Skip to main content

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Motility and Sensory Disorders

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Pediatric Neurogastroenterology

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by pediatric gastroenterology patients with a 1-year prevalence of use of 40 %. CAM treatments are especially popular in children with a low perceived effect of conventional treatment, which is often the case in motility and sensory disorders. This chapter discusses complementary treatment options for those disorders in which they are used fairly often: infantile colic’s, gastro-esophageal reflux, functional abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation. Since a wide range of CAM treatments exists and there is a dearth of good quality of evidence on safety and efficacy of these treatments in children, only those treatments that have been studied best and/or are being used most, including herbs, acupuncture, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, and manual-based therapies are being discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 249.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Ernst E, Resch K, Mills S, Hill R, Mitchell A, et al. Complementary medicine—a definition. Br J Gen Pract. 1995;45:506.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Day AS. Use of complementary and alternative therapies and probiotic agents by children attending gastroenterology outpatient clinics. J Paediatr Child Health. 2002;38:343–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Heuschkel R, Afzal N, Wuerth A, Zurakowski D, Leichtner A, et al. Complementary medicine use in children and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2002;97:382–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Vlieger AM, Blink M, Tromp E, Benninga MA. Use of complementary and alternative medicine by pediatric patients with functional and organic gastrointestinal diseases: results from a multicenter survey. Pediatrics. 2008;122:e446–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Staiano A, Andreotti MR, Greco L, Basile P, Auricchio S. Long-term follow-up of children with chronic idiopathic constipation. Dig Dis Sci. 1994;39:561–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. van Ginkel R, Reitsma JB, Büller HA, van Wijk MP, Taminiau JA, Benninga MA. Childhood constipation: longitudinal follow-up beyond puberty. Gastroenterology. 2003;125:357–63.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Youssef NN, Murphy TG, Langseder AL, Rosh JR. Quality of life for children with functional abdominal pain: a comparison study of patients’ and parents’ perceptions. Pediatrics. 2006;117:54–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Cuzzolin L, Zaffani S, Murgia V, Gangemi M, Meneghelli G, et al. Patterns and perceptions of complementary/alternative medicine among paediatricians and patients’ mothers: a review of the literature. Eur J Pediatr. 2003;162:820–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Jindal V, Ge A, Mansky PJ. Safety and efficacy of acupuncture in children: a review of the evidence. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2008;30:431–42.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Johnston B, Vohra S. Which medications used in paediatric practice have demonstrated natural health product-drug interactions? Part A: Evidence-based answer and summary. Paediatr Child Health. 2006; 11:671–2.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Vohra S, Johnston BC, Cramer K, Humphreys K. Adverse events associated with pediatric spinal manipulation: a systematic review. Pediatrics. 2007; 119:e275–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Thompson EA, Bishop JL, Northstone K. The use of homeopathic products in childhood: data generated over 8.5 years from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16:69–79.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Ernst E. Risks associated with complementary therapies. In: Dukes MNG, editor. Meyler’s side effects of drugs. 13th ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science; 2002. p. 1427–54.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Lucassen PL, Assendelft WJ, van Eijk JT, Gubbels JW, Douwes AC, van Geldrop WJ. Systematic review of the occurrence of infantile colic in the community. Arch Dis Child. 2001;84:398–403.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Reinthal M, Andersson S, Gustafsson M, Plos K, Lund I, et al. Effects of minimal acupuncture in children with infantile colic—a prospective, quasi-randomised single blind controlled trial. Acupunct Med. 2008;26:171–82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Vlieger AM, van de Putte EM, Hoeksma H. The use of complementary and alternative medicine in children at a general paediatric clinic and parental reasons for use. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2006;150:625–30.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Muller-Krampe B, Oberbaum M, Klein P, Weiser M. Effects of Spascupreel versus hyoscine butylbromide for gastrointestinal cramps in children. Pediatr Int. 2007;49:328–34.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Ernst E. Chiropractic spinal manipulation for infant colic: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Int J Clin Pract. 2009;63:1351–3.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Holla M, Ijland MM, van d V, Edwards M, Verlaat CW. Diseased infant after craniosacral manipulation of the neck and spine. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2009;153:828–31.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Nelson SP, Chen EH, Syniar GM, Christoffel KK. Prevalence of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux during infancy. A pediatric practice-based survey. Pediatric Practice Research Group. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1997;151:569–72.