Marina Yam M.D. :: 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.

What is soul? It's like electricity - we don't really know what it is, but it's a force that can light a room. Ray Charles

Curiosity, passion, character, beliefs, and heart are words that come to mind when people talk about the soul. When sick, the soul is often ignored or discounted, which can have a long-term detrimental effect on the patient. This can be particularly true for a child.

In a child, the soul is developing over the course of their childhood. A good soul comes from a healthy surrounding environment. This environment includes:

Family
Body/Self
School
Friends
Community

If the body is wracked with pain, the soul can be crippled. Child is unable to reach his/her goals and dreams. If the mind is tormented, so is the soul. The moral compass can be compromised. Therefore, the soul must be treated too.