Integrative medicine: The future of pediatric medicine
Pediatric integrative medicine at Children’s Minnesota is unique because we understand that children have different psychosocial needs than adults. That’s why we work with a diverse medical staff throughout the hospital and clinics to tap into a child’s body, mind and spirit. Integrative medicine is at the forefront of innovative and promising treatments for medical conditions in kids.
The longest-running pediatric integrative medicine program in North America
Our integrative medicine team is well-established and comprehensive. Our program combines the best of complementary and conventional therapies to develop holistic solutions for children with chronic illness, acute and chronic pain, side effects from medical treatments and emotional challenges such as depression and anxiety. We have a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary team with advanced nurse practitioners who are trained in conventional medicine and cutting-edge, non-medicinal techniques. Our approach is not meant to replace traditional treatments, but rather to enhance them.
Our team has received special training in techniques and therapies such as:
- Aromatherapy
- Biofeedback
- Clinical hypnosis
- Healing Touch/Reiki
- Acupressure
- And more
In other words, we have a thorough understanding of traditional medicine, integrative medicine and ways to interweave both to create comprehensive, safe and effective treatment plans to help kids heal.
Integrative medicine frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Integrative medicine offers a wide variety of complementary approaches, including aromatherapy, acupressure and auriculotherapy, healing touch energy therapy, biofeedback, and education in relaxation techniques including meditation, mindfulness, imagery, self-hypnosis, lifestyle modification and sleep hygiene.
Treatments NOT offered by integrative medicine include Ayruvedic or Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy, herbalism or medical marijuana. Our integrative medicine program does NOT prescribe medications or supplements.
Integrative medicine focuses on holistic care and the mind-body connection. Usual medical care focuses on identifying a problem and using medications and other treatments to correct that problem. Integrative medicine considers the role of stress, anxiety and lifestyle in physical problems. It seeks to decrease physical distress by decreasing stress and anxiety and promoting healthy habits.
Integrative medicine supports physical symptoms that have continued for a long time despite treatments or have no identified cause are being triggered or worsened by stress, anxiety or other lifestyle choices. We can offer non-medication ways to help manage symptoms and relaxation strategies to reduce how frequent and how severe symptoms are over time.
