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 even the prefrontal cortex, which are all essential for emotional regulation, are shifting and forming. While the brain is changing, hormones are changing, and the physical body is developing too.
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 teenages see on a daily basis which send messages of bodily perfection like; “thin is beautiful” or “acne is ugly” or even gender stereotyping for those teens struggling with their sexual orientation and self expression.
Teenagers aged 13-18 years old spend an average of 8 hrs 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 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.
Recent irritability, withdrawal from normal social activities, chronic complaints of stomach aches and headaches, sleep problems, drop in grades, trouble concentrating, repeated reassurance seeking, are just some of the common symptoms of teenage anxiety. Once you recognize what is going on, getting help is the next step.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be part of an integrative approach along with counseling, exercise, and dietary support.
A skilled Acupuncturist looks at the whole person; mind, body and spirit to find where the underlying imbalances are. Multiple organs and channels systems in Chinese medicine play a role in the experience of anxiety. To discover the imbalance, the practitioner will listen to the individual's experience, find the pieces of the puzzle and pair that along 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, give dietary advice, and maybe even some easy qi gong or other exercises to help 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 greatly alter their internal chemistry, are difficult to get off of, and come with many and sometimes serious side effects.
Acupuncture has been proven to be a safe and effective alternative and 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!
