Integrative Medicine for Children’s Wellness

Pediatric integrative medicine is healing-oriented medicine that focuses on the ‘whole’ individual (body-mind-spirit) and all aspects of lifestyle. Pediatric integrative medicine makes use of appropriate therapies, both conventional medicine, and alternative-based treatment modalities. Based on this model the physician takes the time to listen and understand the child and parents’ ideas and choices and incorporates their feedback into the treatment plan.

As one of the first established pediatric integrative clinics in the country, we use scientifically proven complementary and traditional medicine therapies along with dietary and lifestyle modifications to treat a wide range of illnesses. Our health care providers will help you and your child create and follow a personalized treatment plan specific to your child’s health concerns. Most people find an integrative and holistic approach to be the most effective way of addressing their child’s chronic health care concerns.

The typical western medicine model of symptomatic treatment of patients is redirected toward preventive care so that symptoms have less of a chance to develop in the first place. The common and overuse of medications especially antibiotics are replaced with prudent use of medications complemented with nutritional therapies, herbs, and supplements.

The field of integrative medicine is rapidly developing and growing, and it is exciting for us to be at the forefront of this new field. The limitations posed by the current western model of medicine and the ensuing frustrations have encouraged us to look at human health and illness from a different and more comprehensive perspective. The consumers, too, are demanding a more comprehensive approach to their children’s health.  They want to know why more and more of their children are developing illnesses such as asthma, allergies, and eczema. They are demanding to know why the incidence of ADHD and autism is so high. Parents want to know why so many unnecessary antibiotics are being prescribed to their children.

The current medicine model and pediatric medicine, in particular, are at crossroads and need reinvention. The integrative medicine model is at the forefront of building such an alternative model by creating a more holistic, patient-specific, least invasive approach with a focus on preventive care.

Dr. Zaiim, medical director of Carolina Integrative Clinic, is double board-certified in pediatrics and integrative medicine and offers integrative consultations for pediatric patients of all ages.

Pediatric integrative medicine can address or complement the treatment of many medical conditions that are not adequately addressed by the conventional model such as: