A Naturopathic Approach to Pediatric Health


By Craig T. Fasullo, ND


school year, with the associated mixed bag of emotions ranging from enthusiasm to dread. For parents, it’s renewed focus on keep- ing those kids healthy and doing the best possible to support their academic success. It is important to remember how closely overall health is related to doing well at school. Beyond just accumulating sick days, an unwell child will be more distracted, more fatigued, and less likely to be able to maintain through the rigors of the school day. Naturopathic treatment is perfectly suited to keep your child healthy throughout the academic year.


A


The fundamental principle of naturopathic medicine is that the human body is inherently wise and has an innate capacity toward healing. Nowhere is this as clearly evident as with chil- dren. Anyone who has spent any amount of time around kids has clearly seen the vigor and vital force that brims to capacity in a healthy child. They often have more energy than they know what


Wolfspirit Acupuncture Ancient Healing with a Modern Approach


Experience our NEW Community Acupuncture Program $30-$40 per Session


Private Treatment, Tuina and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, and Massage also Available


78 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury, Connecticut


www.wolfspiritacupuncture.com Call 860.430.9653


24 Natural Nutmeg - September 2017


s summer wanes and the days begin to shorten, thoughts turn from beach trips and family vacations to classrooms and textbooks. For children, it’s the beginning of another


to do with, and this outward display is mirrored within every cell of their bodies, each fully focused on growth and development. This being the case, children tend to respond remarkably well to supportive natural therapies that work in line with their own vital- ity. By supporting specifi c body systems and removing obstacles that may be thwarting that innate healing process, naturopathic medicine works gently and effectively to promote wellness within each child.


Ear Infections


Ear infections are the most common pediatric diagnosis within a clinical setting. They are far more frequent during fall and winter months, when bacteria and viruses are out in full force and natural immune resistance is lowered. They can sometimes be related to a recent upper respiratory infection, although this is not always the case. It’s important to remember that by far most ear infections are caused by viruses, similar to those that cause sore throats and stuffy noses. Just as antibiotics are ineffective against the common cold, they are rarely helpful in most cases of uncom- plicated ear infection, a fact that comes right out of the medical journal Pediatrics. Not only are they ineffective, but repeated antibiotic use is incredibly disruptive to the vast array of benefi cial bacteria that makes up a child’s developing gastrointestinal micro- biome. This area of rapidly growing research strongly suggests that many of the chronic health conditions that affect adults, from heart disease to obesity, have strong links to a healthy microbiome, and after enough damage, recovery becomes limited.


Fortunately, other effective treatments are available. In cases of acute ear infection, a combination treatment of herbal immune supportive agents and herbal ear drops is remarkably successful. It is always important to visit your physician to ensure that there are not additional complications and the eardrum is not ruptured prior to putting any liquid into the ear.


It is important to differentiate between the rare or occasional ear infection as compared to chronic ear infections that occur again and again. These are the children who are too often given course after course of antibiotics, mostly for lack of any other treat- ment option, and eventually are resigned to ear tubes. For these kids, naturopathic medicine can really prove miraculous, as we look deeper into the underlying causes of these recurrent infec-


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44