Last Updated on 8 March 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Seeking Naturopathic Care for Children is an important way to take a more comprehensive approach to your child’s health and wellbeing. It 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”, and sometimes we KNOW that our child is unwell but we often struggle to put our finger on what exactly to do about it if a GP is unable to help. Seeing a Naturopath is a great way to experience a more comprehensive approach to your child’s health and wellbeing in these circumstances.
Here are 3 reasons to seek Naturopathic care 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 cannot 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 of often 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 guide how to address the symptom and complaint.
2. You’ve noticed a change or had your eye on something for a while
Your child might be struggling with a behavioural issue, 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 are still worth discussing.
A Naturopath can help support a positive change to mood and behaviour and assess whether there are factors such as nutrient deficiencies or an undetected issue such as pyrroles affecting your child’s mental health (and therefore their behaviour).
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 the repeated prescription of antibiotics. Your child’s developing immune system may need a little extra support, and chronic conditions and/or 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, and Herbal medicine, a natural approach can improve your child and teenager’s health and well-being. It can also help you identify and understand problematic behaviours and health symptoms.
Naturopaths understand that children are not just “little adults” and that their health concerns need to be addressed in a multifaceted manner with age-appropriate strategies during this crucial stage of growth and development.
Book now to see one of our skilled Naturopaths.
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