A reader is eager for any thoughts and suggestions on adhesions – internal scar tissue that forms an abnormal bond between two parts of the body after trauma.  She has tried taking serrapeptase, a proteolytic enzyme, but after a short period she started losing her hair.  “This stopped when I stopped taking the serrapeptase and started again when I took it,” she says.  Has anyone else had a similar experience, she asks?  Can readers recommend any other natural remedies for adhesions?

Several readers say homeopathy would be able to deal with this problem effectively, although it may take some time.  Claire suggests trying the remedy Thios (in a low potency), while Sue recommends a trip to a qualified homeopath, who will be able to address the initial trauma that caused the condition.  Consult the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths (www.a-r-h.org) to find a practitioner in your area, she advises.

Another idea is reflexology, an ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure-point massage (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body.  Diane, who suffered from pain-causing adhesions for years, was so impressed with the results after reflexology treatment that she decided to become a practitioner herself.

Visceral therapy – a different kind of massage technique – may also help.  It uses manual touch to release restrictions in the body's organ systems (lungs, heart, spleen, intestines, bladder, pancreas, etc.) and, according to Helen, is very effective at treating adhesions.  Mayan massage – based on ancient Mayan techniques – is another suggestion.  Linda, who had a number of abdominal adhesions, saw great results using this traditional therapy in combination with homeopathy.

If these treatments don’t work for you, you could try something called Adverse Neural Tension Stretches, a system of precise, graduated exercises developed by Australian David Butler.  According to Susana, this technique can be helpful for adhesions as it mobilises nerves that have become restricted as a result of inflammation or scarring.  The stretches are principally administered by a physiotherapist trained in the technique, but there are also exercises that the patient can do independently, says Susana.

Other do-it-yourself treatments you can try at home are yarrow tea, Epsom salt baths and castor oil hot packs.  To make a castor oil pack, soak some cotton in castor oil then place it on the area to be treated.  Cover the pack with some plastic wrap and place a hot water bottle on top.  Leave the pack on for 30-60 minutes and use daily.  The same pack can be used for several weeks. 

E-news broadcast 1 May 2007 No. 355