Ask a parent what could be more important than their children’s health and the answer is swift: “Nothing.” Parents instinctively place the health of their kids above all else. 

That concern has led some parents to explore holistic pediatrics. Focusing on much more than just a quick fix for a specific ailment or issue, holistic pediatricians are intent on getting to the root of an illness.

The holistic approach extends beyond the physical to the emotional, environmental and mental well-being of a child. Holistic pediatricians investigate how symptoms initially arose and then prescribe overall lifestyle changes that don’t involve harmful side effects.

What’s more, the holistic approach to pediatrics fosters development of a family “wellness team,” in which parents become aware of how their own actions impact their children and what steps may be taken to promote whole-family health.

Holistic Pediatrics is About Letting the Body Heal Itself

One of the key elements in the holistic approach to pediatrics is the use of natural substances for health support. In many instances, the recommended substance isn’t necessarily designed to cure the illness. Rather, it is intended to kick-start the body into more effectively healing itself.

Though self-healing is an appealing notion, holistic pediatricians stress to parents that there are rarely any easy, surefire remedies, particularly since there are many factors involved in each child’s situation.

Although some parents bring in kids with what may be a one-time ailment, most of the children holistic pediatricians see have some form of chronic illness. Common ailments include neurological disorders, asthma, allergies, behavioral problems, sleep issues, ear infections and eczema.

Practitioners note that some clients are looking to further their education, exploring every possible path to peak wellness. Others are often well educated on many holistic therapies.

Nourishing Change with Holistic Pediatric Care

Holistic-minded pediatricians consistently see improper diet as contributing to children’s ailments, noting that diet appears to have a great impact on how quickly children heal.

Holistic pediatricians tend to focus on food preparation. Slight changes in the kitchen—such as foregoing convenience foods for fresh, organic fruits and veggies and other whole foods—may lead to significantly better health.

All in the Family

Intriguingly, many of the recommendations made by holistic doctors aren’t merely intended for the child—they extend to the whole family. Such practitioners note that even though recommendations are targeted to the child, a lot of the shifts must happen with parents as well.

Obviously, health crises such as a broken bone or severe asthma attack will require immediate conventional care. Further, to decrease the risk of neglecting symptoms, parents should always work with healthcare practitioners who diagnose illness using all available techniques as needed.

It is important to note, though, that the holistic approach to pediatrics does not shun conventional medicine; it exists to complement the beneficial aspects of these standard practices.

Take ear infections, for example. A parent may wish to discuss all treatment options with the doctor and then use home-based therapies first, keeping antibiotics—often used as a first-line approach in standard pediatrics—in reserve if an infection proves difficult to clear through more holistic means.

To find a holistic pediatrician, in addition to searching locally, you can do an internet search for “naturopathic physicians” in your state. Most of these sites have a find-a-doctor tab; see if this function lets you search by specialty. Keep in mind, though, that pediatricians who practice holistically may come from any number of backgrounds, including conventional medicine (MD).

Holistic Pediatrician FAQ

What is a holistic pediatrician?

A holistic pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in children's health and adopts a comprehensive approach to care. They consider not only physical symptoms but also emotional, social, environmental and sometimes spiritual factors that can affect a child's well-being. By integrating conventional medicine with alternative therapies, they aim to promote overall health and prevent illness.

What does a holistic doctor do?

A holistic doctor focuses on treating the whole person rather than just addressing specific symptoms or diseases. They evaluate all aspects of a patient's life—including physical health, emotional state, lifestyle habits and environmental influences—to identify underlying causes of health issues. Treatment plans may include a combination of conventional medicine, nutritional guidance, lifestyle modifications and complementary therapies such as acupuncture or herbal remedies.

What is an integrative pediatrician?

An integrative pediatrician combines traditional Western medicine with evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies to provide comprehensive care for children. They utilize a variety of treatment modalities to address the physical, emotional and developmental needs of their patients, aiming to treat the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms.

Why are holistic doctors expensive?

Holistic doctors may be more expensive due to several factors. They often spend more time with each patient to thoroughly understand their health concerns, which can result in longer and more detailed consultations. Additionally, some holistic treatments and therapies are not covered by insurance, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses. The specialized training and certifications required for holistic practices may also contribute to increased costs.

Can a holistic doctor diagnose?

Yes, holistic doctors are fully qualified medical professionals who can diagnose health conditions. They utilize standard diagnostic tools and tests but also consider additional factors like lifestyle, emotional well-being and environmental influences in their assessments to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's health.

Do holistic doctors prescribe medication?

Yes, holistic doctors can prescribe medication when necessary. While they emphasize natural and less invasive treatments, they are trained in conventional medicine and can include prescription drugs as part of a comprehensive treatment plan if they believe it's in the best interest of the patient's health.

What does holistic mean in childcare?

In childcare, a holistic approach means focusing on the complete development of a child. This includes not only physical health but also emotional, social, cognitive and environmental aspects. Caregivers and educators aim to nurture all areas of a child's growth to promote overall well-being and help them develop into well-rounded individuals.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

The information in this blog is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional. Consultation with a doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner is strongly advised before starting any regimen of supplementation, a change in diet or any exercise routine. Individuals who engage in supplementation to promote health, address conditions or support any structure or function of the body assume all risks. Women who are pregnant, especially, should seek the advice of a medical doctor before taking any dietary supplement and before starting any change in diet or lifestyle. Descriptions of herbs, vitamins, nutrients or any ingredients are not recommendations to take our products or those of any other company. We are not doctors or primary-source science researchers. Instead, we defer to the findings of scientific experts who conduct studies, as well as those who compile and publish scientific literature on the potential health benefits of nutrients, herbs, spices, vitamins or minerals. We cannot guarantee that any individual will experience any of the health benefits associated with the nutrients described. Natural Organics will not be held liable for any injuries, damages, hindrances or negative effects resulting from any reliance on the information presented, nor will Natural Organics be held accountable for any inaccuracy, miscalculation or error in the scientific literature upon which the information provided is based.