The Implications of Scar Tissue & Blocked Meridians

By Dr. Habib Sadeghi

It’s estimated that 20 million Americans undergo surgery every year for a wide range of conditions, and that’s just for procedures that require general anesthesia. (1) This doesn’t include something like c-section birth, a procedure that is also classified as major surgery. Taking this into account along with all the other surgeries that use local anesthesia, the number of annual surgeries in the U.S. could easily be as high as 50 or 60 million.

Our casual attitude toward surgery comes from seeing it as the solution to a healthcare problem. Once a surgery is performed, the problem will either go away or get better. Many times that is the outcome, and it’s a wonderful thing, especially when a life is saved. Even so, we never contemplate that the act of surgery itself, even when the outcome is good, may leave us with a new set of problems. I’m not talking about medical malpractice; I’m talking about the undiagnosed medical conditions linked to post-operative surgical scarring.
The Path of Life

The human body is a self-contained organism with everything it needs to thrive existing within it. Any intrusion into this sealed environment, such as the incision for an operation, upsets the body’s natural processes and leaves residual trauma from the “injury” behind. The result is a scar that not only holds the negative energetic memory of the event, but also acts as a barrier that prevents the natural flow of the body’s energy from going beyond or through that point. The effect is an accumulation or stagnation of energy that often results in new physical problems cropping up in the same general area of the body.

This happens because scar tissue disrupts the pathways along which our life energy or Qi flows, called meridians. These invisible pathways run throughout the body, penetrating every cell, organ, and system, vitalizing them with the life essence they need to function optimally. The source of this energy is the earth. It enters the body through the bottom of the left foot, travels along each meridian and returns to the earth by exiting through the bottom of the right foot. The 12 major meridians pass through many areas of the body but are named for the major organ or system along their route. They include the lung, large intestine, spleen, stomach, heart, small intestine, bladder, kidney, pericardium (circulation/sex), triple warmer (head, also assists pericardium meridian), liver, and gallbladder meridians. Because alternative therapies such as acupuncture are achieving much success with patients, more traditional healthcare institutions are only now beginning to investigate the importance of energy meridians. (2)
Stimulation & Release

If we think of energy meridians as highways that run through the body, a scar is a roadblock along that route. Keep in mind that scarring from either surgeries or injuries can be internal, as well. These roadblocks create a condition known as reverse polarity and can affect the body’s energy flow in one of two ways.

As we’ve seen, the barrier a scar creates results in turbulence as moving energy hits the wall and begins to backup in that location. This over-saturation creates new health problems in the same area or in the vicinity where the energy is radiating. I see many women who’ve had breast surgery, either for augmentation, reduction, or a mastectomy who later experience an inexplicable erratic heartbeat or arrhythmia. With absolutely no history of heart problems, some of them have been taking medication to stabilize their heartbeat for years. Anyone with a working knowledge of the how the body meridians function would be able to recognize that the energetic turbulence generated by the scarring near the breast is radiating in the direction of the heart and interfering with its rhythm.

When a mystery illness appears in the vicinity of a scar, the associated energy meridian is always the first place I look. In such cases, I administer an incredible treatment called Integrative Neural Therapy (INT). Also known as German acupuncture, the procedure involves numbing the scar and surrounding area with Procaine. Once inside the body, Procaine gets converted to Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid (PABA), an antioxidant that some classify as part of the vitamin B complex. This generates the production of folic acid which begins to release some of the rigidity and stored energy of the scar tissue through the miasmatic process. Moments later, homeopathic healing agents imported from Germany are injected into the area to reopen the energetic pathway and expedite the release of any lingering stagnation.

I’ve witnessed many amazing medical interventions and miraculous healings in my career, and I can tell you that the results from INT are some of the most dramatic I’ve ever seen. Its ability to resolve many unexplained long-term illnesses is astounding. It’s highly effective in completely eliminating chronic pain, even in cases where the pain has existed for years. While more studies need to be done, it’s felt that the high success rate of INT is due to the way it stimulates the autonomic ganglia, peripheral nerves, related glands, and trigger points associated with the affected meridian to normalize the illness-related function of the nervous system.

