Need For More CAM Pediatricians on the Rise

The Holistic Pediatric Association reports more studies done on the use of CAM Care in Pediatrics.

They included a study done in Washington state, previously reported by altMD, where a survey published in the July issue of Pediatrics showed that a majority of CAM patients per CAM practitioner are children. The chief complaint was respiratory problems (colds, coughs, ear infections, allergy). Other reasons for pediatric CAM treatment ranged from skin illnesses such as eczema, to alternative medicine for ADHD (omega-3), and autism.

Authors of the study were quick to point out that no antibiotics were used to treat any of the respiratory symptoms seen in the study period, despite the fact that naturopathic physicians in Washington have the ability to prescribe antibiotics.

A second 2007 study done in Canada revealed even greater numbers of children using CAM modalities there.

At a pediatric outpatient clinic in a university-affiliated general hospital in Quebec, Canada over a four week period, children were treated with CAM therapies including chiropractic, naturopathy, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, reiki, hypnosis, osteopathic manipulation, folk remedies, and other hands-on techniques to promote health. While there, parents were asked to take a survey, asking if this was their first time using CAM modalities. More than 50 % of them were not first-time pediatric CAM users.

These studies point out that the need for most post-graduate education on CAM pediatric care, say sources. While so few pediatricians are trained in CAM pediatric healthcare, there is also a significant need for more naturopathic pediatricians to meet the growing holistic healthcare needs for families so that more children can benefit from holistic care.