As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health. But sometimes, traditional approaches might not seem to address all your concerns. You may be looking for a healthcare partner who sees your child as more than just a set of symptoms. This guide introduces you to integrative pediatrics, a growing field that combines the strengths of conventional medicine with a focus on the whole child.
A pediatrician is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. They provide a wide range of services, from well-child checkups to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Integrative pediatrics expands on this foundation by combining conventional pediatric medicine with complementary therapies. The goal is to address not just the symptoms of a health problem but also its underlying causes while considering the whole child—body, mind, and spirit.
With the increasing interest in holistic approaches to health, many parents are seeking integrative pediatricians who combine conventional care with complementary therapies, which are used by a significant number of children in the US. An integrative medicine pediatrician is a board-certified pediatrician who has pursued advanced training and expertise in integrative medicine. They work in partnership with families to support their child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Integrative pediatrics is guided by several core principles:
This involves looking beyond isolated symptoms to consider the interconnectedness of various factors influencing a child’s health. These factors may include lifestyle, nutrition, environment, stress, and family dynamics.
Treatment plans are tailored to each child’s unique needs, taking into account their individual constitution, developmental stage, and family circumstances.
Integrative pediatrics prioritizes promoting wellness and preventing illness through healthy lifestyle habits, nutrition education, and supportive therapies.
A strong partnership between the pediatrician, the child (when age-appropriate), and the parents is essential. Open communication and shared decision-making are key.
Integrative pediatrics may incorporate a variety of therapies alongside conventional treatments, such as:
Integrative pediatrics can offer several potential benefits for children:
It can be particularly helpful in managing chronic conditions like allergies, asthma, digestive issues, eczema, and behavioral disorders by addressing underlying factors.
Integrative approaches can promote optimal growth, development, and immune function through nutrition and lifestyle support.
Integrative pediatrics acknowledges the connection between physical and emotional well-being and may offer therapies to support children’s mental and emotional health.
By emphasizing prevention and healthy habits, integrative pediatrics aims to set children on a path toward lifelong well-being.
For parents seeking a more holistic and personalized approach to their child’s healthcare, integrative pediatrics can be a valuable option.
In the Boston and Newton area, families have access to a growing number of healthcare providers and clinics offering integrative approaches. When searching for an integrative pediatrician near me, it’s important to consider your specific needs and priorities.
At Five Journeys, we are committed to providing pediatric integrative medicine that focuses on the whole child. Our team includes practitioners with expertise in pediatric functional medicine, offering comprehensive care that integrates conventional and complementary therapies. We strive to be a trusted resource for families seeking a holistic pediatrician, a functional medicine doctor for kids, and access to therapies like nutrition counseling and mind-body practices
To learn more about our integrative pediatrics services at Five Journeys, please visit: https://fivejourneys.com/functional-pediatric-care/
McClafferty, H., Vohra, S., Bailey, M., Brown, M., Esparham, A., Gerstbacher, D., Golianu, B., Niemi, A.-K., Sibinga, E., Weydert, J., Yeh, A. M., Culbert, T., & Gold, M. (2017). Pediatric integrative medicine. Pediatrics, 140(3), e20171961. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-1961
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