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.