We don’t often talk about the role of scar tissue when it comes to birth trauma and recovery.

Episiotomies, perineal tears and caesarean births will cause scar tissue. Though scars are a crucial process of skin wound healing, it unfortunately interferes with various physiological functions, such as circulation, nerve impulses and lymphatic drainage. Scarred areas can become numb or in contrast cause pain, with many women reporting sexual pain post childbirth.

Castor oil massage and compresses are renowned for its positive benefits on scar tissue remediation. Castor oil (derived from the plant Ricinus communis) has a long global history for its use in midwifery amongst other applications, and has a profound impact on softening scar tissue, especially when combined with physical manipulation.

I personally healed the perineal sinus infection with a potent combination of peristeaming (vaginal steaming) and scar tissue remediation (under the guidance of STREAM practitioner Jotara Watson of @‌thriveformothers). Peristeaming softens scar tissue internally, castor oil massage and compresses remodels scar adhesions both internally and externally.

@‌ellenheed is the mastermind behind STREAM (stands for Scar Tissue Remediation, Education And Management) and is a global pioneer advocating for the role of scar tissue in long term health and vitality. Ellen is the only person who named my condition, when local medical specialists could not. She is truly a gem.

Though I am not a STREAM practitioner, I always recommend self-administered castor oil therapy to my postpartum clients. Another wonderful treatment is scar-bridging, a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practice useful for my c-section mamas. You can contact @‌hannahsutton.chinesemedicine to have this done locally.

If you suffer from scar tissue pain, feel free to reach out to me or the other wonderful practitioners mentioned in this post.

In service to your health and vitality,

Sanjukta xx