In the case of the women with heart arrhythmia, it only took a few treatments to stabilize their heartbeats and get them completely off their medications. It’s amazing and yet understandable that once a surgery corrects one problem, we never suspect the scar it created might be connected to a secondary health problem that appeared shortly thereafter. Nowhere is this more evident than in the case of c-section births.
Sexual Healing

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists by 2011, c-section births accounted for 33% of all children born in the U.S. That’s a 13% jump from 1996 and yet, the increase has had no impact on improved outcomes. (3) During the same time, Planned Parenthood reported that 33% or 1 in 3 women experience anorgasmia or trouble reaching orgasm. (4) In addition, The Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University recently released the results from the biggest sexual survey of its kind in 20 years. Among the findings was that 30% of women between 18 and 59 experience some degree of dyspareunia or painful intercourse. (5) Is it just coincidence that as c-section births increased, the number of women who suffered from dyspareunia and anorgasmia rose by virtually the exact same rate, one third? I don’t think so.

I can’t tell you how many women come into my office with c-section scars suffering from the loss of sexual pleasure in their lives either because of dyspareunia or anorgasmia. After just a few treatments of INT, they feel reborn and their sexual dysfunction never returns. Interestingly, in Japan, where c-sections aren’t nearly as common, a vertical incision is made as opposed to the horizontal procedure performed in the U.S. This is done to disrupt as few energetic meridians as possible.

For women who have trouble conceiving or have been told their fertility is impaired, INT is simply miraculous. It’s important to know that scarring, especially internally, can occur from minor injuries in childhood or adolescence such as sports. In adulthood, most women struggling with fertility issues will never make the connection between their current circumstance and a long forgotten childhood injury.

I see many men suffering from sexual or reproductive dysfunction, as well. Most of the time, they’re not able to enjoy a healthy sex life because of erectile dysfunction (ED). They usually come to me in deep depression, struggling desperately with their sense of self and masculinity. They’re completely unaware that their ED, which seemed to appear out of nowhere, was the result of the scarring from their appendectomy, faulty circumcision, hernia, or gallbladder surgery. It’s an absolute joy to see these men return to their vital sexual selves after INT.
Crisscross Connection

The second way a scar affects meridian energy is by rerouting it in a completely different direction. Let’s go back to our analogy of the meridians as city streets and the energy as the traffic that travels along them. The cars always move in specific patterns along predetermined routes during the morning commute, afternoon interval, and evening rush hour. It’s like choreography, and you could set your clock by the movements.

Now imagine a roadblock was set up right in the middle of the most traveled highway during rush hour. Thousands of cars would suddenly pour off the highway and attempt to take alternate routes where they normally don’t drive and aren’t supposed to be. The result is chaos in a distant location far off the main highway. The same thing can happen when the body takes on scar tissue. Instead of collecting in the area of the roadblock, the energy can ricochet off it and get directed down a completely different meridian where it’s not supposed to be, causing problems in a location that’s nowhere near the scar.

In Chinese medicine and acupuncture, there is a contralateral philosophy to healing. With regard to meridians, this approach states that whatever affects the top affects the bottom, whatever affects the front affects the back, whatever affects the right affects the left, and so on. If you imagine the arm superimposed over the leg, then the shoulder corresponds to the hip, the elbow corresponds to the knee, the wrist corresponds to the ankle, and the hand corresponds to the foot. So from the contralateral perspective, if a patient is experiencing a problem with the right shoulder, the left hip is treated.

I read an amazing article recently where a patient was experiencing debilitating and inexplicable pain in his right wrist. After all tests failed to provide a logical answer, the physician noticed a scar on the man’s left ankle. The patient said he’d recently had surgery following a skiing accident that required several pins to be installed in his ankle. Luckily, a colleague of the doctor understood the principles of contralateral philosophy. The man’s scar was stimulated in a way similar to INT and his wrist pain vanished within days never to return.
Rapid Relief

Today, 35% of German physicians use some form of INT to eliminate everything from allergies, bowel problems, and infertility to tinnitus and sexual dysfunction (among others) and yet, it’s virtually unknown in the U.S. In some cases, a single treatment is all that is needed, and relief comes immediately. Typically, three to six treatments is the average protocol as relief gradually increases until the symptoms just fade away altogether. Older scars may take a bit more time than newer ones, but the result is the same.

If you’ve been suffering from an unexplained physical condition, I would advise you to investigate your previous surgical history. Remember that sometimes the scar doesn’t have to be anywhere near where you’re experiencing the physical problem. Also keep in mind that scars can be internal, as well. I can’t stress enough the incredible healing power of this simple intervention. I live for the moments when I can see a patient completely relieved in a matter of days from chronic pain or a limiting condition he or she has dealt with for years. INT is clearly one of the most miraculous and consistent healing interventions I have ever had the privilege of providing. Just remember that when you’re on a healing journey, the illness itself can be the symptom pointing to a scar that’s guilty by association. 

