Acupuncture for teenagers in Ealing

As a mother of teenagers I understand that they need a lot of space and an appropriate support.

They are going through enormous changes in their body; their mind is adjusting and emotions are bubbling. Being a teenager can be a very stressful experience.

Puberty can start as early as 8 years old in girls and 11 years old in boys, their brain does not stop developing until the age of 24 -25 so it can take a good decade for things to form and settle, and they definitely need good support.

Teenage changes according to TCM

Children begin developing into adults governed by their seven (for girls) or eight year (for boys) cycles of Jing (essence).Those times are characterised by strong push of Yang energy, physical and emotional changes. In boys the Yang triggers the production of semen, and in girls it causes the Ren Mai and Chong Mai to fill with Blood, allowing menstruation to begin. All of these changes require balance and a lot of Yang energy, if the body is out of sync it can lead to delays in onset of menstruation, moodiness, depressive states, or impulsive behavior. Another key feature of puberty in TCM is that during this time, a teenager’s Qi is very open, which could leave them more vulnerable to external disease.

How acupuncture can help teenagers?

Acupuncture is often used to help ease heavy, stuck energy that may contribute to low mood, pain or irregular periods. It may also help support anxiety, headaches, menstrual irregularities and lethargy by working to address underlying imbalances. This gentle approach means a young person doesn't need to open up and talk when they might not have the words to express how they feel, or not know where to start — the treatment can do quiet, supportive work without relying on words at all.

The most common reasons that teenagers come for acupuncture treatment

Anxiety- Anxious energy in TCM often shows as Qi that is stuck or rising instead of flowing smoothly — it can feel like a racing mind, a tight chest, or a constant sense of unease. Acupuncture helps settle this by calming the nervous system and grounding excess energy, often bringing a felt sense of relief within the first few sessions.
Depression/Irritablility/Low mood -Low mood and irritability can reflect Liver Qi stagnation — energy that isn't moving freely, which in teenagers often shows up as snapping at family, withdrawing, or a flat, heavy feeling that's hard to put into words. Acupuncture works to free this stuck energy gently, without requiring a teenager to talk about what's underneath it.
ADHD/ASD support- For teens with ADHD or ASD, acupuncture isn't a replacement for existing support but a gentle addition — it can help calm an overstimulated nervous system, improve sleep, and ease the anxiety that often runs alongside these diagnoses. Treatments are kept short, predictable, and sensory-considerate, adapting to what each young person can tolerate.
Digestive issues - Teenage digestive troubles — bloating, irregular appetite, nausea, or a nervous stomach before school or exams — often reflect the close link in TCM between the gut and emotional state. Acupuncture supports healthy Spleen and Stomach function, helping digestion settle alongside the underlying stress that frequently drives it.
Headaches and migraines- Headaches in teenagers can stem from tension, screen time, poor sleep, hormonal shifts, or stuck energy rising upward — TCM looks at the pattern behind the headache rather than treating it as one generic problem. Acupuncture, often combined with gentle guasha or acupressure, can ease both the frequency and intensity of headaches over a course of treatment.
Painful periods (and other menstrual problems)- Painful or irregular periods in the first few years after menarche are common as the Ren Mai and Chong Mai are still settling, but that doesn't mean they need to be endured. Acupuncture works to move stagnant Blood and Qi and nourish underlying deficiencies, which can ease pain and help cycles become more regular over time.
Sleep problems

Treating mental health in children using acupuncture

Sleep can be a problem during puberty, as they need 9-12 hours to allow body the proper rest. They tend to fall asleep 2-3 hours later in the evening than a young child or an adult, which is normal as the melatonin is not released until that time. It is therefore normal for teens to wake up 2-3 hours later in the morning than a young child or adult.

Acupuncture helps teens to slowing down, letting go, to rest, breathe and unwind when needed. Self-care is an important thing to teach them, it is a skill that gets refined over time and serves them well. I like talking with my patients about selfcare and would try to come up some realistic ideas to adjust their lifestyle gently if that is required. They can use the Healthy Mind Platter created by Dr Dan Siegel, to see if there is a good balance of their activities.

As teenagers tend to be very sensitive I would use fewer points, use paediatric fine needles, or laser pen, very often moxa to help them to ground and center. I have added Bach flower remedies, medicinal mushrooms and homeobotanicals to my modalities of treating teenagers, they can be very beneficial to treating their mental health.

How many treatments would be needed?

The amount of treatments would depend on many aspects, like rapport, communication, what modalities can be used, longevity and severity of imbalances. I would suggest giving 5-10 treatments to see how they respond. Acupuncture is not a quick fix and time need to be allowed, with children and teenagers building the rapport is always a priority, no treatment can be forced on them and modalities need to be adjusted so they feel safe and are able to trust the practitioner.

Confidentiality of acupuncture sessions

As a professional therapist I am bound of strict codes of ethics and safe practice to keep everything confidential. I will not share anything has been told me with anybody else, including the parents. The only exception to this rule is if I am seriously concerned for patients welfare or the welfare of others. If I think it would be useful to liaise with patients G.P or another medical health professional, I will ask patients consent to do this beforehand.

Does the parent stay in the room all the time?

If patient is 16 yo and older parents don't need to be in the room when being treated, same applies to patients age 11-15, but it is recommended that the parent or legal guardian is in the room for at least the first consultation and treatment. Parent or carer can either stay in the room for none, part or all of your treatment. Young person can decide what they are most comfortable with and this can change as treatment progresses.

Are you DBS checked?

I hold a valid DBS check certificate, copy available on request.

For older patients navigating fertility and reproductive health, our dedicated fertility acupuncture page has more detail.