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Vandenplas Y, Rudolph CD, Di Lorenzo C, Hassall E, Liptak G, Mazur L, et al. Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux clinical practice guidelines: joint recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009;49:498–547.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Pace F, Pallotta S, Tonini M, Vakil N, Bianchi Porro G. Systematic review: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dental lesions. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2008;27:1179–86.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Hill DJ, Heine RG, Cameron DJ, Catto-Smith AG, Chow CW, Francis DE, Hosking CS. Role of food protein intolerance in infants with persistent distress attributed to reflux esophagitis. J Pediatr. 2000; 136(5):641–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Craig WR, Hanlon-Dearman A, Sinclair C, Taback S, Moffatt M. Metoclopramide, thickened feedings, and positioning for gastro-oesophageal reflux in children under two years. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;CD003502.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Orenstein SR, Whitington PF. Positioning for prevention of infant gastroesophageal reflux. J Pediatr. 1983;103:534–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Dwyer T, Ponsonby AL. Sudden infant death syndrome and prone sleeping position. Ann Epidemiol. 2009;19:245–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Dent J, Holloway RH, Toouli J, Dodds WJ. Mechanisms of lower oesophageal sphincter incompetence in patients with symptomatic gastrooesophageal reflux. Gut. 1988;29:1020–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Ireland AC, Dent J, Holloway RH. Preservation of postural control of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations in patients with reflux oesophagitis. Gut. 1999;44:313–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Chang FY, Chey WY, Ouyang A. Effect of transcutaneous nerve stimulation on esophageal function in normal subjects—evidence for a somatovisceral reflex. Am J Chin Med. 1996;24:185–92.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Zou D, Chen WH, Iwakiri K, Rigda R, Tippett M, Holloway RH. Inhibition of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations by electrical acupoint stimulation. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2005;289:G197–201.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Coffin B, Azpiroz F, Malagelada JR. Somatic stimulation reduces perception of gut distention in humans. Gastroenterology. 1994;107:1636–42.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Wang C, Zhou DF, Shuai XW, Liu JX, Xie PY. Effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture at PC6 on frequency of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in cats. World J Gastroenterol. 2007;13:4873–80.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Dickman R, Schiff E, Holland A, Wright C, Sarela SR, et al. Clinical trial: acupuncture vs. doubling the proton pump inhibitor dose in refractory heartburn. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2007;26:1333–44.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Lund I, Lundeberg T. Are minimal, superficial or sham acupuncture procedures acceptable as inert placebo controls? Acupunct Med. 2006;24:13–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Rasquin A, Di LC, Forbes D, Guiraldes E, Hyams JS, Staiano A, et al. Childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders: child/adolescent. Gastroenterology. 2006; 130:1527–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Chitkara DK, Rawat DJ, Talley NJ. The epidemiology of childhood recurrent abdominal pain in Western countries: a systematic review. Am J Gastroenterol. 2005;100:1868–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Youssef NN, Atienza K, Langseder AL, Strauss RS. Chronic abdominal pain and depressive symptoms: analysis of the national longitudinal study of adolescent health. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008; 6:329–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Lim B, Manheimer E, Lao L, Ziea E, Wisniewski J, Liu J, et al. Acupuncture for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006;(4):CD005111.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Schneider A, Enck P, Streitberger K, Weiland C, Bagheri S, Witte S, et al. Acupuncture treatment in irritable bowel syndrome. Gut. 2006;55:649–54.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Lembo AJ, Conboy L, Kelley JM, Schnyer RS, McManus CA, et al. A treatment trial of acupuncture in IBS patients. Am J Gastroenterol. 2009;104:1489–97.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Schneider A, Weiland C, Enck P, Joos S, Streitberger K, Maser-Gluth C, et al. Neuroendocrinological effects of acupuncture treatment in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Complement Ther Med. 2007;15:255–63.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Bensoussan A, Talley NJ, Hing M, Menzies R, Guo A, Ngu M. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with Chinese herbal medicine: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 1998;280:1585–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Madisch A, Holtmann G, Plein K, Hotz J. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with herbal preparations: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004;19:271–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Leung WK, Wu JC, Liang SM, Chan LS, Chan FK, et al. Treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome with traditional Chinese herbal medicine: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;101:1574–80.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome: a critical review and metaanalysis. Am J Gastroenterol. 