Ear piercings 

While some people claim that certain Daith piercings (the type that appears on the inner ear cartilage) and even tattoos can help with migraines, Katherine Altneu, LAc, licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and traditional Chinese medicine expert, explains that acupuncture's benefits subside after about 20 to 40 minutes a session. Mona Dan, acupuncturist and owner of Vie Healing concurs: "Generally, after 28 minutes, the body's blood cycle has done one full roundabout and we feel it's sufficient enough time-wise to remove the needle." So basically, if there are any pressure points that are hit with an ear-piercing, the effects will go away within the same amount of time. 

That said, don't negate the power of acupuncture: Studies have demonstrated that our bodies have biomechanical responses to the procedure. "Connective tissue subtly wraps around the needle—it's called 'needle grasp,' and this is what we acupuncturists feel as 'de chi,' which we translate to 'the chi arriving at the needle.' It feels like a very subtle tug of a fish on a line. That feeling is how I know I've hit the right spot and that your body is responding to the needle the way I want it to," says Altneu.

But again, she's quick to point out that the effects are limited. "The classic Chinese medicine texts have told us to only retain needles for 20 to 40 minutes. And they've confirmed why with modern science. So neat!"

Basically: The effects of needles and piercings can be real, but don't expect them to last.
Body piercings 

Aesthetics are usually the driving factor for most body art (and we could write a whole other article on the sexual motivations behind genital piercings), but some experts believe that choosing the location may have an impact. This mainly has to do with the theories behind meridian lines. 

Meridian lines, or pathways, are a teaching in TCM that stipulates everything in the body is connected, and energy in the body can move through these pathways. The pathways correspond to different major organs, including the liver, heart, lungs, and so forth. The theory goes that when you get piercings along these meridian lines, you can disrupt the energy flow of the body—and that can affect the specific body parts associated with that meridian line.

For example, the conception vessel, which can be traced from the mouth to the bottom of the trunk. According to Melissa Skelly, LAc, licensed acupuncturist, acupoint specialist, sound healer, and owner of The Zen Den Center, "[I believe] piercings in the navel area—the conception vessel—can affect fertility." 

Another example is how tongue piercings may cause stomach and digestive issues: "There have been reported issues with tongue piercings and digestive issues," says Dan. TMC theory dictates this is likely due to the piercing along the stomach meridian line; and compared to other piercings, there is also research to suggest this to be true; however, the researchers were unable to conclude it had to do with the piercings rather than other confounding factors.

We must note, of course, that as of yet, there is no scientific evidence to back these claims up, however. And in the end, most areas of the body may have more of a personal or even historical significance (piercing has existed for centuries in many different cultures) more than a physiological one. But if you have concerns, always do your homework on the potential side effects of a specific location.
Metals 

It may seem obvious, but it bears repeating: Always choose high-quality metals so you're less likely to have a reaction." The scientific community may not unanimously agree that certain types of metals can actually make a difference, but plenty of members of the healing world do. 

Skelly tells us that "gold is more tonifying or supportive, where silver is more sedative or releasing of blocked energy." Copper has long been associated with healing powers, and at least one study claims it may have anti-inflammatory effects. 
Ear seeds or acupuncture 

Because we know that the effects of a needle probably don't last very long, treating these acupressure points with a piercing might not be the wisest direction to go in to get an acupuncture benefit. Instead? Just go for the real thing: Skelly suggests trying ear seeds or regular acupuncture sessions from a trained professional instead. 

As for ear seeds, some studies have linked the use of ear seeds to anxiety relief, better sleep, pain tolerance, and even weight management. And the benefits of regular acupuncture are well documented: It can help those with PMS, sleep issues, chronic stress, and can even benefit skin. 
The bottom line:

