Healing Scars and the Three M's
By Ivy Mills
Cuts, burns, surgery - there are hundreds
of opportunities for scar tissue to settle
in. Long thought of as a simple fact of life,
scar therapy is beginning to break through
the haze bringing new hope to scar sufferers.
An easy way to remember the major
components of healing scars: the 3 M's
- moisture, movement, massage. Scar tissue
continues to form up to two years after
the initial injury. During this healing
time, moisture, movement and massage are
of the utmost importance. Moisture
Moisture softens the scar tissue, making
it more pliable and preventing the scar
from cracking. A scar left unmoisturised
will have a higher chance of becoming
infected. Choose an oil-based moisturiser
(try Valhalla Essences Bath & Body
Oil) and apply it to the scarred area
as often as you think about it. It is
absolutely essential to apply moisturiser
before commencing movement or massage
of the affected area. Movement
Movement of the scarred area will help
to decrease the chance of it binding up.
If the scar is on a joint, the joint should
be moved through its full range of motion.
Make a conscious effort to do this at
least four times a day. Massage
We have a tendency to shy away from touching
an injury. Lack of touch can cause desensitisation
or the scar. Touch, both with light and
heavy pressure, should be administered
on a regular basis to keep the nerve endings
alert. Massage takes the benefit of touch
to another level.
Massage helps to break down the bands
of collagen that lead to restricted movement
and a raised appearance. Massage also
increases circulation to the area, lessening
the amount of discolouring.
Directions for Scar Massage
1. Using a generous amount of oil, begin
with light pressure moving in small circles
over the scar.
2. Use constant, heavy and deep pressure
- enough to make the scar white.
3. Massage in vertical strokes moving
up and down the scar.
4. Switch to horizontal strokes moving
back and forth across the scar.
5. Return to the small circular motion
in step 1.
Massage for about 5 minutes at least
twice a day. The more you do it, the faster
it will heal. This is a long, patience
testing process, but at least we don't
have to feel stuck with our scars.
Ivy Mills has been researching chemical
sensitivity and natural alternatives for
over five years and has brought her knowledge
to the marketplace in her company, Valhalla
Essences. Her personal experiences
have fed a passion to help others with
the same problem. Ivy welcomes others
to share their stories and experiences
on her blog, Peaceful Power.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivy_Mills
