Marina Yam M.D. :: Integrative Pediatrics :: Mind

Integrative Pediatrics

The integrative medical approach helps the whole person, not just one aspect or part. This means that the physician recognizes a patient's mind, body, and soul overlap and affect each other; therefore, they must all be treated and dealt with together, not in isolation. Through this holistic approach, the patient, doctor and family can work as a cohesive unit, both preventing and treating issues as they arise. In order to do this, the doctor looks at the whole patient, and even beyond at his/her family and environment. When applied to pediatrics, this can help set up a child for a lifetime of healthy living.

Mind The mind is like an iceberg; it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water. Sigmund Freud

The mind is a complex layered entity shaped by our good and bad experiences. It is often treated independently from the body though they are actually intrinsically connected. During childhood, we learn how to interact with the world around us, how to maintain relationships, and how to build new ones. This process is dependent on our emotional development and stability.

Children learn about emotions from their parents, extended family, friends, and social interactions. Through these relationships, children learn to gauge and express emotions. Without a well-developed emotional compass, it makes it impossible for a child to relate to the world in a rational and reasonable way.

The family is the cornerstone of this development process. As such, we seek to work with parents and family as well as the child to make sure the child's emotional development process is a sound and fulfilling one.