Bruises
Also termed ecchymosis, a bruise is a black-and-blue mark that is
externally visible and is the result of congealed blood that has
escaped from the capillaries and surrounding blood vessels. This
is usually because of some form of impact or trauma to the affected
area, but can also result from poisoning by certain agents that
affect capillary integrity. In the latter case, this protocol should
not be used.
In and of themselves, bruises are not dangerous; however, the resultant
blood stagnation can lead to longer-term congestive symptoms if
the trauma is not addressed; additionally, there is often pain and
inflammation in the bruised area which should be alleviated to ensure
the tissues heal properly.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Reduce bruising, inflammation, and pain by stimulating
circulation (and therefore waste removal) from the affected area
using primarily topical rubefacients and hot/cold therapy.
Primary Treatment:
· Immediately following the injury, if possible, apply ice
for 5 minutes. Reapply after one hour.
· Apply external applications of Arnica montana (Arnica),
by infused oil, liniment, gel or cream (the last two are most often
homeopathic preparations, 8% of 1X Arnica in a gel or cream base).
Repeat every hour for the first day.
Supportive Treatment:
· Apply warm compresses of Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)
following the application of ice.
· Internally administer homeopathic dilution of Arnica, 6X
to 30C, as directed on the label.
· Internally administer a warm infusion of Filipendula ulmaria
(Meadowsweet), 1 pint twice daily
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· If bruising occurs on the back, pelvis, abdomen, chest
or head (anywhere, that is, other than the arms and legs), internal
organs may have also been affected by the injury. If a bruise occurs
on the head, a concussion or skull fracture may also be present.
Assess any organ involvement through a physical exam and monitor
organ function over the next 24 hours. If unsure, refer the client
to a qualified healthcare provider.
· If bruising occurs for no apparent reason (i.e., an injury
cannot be recalled), there may be an underlying weakness in the
cardiovascular system that can be addressed through tonification
and diet, especially through the use of anthocyanidin-rich herbs
and foods (hawthorn, blueberries, green tea, chocolate, for example).
· Always consider the possiblity of abuse in a pattern of
injury.
