Teenagers and Chinese Medicine
The teenage years can be a challenging time for both the teenagers and their families. The stereotypical image of a teenager often involves loud music, a mobile device, acne, and, of course, mood swings. And when you consider everything that teenagers are going through, it is really no wonder that emotionally and physically they can get a bit out of balance.
Puberty involves a complex series of physical and emotional changes carried out under the control of the endocrine system. This triggers the growth of pubic and axillary hair and breast growth and of course menstrual periods in girls. This is an important change, but the same hormones that are responsible can also cause side effects such as acne, headaches, sleep disturbances, anxiety and emotional struggles.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), puberty is viewed in a similar way. Children begin developing into adults governed by their seven or eight year cycles of jing (essence). In girls this allows menstruation to begin.
All of these changes require a lot of energy, which if not available can lead to moodiness, fatigue and more.. Another key feature of puberty in TCM is that during this time, a teenager’s qi ( energy) is very open, which could leave them more vulnerable to external disease (think common colds and viruses).
Some of the most common issues experienced by teenagers include:
Headaches
Acute or chronic pain
Menstrual irregularities
Allergies, asthma, and eczema
Acne
Digestive issues
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders
Sleep disturbances
Puberty and Adolescence: Eastern and Western Views
Teenage anxiety and depression have always been common, and low self-esteem can lead to self-harm or eating disorders, problems which are likely worsened by constant exposure to unrealistic body images in the media.
Another big problem for modern teenagers is living in a world where we are constantly exposed to environmental toxins. Food is often laced with antibiotics and hormones, and research suggests that girls are starting puberty earlier than before possibly as a result of this.
We love our teenagers at WomanCare.
Working with teenagers is extremely rewarding as they generally respond very well to treatment. Imagine yourself as a teenager. How much could you have benefited from the calming, balancing effects of acupuncture?
Being able to address physical and emotional issues simultaneously is an amazing advantage that we have over conventional medicine for this age group, and we love seeing our teenagers feel so much better with relatively simple treatments.