In fact, says Jayne Goddard of the Complementary Medical Association, most alternative therapies, if used judiciously, are extremely suitable for children, as they are both humane and often pleasurable. Acupuncture, for example, might scare the wits out of a needle-phobic child, she says, so, whatever therapy you might be considering, it's worth bearing in mind never to force a child into a therapy with which they do not feel comfortable. However, some children may thrive on acupuncture and acupressure, both of which have worked very well for treating respiratory, stomach and skin problems, so don't necessarily rule any treatment out of hand. When it comes to alternative dietary regimens, parents should be extremely careful, especially about strict elimination diets, as there may well be a danger of nutritional deficiency. Also, on rare occasions, Chinese herbs can have a small degree of toxicity, so keep your GP informed about what your child is taking.
Alternative medicines have far less contraindications and side-effects than conventional treatments.
Above all, and before taking action, discuss your plans with your doctor. Many GPs will be quite happy to point you in the direction of a qualified therapist in your area. Also, do your research and make sure that your therapist is properly trained and insured.