Alternative medicine for children

Complementary therapy and alternative medicine use for kids

Alternative medicine isn’t just for adults, children can benefit from complementary therapy methods, techniques and remedies too. It’s easy to see why many parents are wary of using non-conventional treatments for their child if they are cautious themselves. However, alternative medicine, as with any form of healthcare, is safe and effective when carried out by a trained practitioner. And just because it is classed as ‘non-conventional’ doesn’t mean that the methods aren’t tried and tested. Many alternative methods have been used effectively for thousands of years and each week new research is published to back-up that history.

If you’re considering alternative medicine and complementary therapy for your child, follow the same process as if choosing a therapy for yourself. Consider the options, discuss them with a GP and research the therapy. Once you have the knowledge, seek out a trained practitioner and speak to them about any concerns you have. A professional therapist will be able to put you and your child at ease before, during and after treatment.

Alternative medicine for children can be safe and beneficial

There are a wide range of complementary therapies available for children such as herbal remedies, dietary supplements, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic and Thought Field Therapy. A child’s body reacts differently to an adult’s and as such should be treated differently by a therapist. Certain herbal remedies for instance are safe for children where others are not. Dosages must be administered in quantities that are less than for an adult too and take into account the child’s age and weight. This is just one example of why visiting a trained practitioner is vital to your child’s safety and the effectiveness of their treatment.

Consider the benefits that alternative medicine and complementary therapy has over conventional methods. Many illnesses and diseases that children suffer are hard to treat as it may be difficult to administer conventional techniques, or the child may refuse to take medication. Children have an association with these treatments whereas alternative methods and medications are new and easier to accept. To the child, it may be exciting and a therapy like Thought Field Therapy which involves tapping techniques is even seen by kids as fun.

Children who suffer with asthma and dislike their puffers could benefit from Acupuncture. The needles an acupuncturist uses are ultra-fine and do not hurt. What they can do is get your child to relax more make your child’s breathing easier. Hypnotherapy can be extremely relaxing and enable your child to develop more confidence and self-discipline that will make them take other medications on a regular basis. This is an example of a therapy being ‘complementary’ in that it works with conventional medicine to achieve the desired outcome – and kids need all the help and encouragement they can get to help them overcome their problem.

Parents and kids should participate in seeking out alternative medicine

Your opinion, and that of your GP, is necessary when opting for alternative medicine and complementary therapy for a child. You’ll want to research and discover as much as you can about the treatments available to try and remove that initial reluctance you may have. That’s perfectly natural. But don’t forget to include your child, if possible, in that process.

Children are generally difficult to treat, but if you can find a new treatment that they like, it can become much easier. Things that are new are different and usually exciting to a child and as such they’re more willing to take part in them. Parents know that enjoyment plays a major part in everything a child does so why not make their treatment as enjoyable and different as possible. Follow advice from your doctor, do your research on the alternative medicine techniques available and involve your child. You may find that you and your child’s health and attitude change for the better.

Article submitted by
Daniel Alexander, GoToSee Journalist

Date published
21/10/08

Submit an Article

One Response to “Alternative medicine for children”

Mind Body Shop Says:
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:57 am
A bodily disease, which we look upon as whole and entire within itself, may, after all, be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual past