To answer this question, it is first necessary to recall what the naturopathic approach consists of.
Naturopathy is an approach to health and well-being that focuses on the natural prevention of illness and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Recognized by the World Health Organization as the third traditional medicine, naturopathy uses a holistic approach: it considers the human being as a whole and acts not on the treatment of symptoms, but on the root cause of ailments so that they do not recur.
Naturopaths seek to understand people's lifestyles, diet, sleep and exercise habits, and medical history in order to offer them personalized actions.
A naturopath never makes a diagnosis. Nor does he prescribe anything; he offers advice and support to guide people towards a healthier daily lifestyle.
Naturopathy therefore does not aim in any way to replace conventional medicine or drug treatments, which are essential for certain pathologies, but rather to complement them and to prevent imbalances in order to promote a healthy life.
To achieve this, it focuses on three main pillars:
- Lifestyle (diet, sleep, physical exercise, stress management…)
- Natural supplementation in case of deficiencies
- The use of aromatherapy, gemmotherapy and phytotherapy to relieve minor everyday ailments.
So, can it be applied to children?
If we consider the different pillars on which it is based, it is clear that establishing a good lifestyle is perfectly suited to children.
For example, regarding nutrition, which is one of the main areas of naturopathy: it is recommended to adopt a healthy and balanced diet to help prevent illnesses and imbalances. For children, this is particularly important because their immune system is still developing, and it is important for them to consume nutrient-rich and balanced foods to help strengthen their immune system and prevent illness.
It also goes without saying that good quality sleep, regular physical exercise and the establishment of living conditions that limit stress and anxiety are essential for good growth.
As for natural supplementation, it can also be beneficial for children who may have deficiencies in specific nutrients (for example, children are generally routinely given Vitamin D supplements by pediatricians), especially if they are picky eaters.
Naturopaths may recommend highly absorbable natural supplements to help address nutritional deficiencies and improve a child's overall health. However, this should be done in a supervised manner to avoid excesses and unnecessary supplementation.
Regarding the use of plants (herbal teas, vegetable oils, essential oils, etc.), naturopaths may recommend the use of certain plants to help relieve various ailments in children, such as anxiety, colic, allergies, colds, eczema, etc. However, these uses must also be very carefully controlled because some plants or certain dosages (especially for essential oils) can be harmful to children.
Finally, naturopaths may also recommend other natural therapies such as hydrotherapy, sophrology, or other breathing techniques to help children stay healthy, relieve stress, and strengthen the immune system.
In conclusion, naturopathy can be an excellent option for children. It can help strengthen the immune system, prevent illness, and relieve a variety of minor ailments in a gentle and natural way.
However, it is important to reiterate that naturopathy should not be used as a substitute for conventional medicine. If your child is seriously ill or has worrying symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor. Naturopaths can also work in collaboration with doctors to help children holistically. It should be noted that some doctors are also trained in naturopathy.
It is also important to consult a qualified naturopath to ensure your child receives proper care. As the profession of naturopath is not currently regulated in France, it is crucial to verify that the naturopath you consult has completed high-quality, recognized training in the field. Directories are available on the websites of various unions and federations such as the SPN, OMNES, and FENA. Some naturopaths are also specifically trained to work with children. Do your research!
