Acupuncture Helps Teen Anxiety

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Acupuncture helps teen anxiety. Often very quickly.

During adolescence the teen brain is rapidly growing and developing. The brain is literally changing size, shape and how it works all at once.  Connections within the limbic system, amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex, which are essential for emotional regulation, are shifting and forming.  While the brain is changing, hormones are changing, and the physical body is developing too.

Who Am I? 

During this developmental phase Teenagers are experimenting with who they are, who they spend their time with, and what they are interested in.  All of these big changes happening at once while also learning who they are leaves teenagers more vulnerable to stress, emotional instability and anxiety.  Add in how many media images our teenagers see on a daily basis that send messages of bodily perfection like; “thin is beautiful” or “acne is ugly”, it’s no wonder our teens struggle. Plus, there is gender stereotyping which can be difficult for those teens struggling with their sexual orientation and self-expression.

Teenagers aged 13-18 years old spend an average of 8 hours and 40 mins a day on social media. In this complex world, they are being influenced by what they see on top of what they feel, which can add to body shaming, difficulty with self-expression, issues with peers, and an overall increase in their personal struggles.

Anxiety looks different for teens and acupuncture can help.

Anxiety in teenagers can look different than in adults.  As a parent, teacher or even a friend, recognizing the signs of teenage anxiety can be a crucial first step in getting the necessary help.  

Does your teen suffer from:

  1. Recent irritability,
  2. Withdrawal from normal social activities,
  3. Chronic complaints of stomach aches and headaches
  4. Sleeping problems,
  5. A drop in grades,
  6. Trouble concentrating,
  7. Repeated reassurance seeking.

These challenges and more, may be signs that your teen is suffering from anxiety. Once you recognize what is going on, getting help is the next step.

Because acupuncture helps teen anxiety, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be part of an integrative approach. We also often recommend counseling, exercise, and dietary support.  

When you bring your teen in, we look at the whole person; mind, body and spirit to find where the underlying imbalances are.  Often, multiple organs and channels systems in Chinese medicine play a role in the experience of anxiety.  To discover the imbalance, we listen to the individual’s experience and find the pieces of the puzzle. Then we pair that with feeling the pulse and looking at the tongue to discover the roots of anxiety.

Treatment plans are formed uniquely to fit the individual.

An acupuncturist will pick points, advise easy to integrate herbs, and give dietary advice. Also, there may be easy qi gong or other exercises prescribed to ease the anxiety while addressing the root cause.  Using a natural, and integrative approach before jumping straight to western medications gives teens a chance to get their body back into balance. Without the chemicals that can alter their internal chemistry, are difficult to get off of, and come with many and sometimes serious side effects, they have a stronger chance of long-term mental health wellness. 

 Acupuncture is proven to be a safe and effective alternative to help with teen anxiety.

Acupuncture, when paired with counseling can greatly help teenage anxiety. This empowers teens with tools to take charge of their own health and wellbeing, helping them to become healthier, more balanced adults.  

Plus, the treatments are simple, not painful, with oftentimes immediate positive effects! Call us today for a consultation. 910.202.4248

Acupuncture Anxiety Natural Therapy Wellness