This links takes you to a page to download a PDF. A central theme of the Special Issue is the importance of enhancing self-efficacy in pediatric patients. The field of mind-body medicine holds significant promise for children and adolescents. Growing recognition of the intricate connections between thought, emotion, and physiology highlights the need for new therapies that leverage inner resources and offer non-invasive treatment options. Modern imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have advanced our understanding and appreciation of how the mind-body therapies can benefit health, increasing confidence in their use and propelling them into the mainstream of medicine. Mind-body therapies have special value in addressing pain, fear, and stress that accompanies many pediatric medical encounters. Some of the mind-body therapies such as mindfulness, have their roots in ancient traditions and are now being used routinely in the practice of pediatric integrative medicine, an emerging field focused on preventive health that blends conventional and evidence-based complementary therapies [1,2].
The primary goals of this Special Issue are to encourage readers to become more familiar with the range of mind-body therapies and to explore their application in the pediatric clinical setting. The Issue builds on the recent American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report: Mind-body Therapies in Children and Adolescents, which provides background and literature updates on several of the most commonly used mind-body therapies including biofeedback, clinical hypnosis, guided imagery, meditation, and yoga [3]. The Special Issue includes a deliberate mix of case studies and practical clinical guidance, with the dual goals of piquing curiosity and providing resources for clinicians intersted in pursuing further training.
