Is Traditional Chinese Medicine effective for height regulation?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may have certain auxiliary effects on height regulation under specific conditions; however, the outcomes vary among individuals and are influenced by multiple factors. Height growth is affected by various factors including heredity, nutrition, physical activity, and sleep. According to TCM theory, height is closely related to the functions of internal organs and the circulation of qi and blood. Therefore, if short stature is caused by TCM syndrome types such as spleen-stomach deficiency cold or qi-blood insufficiency, and the epiphyseal plate is not yet closed, TCM regulation methods, such as using herbal formulas that nourish qi and blood, strengthen the spleen, and benefit the kidneys, combined with external TCM treatments like acupuncture and massage, may promote height growth to some extent.

Adolescents can, based on constitution identification and following medical advice, take herbal formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pill) or Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Spleen-Qi Tonifying Pill), or regulate through moxibustion at specific acupoints such as Guanyuan (CV4) and Shenshu (BL23). It is essential to ensure more than 8 hours of sleep daily, as growth hormone secretion is most active during nighttime. The diet should include foods rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D, combined with moderate stretching exercises. Individuals whose bone age test results indicate epiphyseal closure should accept the reality and avoid blindly taking medications. Regular monitoring of height changes is recommended, and if height is significantly below the standard for the same age group, it is advised to simultaneously check growth hormone or thyroid function.