Chinese medicine practitioners know very well that scars can adversely affect the normal flow of Blood and Qi (vital energy) in the energy pathways, or meridians of the body. We need to understand that not all scars are problematic, but when they are, they can cause disturbances in the balance of Qi and the flow of blood. During a patient’s initial visit for scar removal treatment, the practitioner asks questions related to the patient’s scar. If a patient has a problematic scar, it needs to be examined and assessed during physical examination. Scars that have developed due to surgery, symptomatic scars, or large scars can cause numbness, burning, or pain and should be evaluated and then treated.
To assess a scar, a three step process is followed: The first step is to observe the scar and determine its association with the meridians. Observe the color, texture, shape, and size of the scar. A scar that is dark in color, raised, and hard is liable to be tender and problematic. The second step is to know where the scar is located. Scars on the spine, head, face, lower stomach, and neck can have significant consequences due to the energetics of those regions. The final step is to palpate the areas around the scar (not directly on the scar) to determine if there is a perception of emptiness or weakness, or tenderness that would signal a deficiency in the area in question.
Scars that are newly formed should be left alone for a month, at least. If the patient has diabetes, has a weak immune system, or has a slow healing process, the scar should not be touched for more than a month.
Various kinds of treatments are available for scars. They can be treated or “cleared“ by hand. Some acupuncturists palpate the stomach to determine the acupuncture points to be treated with needles or acupressure to loosen the tensed areas. The above-mentioned three step process should be followed in the treatment of scars anywhere on the body.
You can clear a scar with acupuncture. The acupuncturist palpates edge of the scar to find the most tender points of the scar. A needle is inserted into the scar. The thinnest needles possible is used and stuck into the scar for about five minutes. The needles free the unreleased energy which leads to a rise in symptoms that need to occur before positive results can be seen.
Liniments can be applied daily on the treated scar to further stimulate the smooth flow of Blood and Qi. An herbal remedy known as Sheng Gu Shui is a widely formula used by practitioners treat Blood Stasis deep within the body. The formula Ching Wan Hung is an ideal treatment used externally for scars caused by burns due to active ingredients in the formula that cool heat and relieve pain as well as boost tissue growth.
One other Chinese medicine treatment for scars is moxa, a leaf that is burned on the scar. The heat from the burning moxa acts as a stimulating mechanism to break up obstruction and heal the scar.
Moisturizers can help lessen the size of the scar during the initial stages of healing. One of the most effective moisturizers to remove scars is Vitamin E oil. Aloe vera is ideal for scars caused by burning to alleviate the inflammation.
During the healing stages of scars, diet is important since a well-rounded diet of foods high in zinc and Vitamin C can quicken the healing process. Faster healing can be achieved and health issues prevented when new scars are treated in the proper time. Treating old scars can release blocked energy which leads to treatment of seemingly unrelated health conditions.
Steven Goldfarb is a licensed acupuncture doctor and the medical director of Goldfarb Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center in West Orange, NJ.