From exam stress to social media peer pressure, hormonal changes to sleep deprivation; teenagers are already experiencing many of the stressors and anxieties usually reserved for adulthood.
The benefits of alternative therapies such as Reflexology have been discovered by some of us over the years and yet it seems as though many young people are still hesitant to embrace these benefits for themselves.
For teenagers, Reflexology has the same benefits as for adults. The calming effect of a treatment may help if a child is experiencing a stressful period in their life, whether this is due to changes in family life, a change in school, exams, hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and even peer pressure. Reflexology can help to promote their overall health and well-being.
Sleep
Research shows that teenagers need on average 9-10 hours of sleep a night. At this age, their brains are going through an enormous shift, and sleep is especially important.
Sleep deprivation could be down to Hormonal changes, hectic after school activities, social media, light exposure from electronics, an over-aroused brain and sleep disorders. Which can accumulate in loss in concentration, cause mood swings affect academic performance, shorten the attention span, lead to a lack of enthusiasm or depression.
Regular Reflexology sessions aid sleep, helping to promote a deeper and more regular sleep pattern. The benefits of regular sleep are far ranging from creating a healthy immune system to a sharper more focused mind. Sleep is vital to our well-being.
Hormones
As we all know hormones can (unfortunately) play a large part of our teenage years, their changes often bringing acne, mood swings, menstrual difficulties and headaches as a result. Reflexology can help to re-balance the Endocrine system, aiding in managing and regulating these hormonal imbalances.
For young women experiencing hormonal changes and difficulties from menstruation, Reflexology can be an excellent way to alleviate pain and symptoms.
Neck pain and posture
Neck problems are now common in teenagers due to poor posture when studying and from playing computers games or mobile phone usage. Reflexology can help to relieve the pain and muscular tension that can arise as a result of these activities.
Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety is now a large part of teenage lives. Whether it is in the form of peer pressure, social media demands, high expectations (from teachers, parents or themselves) for academic or sporting success, or worries about current affairs.
Regular Reflexology can help in two ways. First, it can help avoid the build-up of stress and anxieties. Second, it can help manage it when levels are at a peak.
These problems can crop up any time and so for some individuals, treatments can be arranged as per when they are needed most. However, others may experience ongoing issues and benefit from a more regular programme to help maximise their outcomes.
Treatments help teens unwind and switch off. Importantly, it gives them an opportunity to recharge their batteries, making the transition from childhood to adulthood just a little smoother.