puberty for boys - #18169

Doctor, I’ve been noticing several changes in my 12-year-old son’s body over the past few months, and I’m wondering if he’s entering puberty for boys. He has started growing some hair under his arms and around his private area, and his voice is beginning to change—it sounds deeper than before. He’s also become a little more self-conscious and even a bit moody at times, which is unusual for him. These changes make me wonder if puberty has already started, but I’m not sure what to expect. I understand that puberty is a natural process, but how do I know when it’s actually beginning? Is there a particular age range for boys when these changes typically occur? He’s also growing taller much more quickly, and I’m curious about how long the puberty phase lasts and when it should end. Does puberty in boys take as long as it does in girls? I’ve heard that boys usually have a later growth spurt, but I want to make sure everything is happening as it should. From an Ayurvedic perspective, I know that puberty in boys is closely linked to the development of their Vata dosha, which governs growth and movement. Could an imbalance in Vata lead to any irregularities in this process, either speeding it up or causing delays? Are there certain dietary changes, herbs, or practices that can help support my son’s healthy transition into puberty? For example, should we focus on strengthening his Pitta dosha to support metabolism and growth, or is there something else I should be aware of in helping him navigate these changes naturally? I also heard that emotional and mental changes are just as important during puberty, and Ayurveda suggests practices like meditation or specific herbal remedies to help manage these transitions. Should I encourage him to practice mindfulness or yoga, and are there any herbs that can help reduce mood swings or support emotional health during this time? I’d love to understand more about how to guide him through this phase with holistic care and Ayurvedic wisdom.