Children and the Use of Complementary Health Approaches

Many parents use complementary health approaches for their children, and some older children and teens use them on their own.

If your child is using a complementary approach—or if you’re considering having your child try one—here are some things to keep in mind:

Complementary approaches shouldn’t be used to replace or delay medical care. Make sure your child has received an accurate diagnosis from a health care provider.
Biofeedback, guided imagery, hypnosis, mindfulness, and yoga are some of the mind and body practices that have the best evidence of being effective for children for various symptoms (such as anxiety and stress) and are low risk.
Children are not miniature adults. Their small size, developing organs, and immature immune systems make them more vulnerable than adults to having allergic or other reactions to dietary supplements.
As with all medications and other potentially harmful products, store dietary supplements out of the sight and reach of children.