Integrative Pediatrics : Art, Science, and Clinical Application

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the science in the field and introduces foundational topics in integrative pediatric medicine such as nutrition, selected dietary supplements, physical activity, stress management, sleep, and mind-body medicine. It examines complementary therapies in pediatric medicine, as well as specific illnesses, detailing where evidence is strong and where more research is needed. This is essential reading for all physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and allied health practitioners working in pediatrics.

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.