the quality of preventive health in children and expand treatment options for children living with chronic disease. Many families actively use integrative therapies making familiarity with the field essential for clinicians working with pediatrics patients. This book provides a clear, evidence-based overview of the field. Foundations of pediatric health are covered with a goal of reviewing classic information and introducing emerging research in areas such as nutrition science, physical activity and mind-body therapies. Complementary medicine therapies are reviewed with an eye to expanding the conventionally trained clinician’s awareness about traditional healing approaches. Clinical applications explored include: Allergy Asthma Mental health IBS Bullying Obesity Environmental health ADHD Autism The book provides an excellent introduction to a relatively young field and will help the reader understand the scope of current evidence for integrative therapies in children and how to introduce integrative concepts into clinical practice. Integrative Pediatrics is a refreshing must-read for all students and health professionals focused on pediatrics, especially those new to the field or studying at graduate level.

"Naturopathic and Integrative Pediatrics is a clinically oriented textbook designed for students and practitioners of naturopathic and integrative medicine. The goal of this text is to provide a primer in naturopathic pediatric care with the following objectives: ■ To offer guidance to the promotion of health, the prevention of disease, and the management of presentations common in general naturopathic practice in North America. ■ Emphasis is placed on working with the family unit, interpreting the evidence for naturopathic modalities to children, and applying naturopathic principles to treating the whole child. ■ To offer evidence, principles, and strategies that will support the reader in creating holistic, individualized plans. The first section of the book is devoted to promoting wellness and preventing disease, including principles of monitoring and encouraging normal growth and development and important lifestyle considerations such as nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and environmental exposures. The second section explores the management of common presenting pediatric concerns in a typical naturopathic practice. "

Pediatric integrative medicine is a rapidly evolving field with great potential to improve the quality of preventive health in children and expand treatment options for children living with chronic disease. Many families actively use integrative therapies making familiarity with the field essential for clinicians working with pediatrics patients. This book provides a clear, evidence-based overview of the field. Foundations of pediatric health are covered with a goal of reviewing classic information and introducing emerging research in areas such as nutrition science, physical activity and mind-body therapies. Complementary medicine therapies are reviewed with an eye to expanding the conventionally trained clinician’s awareness about traditional healing approaches. Clinical applications explored include: Allergy Asthma Mental health IBS Bullying Obesity Environmental health ADHD Autism The book provides an excellent introduction to a relatively young field and will help the reader understand the scope of current evidence for integrative therapies in children and how to introduce integrative concepts into clinical practice. Integrative Pediatrics is a refreshing must-read for all students and health professionals focused on pediatrics, especially those new to the field or studying at graduate level.

In response to the rise in chronic medical conditions--and the growing use of complementary and alternative therapies--among pediatric and adolescent patients, healthcare practitioners are taking a serious look at pediatric integrative medicine (PIM). Although it dovetails with current concepts of preventive medicine, wellness, and patient control, PIM is still an evolving field with its own particular challenges and opportunities. A Guide to Integrative Pediatrics for the Healthcare Professional explores its subject through the more familiar lens of integrative medicine. This concise comprehensive resource synthesizes the knowledge base on a range of therapies commonly associated with PIM, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, clinical hypnosis, yoga, homeopathy, and therapeutic massage, with findings on their effective use with children. Case examples illustrate uses of PIM modalities with allopathic medicine to treat young patients at various developmental stages, and the authors pinpoint safety and appropriateness concerns, answer licensing questions, and note clinical areas requiring further study. The wide-ranging information contained here will help support interest in PIM at the research, training, and practice levels. Features of the Guide: An introduction to basic concepts in PIM. Trends in IM/PIM education. A survey of complementary and alternative therapies, including biologically-based, body-based, mind-body, energy-based, and alternative whole systems. Current evidence for IM in treating common pediatric conditions. The future of integrative pediatrics. References and links for further information. Offering a front-row seat to the continued expansion of the field, A Guide to Integrative Pediatrics for the Healthcare Professional is a salient text not only for pediatricians but for all healthcare practitioners tasked with improving children's wellbeing. “/p>

This book covers a broad spectrum of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices employed in pediatric oncology worldwide, with a special focus on the methods widely used in Western countries. It is a scientifically based, practice-oriented handbook that will meet the needs of pediatric oncologists working in medical practices and hospitals. An introductory section includes a comparative overview of current CAM use in pediatric oncology in different countries. Commonly used CAM methods are then discussed in a series of chapters that provide a theoretical description of the method in question, followed by more practically oriented information, including scientific data if applicable. Special attention is paid to the issue of how to integrate each method into conventional pediatric oncology. The closing parts of the book consider aspects of CAM requiring further development, such as institutional research, and provide a road map on establishing integrative pediatric oncology worldwide.

An accessible and reassuring guide to childhood health and immunity from a pediatrician who’s both knowledgeable about the latest scientific research and respectful of a family’s risk factors, health history, and concerns In The Vaccine-Friendly Plan, Paul Thomas, M.D., presents his proven approach to building immunity: a new protocol that limits a child’s exposure to aluminum, mercury, and other neurotoxins while building overall good health. Based on the results from his pediatric practice of more than eleven thousand children, as well as data from other credible and scientifically minded medical doctors, Dr. Paul’s vaccine-friendly protocol gives readers • recommendations for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth • vital information about what to expect at every well child visit from birth through adolescence • a slower, evidence-based vaccine schedule that calls for only one aluminum-containing shot at a time • important questions to ask about your child’s first few weeks, first years, and beyond • advice about how to talk to health care providers when you have concerns • the risks associated with opting out of vaccinations • a practical approach to common illnesses throughout the school years • simple tips and tricks for healthy eating and toxin-free living at any age The Vaccine-Friendly Plan presents a new standard for pediatric care, giving parents peace of mind in raising happy, healthy children. Praise for The Vaccine-Friendly Plan “Finally, a book about vaccines that respects parents! If you choose only one book to read on the topic, read The Vaccine-Friendly Plan. This impeccably researched, well-balanced book puts you in the driver’s seat and empowers you to make conscientious vaccine decisions for your family.”—Peggy O’Mara, editor and publisher, Mothering Magazine “Sure to appeal to readers of all kinds as a friendly, no-nonsense book that cuts through the rhetoric surrounding vaccines. It offers validation to those who avoid some or all, while offering those who do want to vaccinate help on how to do so safely. This is a great book for anyone with children in their lives.”—Natural Mother “A valuable, science-supported guide to optimizing your child’s health while you navigate through complex choices in a toxic, challenging world.”—Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School “An impressively researched guide, this important book is essential reading for parents. With clear and practical advice for shielding children from harmful toxins, it will compel us all to think differently about how to protect health.”—Jay Gordon, M.D., FAAP “Rather than a one-size-fits-all vaccine strategy, the authors suggest thoughtful, individualized decisions based on research and collaboration between parents and clinicians—a plan to optimize a child’s immune system and minimize any risks.”—Elizabeth Mumper, M.D., founder and CEO, The Rimland Center for Integrative Pediatrics “This well-written and thought-provoking book will encourage parents to think through decisions—such as food choices and the timing of vaccines—that affect the well-being of their children. In a world where children’s immune systems are increasingly challenged, this is a timely addition to the literature.”—Harriet Lerner, Ph.D., bestselling author of The Dance of Anger and The Mother Dance

This Special Issue provides an overview of pediatric integrative medicine, an emerging field that blends conventional and evidence based complementary therapies with an emphasis on preventive health and wellbeing. It is one of the first publications to capture the field’s background as well as the implementation of pediatric integrative programs and therapies in both the United States and Europe. Written by expert contributors in their specialties, this work provides the reader a first-hand look at the innovative programs serving children with a wide array of conditions in both academic and community-based centers. Covering topics including program development and start-up, pediatric pain, headache, obesity management, stress, clinical hypnosis, creative arts therapies, integrative nursing, and provider self-care, the edition provides rich insight into the challenges and successes experienced by the authors and the creativity and passion driving the field with the goal of improving health care for children of all ages.