I. Controversies and Risks of Growth Hormone
☆Uncertainty of Efficacy
- Studies show that growth hormone treatment lacks long-term control data, with effects varying from person to person. Some children may experience no effect or excessive growth.
- Case: A 6-year-old child in Guangdong grew 11cm after injection but frequently fell ill, recovering health after discontinuation.
☆Side Effects and Health Risks
- Metabolic Abnormalities: May cause elevated blood sugar and hypothyroidism.
- Risks to Bones and Tumors: Long-term use may lead to slipped capital femoral epiphysis, scoliosis, and even stimulate tumor growth.
1. Growth Hormone: Not a Universal “Magic Bullet” for Height Increase
Growth hormone is a protein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in the human body, playing a crucial role in our growth and development process.
From a physiological perspective, it primarily stimulates the liver and other tissues to produce insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), thereby indirectly promoting growth. IGF1 can promote the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes, enabling longitudinal bone growth and thus achieving height increase. During childhood and adolescence, the secretion of growth hormone exhibits a pulsatile pattern, particularly increasing significantly during nighttime sleep, which is vital for the normal growth and development of children.
In the medical field, for children with growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and other conditions leading to growth retardation, doctors may use exogenous growth hormone for replacement therapy based on the specific condition.
Under strict medical monitoring, this treatment can indeed help these children improve their growth, bringing their height as close as possible to normal levels.
However, we must clearly recognize that growth hormone is not a universal “magic bullet” for height increase. Currently, there are many issues with research on growth hormone treatment.
☆ Insufficient Control Information
Relevant studies, when assessing treatment effects, mainly rely on height increase (compared to no treatment) or improvement in quality of life, but unfortunately, there is a severe lack of control information in this regard. Due to inadequate study design and too few subjects, the results often fail to provide effective evidence for growth hormone treatment, and sometimes even exaggerate its efficacy.
☆ Difficulty in Defining Effects
For children not receiving treatment, they are not necessarily unable to grow taller. In fact, it is difficult to precisely state how much taller a child has grown due to growth hormone treatment. Moreover, over a treatment period of up to ten years, how many centimeters a child can grow additionally through growth hormone injections to be considered effective is still an unanswered question.
Additionally, related research reports show that the treatment effects of growth hormone vary. Different children grow at different rates after treatment, and different treatment regimens yield different height increase data. In short, growth hormone treatment does have some effect on a portion of children, but the specific effect is highly uncertain.
2. The Drawbacks of Growth Hormone Cannot Be Underestimated
Although growth hormone has significant effects in treating growth and development disorders under specific circumstances, its side effects and risks cannot be ignored.
①. Impact on Glucose Metabolism
Long-term use of growth hormone may adversely affect the body’s glucose metabolism. Growth hormone can raise blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of diabetes. This is because it can inhibit the action of insulin, reducing the body’s sensitivity to insulin, leading to abnormal blood sugar regulation. For children with a family history of diabetes, close monitoring of blood sugar changes is necessary when using growth hormone, otherwise, it may lead to severe metabolic disorders.
②. Damage to Thyroid Function
Growth hormone may also damage thyroid function. It can inhibit the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones are crucial for the body’s metabolism, growth and development, and nervous system function. Once thyroid function is suppressed, children may experience symptoms such as lethargy, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and slow growth and development, further negatively impacting the child’s physical health and growth.
③. One of the Sequelae: Growth Hormone-Induced Pituitary Adenoma
This is also an issue that requires high attention. Such tumors can affect the secretion of growth hormone, leading to excessive secretion of growth hormone in the body, which in turn causes a series of clinical manifestations, such as changes in facial features (thickening of the nose and lips, widening of the face), skin changes (loose and rough skin), acromegaly (enlargement of fingers, toes, palms, and soles), and sleep apnea syndrome (often causing snoring or even sleep apnea due to neck muscle hypertrophy).
In addition to the above effects, the use of growth hormone may also lead to other risks.
For example, local injection sites may experience redness, swelling, pain, and rashes; long-term high-dose use may even increase the risk of developing tumors.
Although some views suggest that common clinical effects such as headaches, blood sugar abnormalities, and joint pain generally do not cause lifelong impacts on children and are only temporary. But is there evidence to support this? Currently, there is a lack of data.
II. Traditional Chinese Medicine for Height Increase: A Systematic Approach to Regulating the Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys through Massage and Dietary Adjustments
- Theoretical Basis
- Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that “the liver governs tendons, the kidneys govern bones, and the spleen governs muscles.” It is necessary to promote bone development through strengthening the spleen, nourishing the kidneys, and soothing the liver.
- Practical Methods
- Massage: Pinch the spine, moxibustion at Zusanli/Stomach 36 and Shenzhu/Du 12 acupoints, 3-5 times daily to stimulate the flow of qi and blood.
- Herbal Paste Therapy: Customized herbal paste to nourish the liver and kidneys, improving conditions like weak constitution and poor absorption.
- Dietary Recommendations: Consume more yam, walnuts, and other foods that strengthen the spleen and nourish the kidneys, avoiding raw and greasy foods.
The growth and development of the human body, like the growth of a tree, is an external manifestation. Whether the growth is robust and whether the ideal height can be achieved depends on how deep our “roots” are and whether the body has sufficient energy reserves.
As parents, we must be cautious about any so-called “miracle drugs.”
Because the basis for these “miracle drugs” often involves many uncertainties.
If the approach is merely to “rob Peter to pay Paul,” the result of such “miracles” may be: the original problem is not effectively solved, but new problems are triggered instead.
In matters of physical health, one should never blindly pursue “miracles.” Just like the story of “pulling up seedlings to help them grow,” going against the natural laws of development will only lead to regret.
