A scar is a mark left on us, usually against our will. For some they are remnant of a surgery, caused by a betrayal of our body. For others they are battle wounds sometimes looked upon with pride, and other times looked upon with feebleness and regret.
In Chinese Medicine scars represent an actual blockage in energetic circulation. Many aspects of Chinese healing relies on a system of meridians, or pathways which energy or qi (pronounced : Chee) flows freely through and connects with our organs. Imagine these channels are like the vascular or nervous systems that transports necessary blood or impulses to every area of the body. These channels traverse both on the surface on the skin and in deeper aspects of the body, somewhere between the muscles and bones. When the skin is cut and heals as a scar it represents a cut in that energetic pathway which can unknowingly cause further disharmony in the body.
In Chinese Medicine scars represent an actual blockage in energetic circulation. Many aspects of Chinese healing relies on a system of meridians, or pathways which energy or qi (pronounced : Chee) flows freely through and connects with our organs. Imagine these channels are like the vascular or nervous systems that transports necessary blood or impulses to every area of the body. These channels traverse both on the surface on the skin and in deeper aspects of the body, somewhere between the muscles and bones. When the skin is cut and heals as a scar it represents a cut in that energetic pathway which can unknowingly cause further disharmony in the body.
Imagine a water hose cut in half. To repair the hose, one uses a needle and thread to bind the two parts back together. Obviously when the water is turned on, the water pressure will be poor, because the connection throughout the hose is uneven and now has many holes that cause the water to go wayward. Similarly in our bodies, scars cause a disconnection from one side of the scar to the other.
A scar results in a combination of non-elastic tissue & insufficient blood supply which causes oxygen and nutrient deprivation to the scarred area. Localized scars or adhesions pull on the surrounding tissues and can affect digestion, circulation, respiration, fertility. The muscle, the joint or the organ function in that area can become impaired. The scar serves as a constant source of irritation to the body and a reminder of the initial damage.
Scars are the cause of prolonged effects of an injury. While the area is seemingly healed, it continues to have negative impacts on the body.
In my practice I have seen how scars affect my client’s health, sometimes directly to their chief complaints. For example, many young women who get acupuncture for infertility have scars on the abdomen either from childhood injuries or adult surgeries. What they do not know is that channels that cross the abdomen and torso, such as The Ren Channel connect to the organs that play a pivotal role in reproduction.
The Ren Channel is an important channel for male and female fertility.
We can understand that the scar, the interruption of energetic flow, on whichever channel is affected can in turn disrupt the function of the organ that the channel ultimately connects to. Similar correlations can be made to gastric distress, elimination problems, headaches or chronic pain on areas that are scarred (for example the back or knees).
Treating a c-section scar strengthens the area and reduces internal scar tissue. This is beneficial to one trying for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) or to reduce complications of future c-sections.
Chinese medicine is the key to non-invasively healing the body from the inside out.
How are Scars Treated in Chinese Medicine?
Acupuncture, the insertion of very thin needles along the meridians or surrounding the scar draws more blood and energy to the area thereby closing the energetic gap caused by the scar.
In addition to acupuncture, moxibustion, which is a term for burning an herb called mugwort near the skin also improves the skin and diminishes scar tissue. This herb’s properties are warming of the channels, stops bleeding, dispels cold and stops pain. Burning mugwort helps to heal the scar tissue.
Cold acupuncture lasers may also be used to break up the scar tissue without causing pain.
And in addition, in my clinic, we use a wild rose essential oil serum to repair the underlying damage and reduce adhesion.
If you have old scars and suffer from organ ailments, a visit to Esther Hornstein L.Ac., your accredited Chinese Medicine practitioner can help you regain full organ function.
Esther Hornstein is a New York State licensed acupuncturist and diplomat in acupuncture.
In her Therapeutic Holistic approach, she addresses Pediatric ailments, Men & Women’s health, Pain management and overall Wellness.
Her private practice is in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel.
To make an appointment you may:
call or WhatsApp : 054-719-9600
e-mail : e0547199600@gmail.com