Therapies for Children and Older Adults

Two groups who need extra care

Children and older adults respond differently to many treatments. This page summarizes what NCCIH, the NHS and the National Institute on Aging say. It is general information, not personal advice. Check with the child's or the older person's own clinician before starting anything.

Children

NCCIH says we know a lot about how often complementary approaches are used for children but little about their effects and safety. [1] Many have not been tested for safety in children, and the evidence is generally not strong enough to show what works. [1]

What seems lower risk, with the best evidence. NCCIH names biofeedback, guided imagery, hypnosis, mindfulness and yoga as approaches with the best evidence of being effective for children for various symptoms such as anxiety and stress, and low-risk. [1] Label: promising but limited for specific symptoms.

What needs more caution.

• Spinal manipulation is associated with rare but serious complications. [1]


• Children's small size, developing organs and immature immune system make them more vulnerable than adults to allergic or other adverse reactions to dietary supplements. [1]


• Some dietary supplements contain contaminants such as drugs, chemicals or metals. [1]


• Child-resistant packaging is not required for dietary supplements; store them out of sight and reach of children. [1]


• Homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements are not evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. [1]


• The NHS does not recommend herbal medicines for children because not enough is known about their safety. [2]

Practical steps. Make sure the child has an accurate diagnosis from a licensed health care provider. [1] Do not replace or delay conventional care or prescribed medicines with an unproven product. [1] Choose practitioners with experience in delivering care to children. [1] Teenagers should also tell their providers about what they use. See also children and teens on Natural Remedy Safety. In the US, Poison Help is 1-800-222-1222 if a child swallows a product; see poison help by country.

Older adults

Natural products sold as supplements are frequently used by older people, but NCCIH's clinical digest notes these products can contain pharmacologically active compounds and have associated dangers. [3] The National Institute on Aging says supplements can be beneficial at any age but may have unwanted side effects such as unsafe prescription drug interactions, and could make a prescribed medicine either weaker or stronger. [4] It advises talking with your doctor if you are considering a supplement. [4]

Movement and mind-body practices. NCCIH's digest says there is evidence that tai chi and qigong may reduce the risk of falling in older adults. [3] Yoga needs more care: the rate of yoga-related injuries treated in emergency departments is higher in people age 65 and older than in younger adults. [5] Older adults should discuss individual needs with their provider and instructor. [5] Massage reports of serious problems such as blood clots or fractures have involved vigorous types of massage, or people at increased risk of injury, such as elderly people. [6]

See adapted yoga and movement, tai chi and therapies and existing health conditions. For older adults on many medicines, read older adults on Natural Remedy Safety.