Pediatric integrative medicine is the "up and coming" contemporary pediatrics.

Alternative pediatric integrative medicine combines state-of-the-art western medicine with alternative care providing a wide range of treatment options to benefit your child. Founder and chairman of a new section of the American Academy of Pediatrics Dr. Kathi Kemper, who's written a book called "The Holistic Pediatrician," is devoted to complementary and alternative medicine.

"We support the mission of the AAP by integrating evidence-based, safe and effective complementary therapies into pediatric practice and educating physicians and families about the research on commonly used complementary therapies," Kemper stated in a press release. Complementary therapies are used in conjunction with traditional medicine. Holistic medicine is concerned with the care of the whole child -- body, mind, emotions and spirit -- within his or her family, culture and community. Integrative medicine focuses on wellness and healing of the whole person and concentrates on empowering patients and their families.

The Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine's (CAHCIM) definition applies to adults and children. "Integrative Medicine is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing."

There is even a Holistic Pediatric Association (HPA) radio talk show for parents, available through the Internet. The show is broadcast on the Voice of America Health and Wellness website www.health.voiceamerica.com every Wednesday at 2:00 PM PST or 5:00 PM EST.

These shows are hosted by Randall Neustaedter, OMD and Lawrence Palevsky, MD.. Dr. Neustaedter is the author of Child Health Guide: Holistic Pediatrics for Parents and Education Director of the Holistic Pediatric Association (HPA). http://www.hpakids.org/ Dr. Palevsky is a pediatrician, and president of the Holistic Pediatric Association (HPA) and the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA).

Internationally acclaimed healer, author of "Wheels of Light " and medicine woman Rosalyn L. Bruyere D. D.( http://www.rosalynlbruyere.org/)of the Healing Light Center who regularly teaches and participates in research is now addressing the field of pediatrics. She is making a presentation for the Program for Holistic & Integrative Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine and the Douglas D Brendle Integrative Medicine Seminars (http://www.besthealth.com/) on "Using Energy Medicine in the Treatment of Pediatric Patients".

As a pediatric integrative medical specialist as a medical intuitive and distant healer, my CAM work with children and adolescents is done in a Patch Adams manner. Patch Adams known for his clown healing work (as illustrated in the movie portraying his career), created a "happy" environment for his patients that also allowed each individual to feel safe, special and secure with his bedside manner.

According to his website, one of the most radical parts of his vision was that "we wanted all of the activity to be infused with fun." He would sign a doctor's order: "Spread joy or chase your wildest dreams." To this day Patch Adams continues to contributing to change in the international health care system by creating hopsitals that are more sensitive to each patient as an individual. Dr Adams feels "the loudest cry of patients was for compassion and attention, which was a call for time. So initial interviews with patients were three to four hours long, so that we could fall in love with each other. Intimacy was the greatest gift we could give them". For more informatrion on Dr. Adams and his health care facilities see http://www.patchadams.org/

As time progresses you will see more integrative research and clinical trials involving holistic pediatric treatments and procedures being woven into traditional pediatric healing techniques. Alternative and holistic healing (CAM) is the future of healing for your child and in pediatric health care.

Another wonderful resource is http://www.holistickids.org/

Disclaimer: Brent Atwater is not a medical doctor or associated with any branch of medicine. Brent works in Integrative Medicine (CAM). She offers her opinions based on her intuition, and her personal energy healing work, which is not a substitute for medical procedures or treatments. Always consult a physician or trained health care professional concerning any medical problem or condition before undertaking any diet, health related or lifestyle change programs. There are no guarantees with the Energy work.