Acupuncture Scar Therapy

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Health In The Bay Scar TherapyWe all know how stubborn scars can be at healing. What you may not know is that scars can block the free flow of qi (energy) and blood as well as constricting the soft tissue. This can cause a number of seemingly unrelated complications that are not local to the area of scarring, such as neck, shoulder and back pain and headaches.

Do you need Scar Therapy?

Remember, not all scars will cause problems. Many do heal effectively. The best way to decide if a scar needs attention is to inspect it yourself through sight and touch.

Firstly, take note of the appearance of the scar and the skin around it. Is it a different colour? Is it bulging or lumpy looking? A purple or red colour is a good indication of blood or qi stagnation.

Secondly, palpate the scar by feeling around the perimeter (outside) of the scar (never push down on the inside of the scar) at an angle as if pushing underneath the scar. Feel for pain, tenderness, unevenness or numbness. These are indications that the flow of qi and blood are obstructed.

Does it feel itchy at times? This is normal in the first few weeks as the tissue heals after the surgery or trauma. But if it goes on for longer, scar therapy might help. If you do discover anything out of the ordinary this is a good indication that your scar has not healed effectively and you could benefit from Acupuncture therapy.

 

How does it work?

Acupuncture stimulates microcirculation improving blood flow to the area. It draws the body’s attention to the area of concern to encourage re-knitting of scar tissue. Other techniques such as moxibustion, herbal medicine and warming liniments can be used to improve circulation.

 

Does it improve the appearance of scars?

Acupuncture scar therapy can be applied to most scar types including acne, pox, injuries and surgery scars. It can make thick scars thinner, improve the colour and general appearance and reduce pain/numbness/tingling and itching. However, the final results depends on your skin type, the type of surgery or trauma, and how long you’ve had the scar.

Living The Art Of Breathing.

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Health In The Bay Breathing

Since your first breath, breathing has been one of the most important biological functions of your body. The rhythm of breath helps regulate a number of your body’s systems:- Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal and Metabolic (Endocrine).
When we are stressed or anxious it’s natural for our breathing to become shallow. Simply improving our breath, by breathing deeply and slowly, benefits us at times of stress and anxiety and helps improve restless sleep and insomnia.
The breath is one of the only bodily functions that can be consciously and unconsciously controlled. It’s not surprising that conscious focus on the breath is the foundation of most Buddhist meditation practices.
The average person takes up to 29,000 breaths per day so you’d think we would be experts at breathing. However, it’s common for many people to practice paradoxical breathing. This is an incorrect form of respiration that involves expansion of the upper chest and sucking in the abdominal muscles during inhalation. Paradoxical breathing is linked to many problems including:
  • Reduced oxygen content.
  • Fatigue.
  • Postural problems.
  • Digestive complaints and bloating.
  • Increased muscular tension especially in the neck and shoulders.
  • Lower back pain.

Health In The Bay BreathingHealthy breathing is when the area between the lower ribs bulges out on the in-breath and deflates on the out-breath. This makes sure that air is drawn into the lower parrts of the lungs. The breathing pattern should be slower, even and gentle. Drawing attention to your breath for 20 minutes per day will improve the way you breathe and your general well being, strengthen your lungs, regulate metabolism and help regulate your emotions and response to stress.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the lungs are a source of external Qi (Energy) and are functionally interwoven with the the Heart to regulate flow of blood and Qi around the body. The lungs are also responsible for the nourishment of the exterior body and often dull, lifeless skin or hair can be attributed to poor lung function from a TCM point of view.
Improving lung function, using a combination of Acupuncture, tailored breathing exercises and lifestyle can often have a profound effect on your health and benefit many of the symptoms listed in this article.