Scars are considered to be the fifth of the five major stressors.  Here is the rationale for scars.  In the discussion of the sympathetic nervous system it was shown that 80% of these fibers go to the surface of the skin.  This abundance of fibers is so dense under the surface of the skin that if one were able to remove the skin from the body without upsetting the network of sympathetic nerve fibers underneath, the individual would still be recognizable.  These sympathetic nerve fibers appear to run in what one might think to be a random unrecognizable pattern.  The point is that there is a coordinated flow of electrical energy under the skin of the body.  This electrical energy may, in fact, have something to do with the energy field which has been discovered on the surface of the body using Kirlian photography.

Let us use an analogy to explain this flow of electrical energy.  If one were to take a metal screen like that which is used for a screen window or door and connect a wire to one corner of the screen and another wire to the opposite corner of the screen, the screen would then become part of the circuit.  As electricity is passed through this circuit the electricity would create an even flow of current throughout the screen.  If this could be visualized the current would appear to be evenly dispersed on the screen.  Now, let us take a knife and tear a straight line hole in the screen.  The screen would no longer be functional.  So, in order to repair the screen without replacing it, one could take some fine metal wire and, let us say for argument sake, stitch up the straight line hole.  The screen continues to function although it may look unsightly (depending on the skill of the person doing the repair).  Nevertheless, when a current is now passed through the screen, the current no longer passes through the screen in a uniform manner.  At the sight of the repair the electrical charge or current will be concentrated.  Does that make sense?

In comparing that analogy to the sympathetic nerve fibers on the skin, once a cut appears on the body the sympathetic nerve fibers become cut as well and they have to heal.  This may occur in such a randomized fashion that the electrical flow along these fibers may become disrupted.  The end result can often be a concentration of electrical energy in the area of the healing scar.  Dr. Ulan refers to this effect as acting like a condenser which collects electrical energy.  As electrical energy is collected in this area it can randomly discharge amounts of this energy.  This random discharge of energy can most certainly upset the control and balance of this part of the ANS and subsequently effect the PNS as well, since both of these systems complement each other.  If one is affected, it causes the other one to try to compensate, a delicate balance of neurological control which is always seeking to maintain homeostasis.

Considering the effects of scars it is important to realize the following facts.  The size of the scar has no direct effect on the effect it may have on ANS function.  A small, seemingly insignificant scar may cause a great deal of harm as compared to a large scar which may have no effect on the individual.  So size has no bearing on the effects a scar may or may not cause.  Another important point of consideration is that a scar may be active for a protracted period of time, may be active spontaneously, may be inactive for years and suddenly, for no apparent reason, become active, and vice versa.  When the possibility of scars presents itself, it is important to check and correct the active scars as often as necessary until they no longer present as active.  Periodical checking is also a good idea because of the possibility of their becoming active again later in the future.

Topical application of wheat germ oil, wheat germ oil fortified, and sesame oil, whichever the scar tests for, often will inactivate a scar.  This may occur immediately or take several weeks to accomplish.  This method will be effective 60% of the time.  Cold laser application is another method of inactivating a scar.  This is done for a period of four minutes, usually done in the office but the practitioner can rent out a laser or have the patient buy one for home use.  It is effective 80% of the time.  The combination of laser and topical application is effective in inactivating scars 90% of the time.  The advanced clinical training modules outlines more advanced procedures for the treatment of scars should these procedures not effectively handle them.