It Takes a Planet: The Worldwide Search
for CAM for Children
Contributions by pioneers in the field of integrative therapies for pediatric
care—whether from researchers, teachers or practitioners—are increasingly of value as we face changes in the biomedical approach to common childhood illnesses and the growth of problems that drugs can’t fix.
The appearance of resistant bacteria (MRSA) has forced public health officials to rethink the use of antibiotics for common problems such as respiratory
infections1. In addition, the FDA has ordered a recall of cold and cough medications marketed for use with children under
two2. This leaves a void in care for a population that usually experiences frequent minor illnesses during the first years of life. Recommending complementary therapies can be problematic for pediatricians, because in some states they could face disciplinary action or even loss of their medical license for doing so3 unless there is some evidence for efficacy and safety.
Another concern in pediatrics is the increasing incidence of learning, behavioral and emotional issues. Autism, once seen in 1 or 2 out of 10,000 children, has been cited as now affecting one out of 150 children in the U.S.4 Autism is a life-long illness, and no long-term drug therapy has been proven safe and effective in promoting language development and improving behavior. In addition, children with learning disabilities often have a host of other physical problems, such as digestive issues, which are also difficult to treat long term with drugs.
As a result of their concerns, many parents are turning to practitioners educated in the modalities that constitute complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Massage therapy and acupuncture are usually high on the list of modalities that parents turn to and that children enjoy. Parents of children with developmental disabilities report a high use of CAM modalities, which some researchers conclude is consonant with how parents construct their identities as “good” parents who are committed advocates and service coordinators for their
children5.
As interest in CAM has grown, so has research, which is needed if these therapies are going to be integrated into medical care. While studies may be small and imperfect, they are building a foundation for expanding therapeutic choices. As one overview of pediatric massage therapy (MT) research stated, “This evidence will support clinicians in reaching an informed decision about the usefulness of MT and act as a guide for appropriate treatment recommendations.”6 Furthermore, a look at the literature on CINAHL and MEDLINE shows that research is taking place around the world, in countries that include Australia, China, Turkey, Ecuador, Russia, Sweden, France and the U.S.
The January 2008 issue of SInews takes a look at some of the professionals bringing the benefits of massage and acupuncture to children, whether to relieve acute conditions like the common cold, alleviate painful procedures, or manage the long term challenges of disability and chronic illnesses. They are part of a global effort to demonstrate how these timeless remedies can improve the lives of children, their parents, their doctors and nurses.
—Barbara Goldschmidt, editor
1 Creech,
CB, II, et al. "Variability among pediatric infectious
diseases specialists in the treatment and prevention of MRSA
soft tissue infections: an IDSA-EIN survey." Infectious
Diseases Society of America 45th Annual Meeting. Oct. 4-7
San Diego. Final Program and Abstracts. Abstract 226. 2
Harris, Gardiner. "U.S. Reviewing Safety of Children's
Cough Drugs." New York Times, March 2, 2007. 3
Cohen, Michael, JD, MBA and Kemper, Kathi, MD, MPH.
"Complementary Therapies in Pediatrics: A Legal
Perspective." Pediatrics. March 2005; 115(3):
774-780. 4 www.autismspeaks.org,
Accessed February 4, 2008. 5
Prussing E, Sobo EJ, Walker E, Kurtin, PS. "Between
'desperation' and disability rights: a narrative analysis of
complementary/alternative medicine use by parents for
children with Down Syndrome." Social Science &
Medicine, February 2005; 60(3): 587-598. 6
Beider, Shay, MPH, LMT, Mahrer, Nicole, BA, Gold, Jeffrey,
PhD. "Pediatric Massage Therapy: An Overview for
Clinicians." Pediatric Clinics of North America.
December 2007; 54(2007): 1025-1041.
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