Whatever kind of piercing you decide on, consider the intention behind it, which can have a personal psychological effect since the body art itself can be a lasting reminder. "Anytime you put pressure or an intention or a piercing on an acupuncture meridian or point, you are accessing the energy of that channel," says Paige Bouressa, licensed acupuncturist. "So, depending on what you want to do, you'd put a piercing on a [specific] point for grounding or uplifting or set an intention for that point when you went to get it pierced or tattooed.” We couldn't agree more. With piercings, as with anything we do to or put inside our bodies, staying healthy, healing, and cultivating good energy is all about intention.
One of the most common piercings – and it starts very young, even infants, are ear piercings. Parts of the ear pierced include the lobe, rook, tragus, cartilage – the list goes on. With that being said, each of these piercings has a direct effect on the acupuncture points of the human body and one’s qi. Now with the ear, there is some fascinating research and studies coming out. For example, Broomfield Enterprise reports that, “The ears are especially packed with acupuncture points. In fact, acupuncturists consider the ears a ‘microsystem,’ with a point for everywhere on the body.” Now this is an area of the body that can benefit from piercings! To further this, Almost Famous Piercings states, “As with both acupuncture and auriculotherapy, a piercing can be placed in a specific spot to stimulate the reflex points in that area. Doing this can improve the flow of energy within the body, which can help alleviate a certain pain and regulate the body’s functions and internal organs.” This research is due to Dr. Paul Nogier’s studies – who is known as the Father of Modern Auriculotherapy. The following are a list of ailments that, according to recent studies, can be minimized or cured by piercings:

    Conch - Chronic Pains
    Lobe
        Third Hole – Depression
        First Hole – Eye Sight
    Stretched Lobes - Spiritual Heightening
    Rook - Stress Remover
    Tragus - Appetite Control
    Cartilage or Helix - Insomnia, Allergies

As one can see the ear holds an acupuncture point for literally every major part of the human body – and each one, according to Dr Paul Nogier, can be instrumental to heal any ailment in the human body.
Body Piercing is everywhere these days – and sometimes in some unexpected places.

I was in an airport recently and saw a woman with what must have been a naval piercing – she actually had what looked like about a 3″ arrow showing thru her very tight pink dress. I tried to get a photo, but alas, the lighting wasn’t good.

Okay, so that was an unusual case – but it’s not uncommon to see someone with their eyebrows and nose pierced and maybe even their tongue.

How and when did we start piercing our bodies?

Scholars found their first evidence of piercing of the ear in a mummy estimated to have lived 4,000-5,000 B.C. The Egyptian Pharaohs thought an earring at the navel would help the transition from life on Earth to eternity. In many cultures ody piercing was considered a sign of masculine courage. Roman warriors routinely pierced the nipples of their chest as a sign of manliness and loyalty to Caesar. Aztecs high priests as well as Mayan Shamans pierced the tongue as part of religious rituals.

One of the most popular piercing locations historically is the cartilage between the nostrils. The idea is that it gave the primitive people a look of fierceness, a look any warrior would want. Aztecs and Mayans believed that by piercing the ears that demons, who typically can enter a person via the ear opening, would be repulsed by the metal in the ear lobe.
During Elizabethan times, sailors pierced their ears to improve their eyesight. And, as insurance, if the body were thrown overboard at the coast, and washed ashore, the gold earring would pay for a Christian funeral! In the Victorian age, genital piercing of woman confirmed the virtue of the woman. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, it was simply another form of protesting the establishment.

Today, body piercing is seen as a way to express your individuality and/or else enhance sexual pleasure. Piercing is now a fashion trend and has gone far beyond the “protest the establishment” phase to self-expression along with tattoos which we’ll cover in another post. The largest popularity is among the student population.

The bad news is that any piercing can affect the energy flow in your body and seriously screw it up. (The same is true of any scars you might have)

Healthpointe Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic says there are 2 issues with piercings.

1. Scar tissue that can form and may interfere with the flow of qi along the acupuncture meridian. An acupuncture treatment can restore the flow. Your BioElectric Shield will also work with your acupuncture meridians (see The Shield and Acupuncture Research) to restore normal flow.

2. The second issue is that metal jewelry, especially in piercings can conduct qi or electromagnetic energy in a way that may negatively impact your health.  One way to address this would be to use an inert material – stone, porcelain, wood, etc. They will not conduct electromagnetic fields and will not produce this potentially negative effect. You can also wear a Shield to deal with this part of the issue.

The American Acupuncture website cautions against viral infections. This seems like the most important issue involved with piercings. There is no set of health standards for how piercings are done, and if the needle used has come into contact with anyone with hepatitis B, C, and AIDS, the virus CAN be transferred to you. You also may experience bleeding, infection, tooth damage, bacterial or viral infections from the procedure. Last, but not least, you may end up having a reaction to the metal that is now inserted into your body.

If you do get a body piercing, or body art, including a tattoo, your BioElectric Shield will assist in restoring your meridian flow. Piercing your body is a medical procedure. Please choose wisely when selecting who will pierce your body!