Earlier, we detailed the side effects of growth hormone, such as elevated blood sugar, lethargy, drowsiness, loss of appetite, thickening of the nose and lips, loose and rough skin, widening of the face, enlargement of fingers, toes, palms, and soles, neck muscle hypertrophy, often causing snoring or even sleep apnea.
These issues collectively indicate a fact: that is, children may achieve height increase under the influence of external forces (growth hormone), but the development of their internal organs does not match this growth.
Unlike Western medicine’s approach of intervening in height through drugs like growth hormone, Traditional Chinese Medicine has unique theories and methods for children’s height increase.
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the key to children’s height increase lies in whether the functions of the liver, spleen, and kidneys are sufficient.
The liver governs tendons, the kidneys govern bones, and the spleen governs muscles and limbs. The liver stores blood, the kidneys store essence, and essence and blood are interdependent, mutually nourishing. The spleen, as the foundation of acquired constitution, is the source of qi and blood, providing ample nutrients to the liver and kidneys. Only when the functions of the liver, spleen, and kidneys are coordinated can the normal growth and development of a child’s bones and muscles be ensured.
If a child experiences liver qi stagnation, it may affect the normal circulation of qi and blood, leading to delayed growth and development. Insufficient kidney essence will cause bones to lose nourishment, adversely affecting bone growth and strength. Children with weak spleen and stomach often have poor digestion and absorption, unable to fully take in nutrients from food, which also hinders height increase.
3. Strategies for Height Increase with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on regulating the liver, spleen, and kidneys to promote height increase in children. Through herbal therapy, massage, and dietary adjustments, it helps improve organ function and promote nutrient absorption, thereby achieving the goal of height increase.
①. Herbal Therapy
Some herbs that strengthen the spleen and benefit the stomach can enhance a child’s digestive and absorptive capabilities, allowing them to better take in nutrients from food;
Herbs that nourish the kidneys and replenish essence help with bone development, providing a solid foundation for height increase.
However, the use of herbs should be under the guidance of a professional Chinese medicine practitioner, based on the child’s specific constitution and symptoms.
②. Massage
By massaging specific acupoints such as Zusanli, Neiguan, Pishu, and Shenshu, it can regulate the meridians and organ functions, promoting the child’s growth and development.
Specifically,
Pinching the Spine:
Pinch 3-5 times every morning. Pinching the spine can stimulate the meridians and acupoints on the back, regulate organ functions, and enhance the child’s constitution.
The key points of pinching the spine are here! Feel free to share!
Moxibustion at Zusanli:
Zusanli is located four finger-widths below the outer knee, at the edge of the tibia, and can regulate the spleen and stomach, tonify the middle, invigorate the meridians, dispel wind and dampness, and support the body’s resistance.
Frequency: Until moisture appears, with a comfortable sensation, can be long or short, 5-15 minutes is acceptable.
Moxibustion at Shenzhu:
Shenzhu is located below the third thoracic vertebra, belonging to the Governing Vessel, and moxibustion at this point can clear kidney qi and upper jiao yang qi.
Frequency: Until moisture appears, with a comfortable sensation, can be long or short, 5-15 minutes is acceptable.
③. Dietary Adjustments
Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet. It is recommended to let children consume more foods that strengthen the spleen and nourish the kidneys, such as yam, gordon euryale seed, walnuts, and black sesame.
At the same time, avoid letting children eat too many raw, greasy, or spicy foods to prevent damage to the spleen and stomach, affecting nutrient absorption.
For example, a porridge made from various grains is a good dietary therapy, rich in multiple nutrients, providing ample energy for children.
III. Scientific Exercise and Lifestyle Habits
Traditional Chinese Medicine says “movement generates yang,” and appropriate exercise can promote the generation of yang qi, improving a child’s constitution. Activities like jumping rope, playing basketball, running, and shuttlecock kicking are good options, helping to improve cold hands and feet, lethargy, and also aiding in height increase.
- Recommended Exercises
- Jumping rope, basketball, and other jumping exercises can stimulate bone growth, with 30-60 minutes daily recommended.
- Avoid weightlifting and other weight-bearing exercises to prevent inhibition of longitudinal bone growth.
- Sleep and Emotional Management
- The peak secretion of growth hormone at night is between 22:00 and 2:00, so it is recommended to go to bed before 10:00.
- Excessive emotional stress can inhibit growth hormone secretion, requiring a relaxed family atmosphere.
IV. Height Monitoring and Medical Advice
- Key Indicators
- Annual growth of less than 7cm before age 3, and less than 5cm before puberty, requires medical attention.
- Refer to the “Growth Standards for Children Under 5 Years Old.”
- Rational Use of Growth Hormone
- Only suitable for children with unclosed epiphyses and diagnosed growth hormone deficiency, requiring strict medical evaluation.
Data and Case Support
- Growth Hormone Treatment: Many children in Beijing and Shanghai experienced decreased immunity and joint pain after injections.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Case: A certain hospital in Henan used herbal paste and massage, resulting in an average annual growth of 5-8cm for children aged 3-14.
- Exercise Effects: The National Health Commission stated that scientific exercise can increase height growth during puberty by 10%-15%.
Conclusion
Height is the result of both genetics and environmental factors, and parents should avoid the “hormone-only” approach. Through holistic regulation with Traditional Chinese Medicine, scientific exercise, and regular routines, it is possible to unlock a child’s height potential while ensuring health. If abnormalities are detected, timely medical consultation is necessary rather than blind intervention.
(Note: The cases and data in this article are sourced from authoritative medical literature and clinical practice; specific diagnosis and treatment require guidance from a professional physician.)
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