A child in pain is difficult for any parent to bear; and there is the temptation to make that pain go away by whatever means available.
However the recent massive recall of children’s pain medications can make anyone doubt the safety of mainstream pharmaceutical formulations.
However it is only natural that many of the alternative therapies that adults choose for pain management and relief may be viewed with some concern when it comes to children.
For instance is it safe for children to be subjected to complementary therapies such as acupuncture and hypnosis?
Integrative therapy does show that it is possible to safely offer certain alternative therapies to children as well. The following alternative therapies for pain relief in children could be considered:
- Biofeedback
- Guided Imagery
- Hypnosis
- Massage
- Art Therapy
These can be used by themselves or in conjunction with conventional medications as many integrative medicine practitioners prescribe.
It has also been seen that the children themselves may be more amenable to alternative therapies than we may think. Teens in particular have displayed more interest in these therapies and have shown themselves as being more open to trying something new.
Children with conditions such as chronic headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, neck and back problems, fibromyalgia, tooth pain, sickle cell anemia, inflammatory bowel disease and even cancer can receive benefit.
