Most people like the bruises that result from BDSM activites, the medals of submission, however some people have occupations where visible bruising would cause awkward questions or perhaps their BDSM relationship is hidden from a vanilla partner. In such cases it is desiraable for visible bruising to be kept to a minimum.

What Is A Bruise?
Bruising is caused by physical trauma that damages the capillaries located under the skin. The capillaries bleed and the characteristic bluish-black mark on the skin is this blood spreading through the body tissue. These dark marks will lighten in colour and eventually fade as the blood is absorbed by the tissues and carried away.

How To Reduce Bruising

:: Physical ::
Warming Up : Hitting an area "cold" can cause heavy bruising . To reduce bruising it is a good idea to warm up the target area before caning or beating. This can be done using a light weight flogger or with over-the-knee spanking, etc. Once the target area has a warm rosy glow it is ready for play. To reduce the likelihood of bruising even further repeat the warm-up procedure, using a flogger or spanking after play. This will help to dissipate the concentrations of blood that create bruises.

Older Bruises : Sometimes bruises take their time to fade away. This can be speeded up by rapidly tapping the bruise with your hand or fingertips as often as possible or take a long hot bath. Both methods have the effect of loosening the stale, trapped blood and allowing it to be absorbed into the surrounding tissue.

:: Diet ::
Eat foods high in bioflavonoids, originally called Vitamin P. A bioflavonoids primary job is to protect the capillaries, keep them strong and to prevent bleeding. Bioflavonoids are also anti-inflammatory. Lemons, green peppers, broccoli and rose hips are good sources of bioflavonoids. If taking bioflavonoid supplements, for the best absorption into the body, take with Vitamin C.



:: Pharmaceutical ::
Lasolin Ointment and Hirudoid Cream

The active ingredient in both these products is Heparinoid. Heparinoid is a substance similar to heparin (an anticoagulant made from beef lung). It improves the blood supply to the skin when applied as an ointment to reduce bruising and inflammation. Extrenal use only

Use with caution on
Broken skin or open wounds
Infected wounds or ulcers
Large areas of skin
Lining of the body's cavities (mucous membranes)

:: Herbal ::
Arnica Montana , also known as Mountain Daisy, Leopard's Bane, Wolf's Bane and Mountain Tobacco, is an effective herbal remedy for bruises. It is best applied topically, that is to say applied externally and directly onto the area that requires the treatment.

It is known that areas of the body that take a regular beating eventually stop showing the discolouration caused by bruising, but the tenderness or soreness of the bruise can still be felt. Arnica's anti-inflammatory properties help to ease these symptoms.

There are many arnica creams, gels and other ointments and these are available from chemists and health shops. Avoid overuse as the cream base will moisturise the area and overuse will soften and possibly weaken the skin for future canings.

St. Johns Wort can be used externally. Either add a few drops of tincture to an organic oil or cream and gently apply to the bruised area or apply a few drops of the tincture directly to the skin and allow to soak in. An infusion can be used to bathe wounds, skin sores and bruises.

Comfrey is among the oldest herbal remedies for skin problems. Poultices of the fresh leaves are a traditional home remedy for sprains, bruises and cuts. Comfrey not only promotes the healing of tissue and bone, but at the same time reduces swelling, effectively speeding up the healing process. Comfrey's healing powers have been attributed to its high content of allantoin, a substance that promotes the growth of tissue, bone and cartilage. Do not take internally as it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds that are toxic to the liver.

Cabbage has traditionally been used for medical purposes as well as for cooking. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and contains chemicals which can prevent cancer. Applied to bruises and swelling, macerated cabbage leaves will encourage healing .

Parsley is a common garden herb, rich in vitamins and therapeutic properties. Parsley has the ability to shrink small blood vessels and is helpful in treating piles, broken or thread veins and bruising. Crush a handful of parsley and apply to bruised area. Repeat regularly with the fresh herb and the leaves will clear up the black-and-blue marks in a few days.

Witch hazel is an astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It disperses the blood and encourages healing. Bathing the area with witch hazel can cause a stinging sensation that wears off in a short time but it can also leave enduring red marks in areas where the skin has been scuffed or broken.




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