Naturopathic Care for Children is a great way to experience a more comprehensive approach to your child’s health and wellbeing and can also be complementary to working with your GP, Paediatrician or other Health Care providers.
We’ve all heard the expression “Only a Mother knows” but sometimes when it comes to our kid’s health it can also mean not quite being able to put your finger on what exactly to do about it.
Seeing a Naturopath is a great way to experience a more comprehensive approach to your child’s health and wellbeing
Here are 3 reasons why a Naturopath might be the right fit for your child
1. Your child complains of symptoms or shows signs you are unsure about
Most children under the age of 5 or 6 are unable to describe their symptoms accurately (1) and Naturopaths can help parents with the detective work of understanding those complaints – like belly aches that suddenly go away when dessert is on the menu. Gastric Upsets are relatively common in children (1) Whether it be Diarrhoea or Constipation, Gut issues are something of concern to parents, especially when their child experiences distress, pain and social embarrassment. A Naturopath may suggest a stool test or food intolerance test and will give guidance on how to address the symptom and complaint.
2. You’ve noticed a change or had your eye on something for a while
It might be behavioural, and it doesn’t necessarily mean a diagnosis is on the cards. While Autism and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) now affect 1 in 150 Australian children (2) if your child or teen does not fit the diagnostic criteria but has displayed signs of behavioural change, your concerns may be worth discussing. A Naturopath can help to support a positive change to mood and behaviour and can assess whether there are factors such as nutrient deficiencies or an undetected issue such as pyrroles affecting their mental health.
3. Your child already has a diagnosis or a chronic health issue
Your child may already have a diagnosis and their condition may be managed or monitored with or without medication. Chronic conditions such as Asthma and Eczema respond well to natural treatment, whilst recurring issues such as Ear Infections and Tonsillitis are worth exploring naturally to avoid repeated prescription of Antibiotics. Those developing immune systems may need a little extra support and chronic conditions and recurring viral infections are a good reason to give your child a natural immune boost.
Using naturopathic care for children and a variety of techniques including diet and lifestyle change, Nutritional and Functional Medicine, Herbal medicine and Homeopathy, a natural approach can improve your children and teenager’s health and wellbeing, as well as identify and understand what is problematic. Naturopaths understand that children are not just “little adults” and their health concerns can be addressed in a multifaceted manner with age-appropriate strategies during this crucial stage of growth and development
