A Clinician’s Guide to Integrative Pediatrics

Pediatrics refers to the field of medicine concerned with the medical care of infants, children and adolescents. Integrative pediatric medicine is a branch of medicine that combines traditional medicine with complementary therapies supported by scientific research, primarily aimed at children and young adults. One of the most prominent clinical uses of integrative medicine in pediatrics includes the use of mind-body medicine treatments, such as biofeedback, guided imagery and hypnosis, for the management of pain. Another potential use for mind-body treatments is the reduction of toxic stress and its effects on children's health. The other areas include integrative approaches towards chronic illnesses, like bowel disease, cancer, arthritis, asthma and other conditions where conventional therapies are required but leave treatment gaps. These gaps can be filled with evidence-based integrative therapies that target lifestyle factors like sleep patterns, social support, dietary habits and physical activity levels that are frequently disregarded in the patients. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to integrative pediatrics. Its aim is to present researches that have transformed this discipline and aided its advancement. This book is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.