1998;93:1131–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Hills JM, Aaronson PI. The mechanism of action of peppermint oil on gastrointestinal smooth muscle. An analysis using patch clamp electrophysiology and isolated tissue pharmacology in rabbit and guinea pig. Gastroenterology. 1991;101:55–65.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Kline RM, Kline JJ, Di PJ, Barbero GJ. Enteric-coated, pH-dependent peppermint oil capsules for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children. J Pediatr. 2001;138:125–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. van Tilburg MA, Palsson OS, Levy RL, Feld AD, Turner MJ, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine use and cost in functional bowel disorders: a six month prospective study in a large HMO. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2008;8:46.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Ghayur MN, Gilani AH. Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of ginger in gastrointestinal disorders. Dig Dis Sci. 2005;50:1889–97.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Chaiyakunapruk N, Kitikannakorn N, Nathisuwan S, Leeprakobboon K, Leelasettagool C. The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006;194:95–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Borrelli F, Capasso R, Aviello G, Pittler MH, Izzo AA. Effectiveness and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;105:849–56.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Webb AN, Kukuruzovic RH, Catto-Smith AG, Sawyer SM. Hypnotherapy for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007; (4):CD005110.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Vlieger AM, Menko-Frankenhuis C, Wolfkamp SC, Tromp E, Benninga MA. Hypnotherapy for children with functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Gastroenterology. 2007;133:1430–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. van Tilburg MA, Chitkara DK, Palsson OS, Turner M, Blois-Martin N, et al. Audio-recorded guided imagery treatment reduces functional abdominal pain in children: a pilot study. Pediatrics. 2009;124:e890–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Tovey P. A single-blind trial of reflexology for irritable bowel syndrome. Br J Gen Pract. 2002;52:19–23.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Hundscheid HW, Pepels MJ, Engels LG, Loffeld RJ. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with osteopathy: results of a randomized controlled pilot study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007;22:1394–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. van den Berg MM, Benninga MA, Di Lorenzo C. Epidemiology of childhood constipation: a systematic review. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;101:2401–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Youssef NN, Langseder AL, Verga BJ, Mones RL, Rosh JR. Chronic childhood constipation is associated with impaired quality of life: a case-controlled study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2005;41:56–60.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Bardisa-Ezcurra L, Ullman R, Gordon J, Guideline Development Group. Diagnosis and management of idiopathic childhood constipation: summary of NICE guidance. BMJ. 2010;340:c2585. doi:10.1136/bmj.c2585.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Bongers ME, van Wijk MP, Reitsma JB, Benninga MA. Long-term prognosis for childhood constipation: clinical outcomes in adulthood. Pediatrics. 2010;126:e156–62.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Li MK, Lee TF, Suen KP. A review on the complementary effects of auriculotherapy in managing constipation. J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16:435–47.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Ouyang H, Chen JD. Review article: therapeutic roles of acupuncture in functional gastrointestinal disorders. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004;20:831–41.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Broide E, Pintov S, Portnoy S, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture for treatment of childhood constipation. Dig Dis Sci. 2001;46:1270–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Klauser AG, Rubach A, Bertsche O, et al. Body acupuncture: effect on colonic function in chronic constipation. Z Gastroenterol. 1993;31:605–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Cheng CW, Bian ZX, Wu TX. Systematic review of Chinese herbal medicine for functional constipation. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15:4886–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Iwai N, Kume Y, Kimura O, Ono S, Aoi S, Tsuda T. Effects of herbal medicine Dai-Kenchu-to on anorectal function in children with severe constipation. Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2007;17:115–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Hall N. Reflexology. London: Thorsons; 1996.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Bishop E, McKinnon E, Weir E, et al. Reflexology in the management of encopresis and chronic constipation. Paediatr Nurs. 2003;15:20–1.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Ernst E. abdominal massage for chronic constipation: a systematic review of controlled clinical trails. Forsch Komplementarmed. 1999;6:149–51.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marc A. Benninga M.D., Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Vlieger, A.M., Benninga, M.A. (2013). Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Motility and Sensory Disorders. In: Faure, C., Di Lorenzo, C., Thapar, N. (eds) Pediatric Neurogastroenterology. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-709-9_44

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-709-9_44

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-708-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-709-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics