A bruise is caused when small blood vessels under the skin are damaged by a trauma of some sort, and blood leaks into the surrounding tissue and becomes trapped. As the pooled blood eventually dissipates, the message could be related to allowing a particular situation or some other trauma to settle down, and resolve itself. Somethings just need a little time to heal.
When a trauma damages capillaries and interrupts the natural flow of blood, it could be a message about being suddenly thrown off track, having to find a new path, and feeling overwhelmed as the choices aren’t clear. When the normal pathway is no longer available, bruises could indicate that you are being redirected in some way. You may need to take a different approach.
Bruises are connected to the cardiovascular system which is related to passion, conditional love and being on the right path in life. They are also associated with the muscular system which draws attention to being pulled in two directions and divided loyalties. You could be pulled in two directions as you walk on one path when you would prefer to be on another. You may lack passion and drive for what appears on your pathway through life and be looking for a way around it. You may be trying to avoid something, that sooner or later you will have to face up to; delaying the inevitable.
Where the bruise appears on the body adds further information. A bruised ankle or hips suggest relationships, money or power games. On the leg, a bruise could be related to walking a path you would prefer not to be on, or on the arm, about giving too much or reaching out.
For other alternative ideas and concepts see my book Holistic Reflexology, the eight principles and Wisdom in Retrospect. Downloads are available on the website. Follow the links to purchase printed copies.