The Benefits of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Teens

In recent years, acupuncture and Chinese medicine have gained interest not only as holistic treatments for adults; but also effective therapy for teenagers!  As teenagers grapple with a unique array of physical and emotional challenges, these traditional practices provide a safe and comforting alternative to the fast approaches of modern healthcare. This blog explores the many ways acupuncture and Chinese medicine can benefit teenagers, featuring Angela, our passionate advocate for family wellness and teen care. 

Why Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine?

Angela’s introduction to Chinese medicine and acupuncture was a very personal one. During her college years, she struggled with chronic fatigue and illness, eventually finding relief in acupuncture which became a key part of her recovery. This ultimately led her to a career centered on helping others, particularly teens, by engaging the healing powers of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

"Acupuncture is slow medicine," says Angela. "In the western world, we are looking for quick fixes. The process of healing is on a continuum, and often cyclic." 

For teens, many of their mood or health transitions are the natural result of hormonal shifts, the growth process, and changing emotions. Through the holistic lens of Chinese medicine, we support a teenager’s transitions with a greater ease.

Acupuncture: A Natural Healing Process

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to assist in the restoration of balance and healing. Angela explains “The process works by stimulating your body’s natural energy flow to relieve pain, assist with emotional regulation, or help you physically recover from any number of ailments.” The benefits quickly stretch beyond the treatment table and can extend into long-term wellness.

"Acupuncture is not simply about relieving symptoms," Angela shares, "it is about restoring harmony in the body and mind. It is a holistic process that sees the individual as a whole where physical pain, emotional stress, and lifestyle patterns matter."

Acupuncture for Teenagers: Areas for Special Consideration

Teens can be treated with acupuncture in a slightly different way than adults, as they tend to respond more quickly to treatments. This is a good thing as teens can also have trouble with consistency, making acupuncture regularity more difficult. Still, Angela emphasizes that acupuncture can be highly effective in treating the specific needs of teenage patients.

"Teens are not as set in their patterns as adults," she remarks. "Their patterns are still being formed, so there is an opportunity to help them build awareness early on, to support making healthier decisions down the road."

Acupuncture can also address common concerns for teens, including hormonal imbalances, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, skin conditions such as acne, and sports injuries. The best part of Chinese medicine is that it can be tailored for each individual, taking into account their health concerns and life circumstances.

What to Expect from Your First Acupuncture Appointment

A teen's first acupuncture appointment at Energy Matters is intended as a gentle introduction to the practice. Angela takes a global approach and often adds in different techniques, such as acupressure or cupping, to help ease teens who may feel anxious about acupuncture needles. 

"Some kids are nervous about the needles at first, since their only experience so far has been getting shots," Angela explains. "I always show them the needles first and then proceed at the child's pace. If they don't respond well, there are other ways to help the child relax before introducing the needles." 

Parents are welcome to stay, though there are times when Angela prefers the teen to have some space to focus on the restorative effects of the session. "It is important to have the child in a comfortable space so that when I place the needles, they have a chance to settle in," Angela says. "After placing the needles we sometimes encourage parents to sit outside until their teen provides a cue for them to return." 

Conquering Needle Anxiety

Having a fear of needles is something that many adolescents face, but Angela is here to help. "Acupuncture needles are not the same as needles used for vaccines. They are small and usually don’t hurt at all. Teens are often amazed at how much they enjoy acupuncture once they realize the needles are minimal, and the sessions can actually be very relaxing."

For parents or adolescents unsure if acupuncture works or will work for them, Angela explains “Acupuncture requires patience. It is not a quick medicine. It can take time to experience results or to see that results are happening. Acupuncture is about helping the body find its own equilibrium."

Nutrition, Herbs, and Lifestyle Changes Integrated

Acupuncture is only one part of Angela's approach to teen wellness. She also creates a wellness plan, including nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes, to ensure a holistic, regenerative healing process. "Nutrition is a huge part of a teen's overall health. It is a significant contributor to their growth and energy levels, and I usually coach them on what to eat to support this," Angela says. 

Angela also helps teens identify lifestyle factors that may trigger their health complaints, such as stress, sleep deprivation, or poor eating/hydration habits. By helping them address these lifestyle aspects, she ensures that the acupuncture experience is even more effective. 

Advice For Teens Exploring Acupuncture

For teens who are new to acupuncture, Angela's advice can be captured in these words: "Be open. Acupuncture can be a valuable tool in your wellness toolkit. It can help you tune into your body in a unique way that encourages healing and balance, an ongoing process throughout our life."  

Conclusion

Teens experiencing the challenges of adolescence can benefit from the effective, natural healing system offered by acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Whether a teen is suffering from physical discomfort, situational stress, or changes in their hormone system, this comprehensive healing approach aids their body's natural healing processes. Along with acupuncture, the treatment plan may include nutritional and lifestyle changes to help develop healthier habits and contribute to lasting balance through the adolescent years.