Question:
I've heard and read many times now that massaging bruises and varicose veins is a big no-no, among other things I can't think of at the moment, but never once have I read any reason why? Is there even a reason for this? Is there some basis that I've missed somewhere along the line, or is it just a big taboo thing to do.

Answer: -I don't know about varicose veins, but I heard that it is good to massage a bruise right after it has been gotten (keeps down the swelling or some such). I don't know if this is true or not. I'd be interested if anyone has more info on this question, too.

-There are sound physiological reasons for each. For bruises, it's because the cells are aligning themselves and repairing the damage done to the tissues; if you dislodge them, then they healing process has to start over again. For varicose veins, the danger is that tiny clots may have formed in the veins. If you were to dislodge one and set it free in the circu- latory system, it could be very dangerous to the client. Avoiding massage of those local areas is advised to prevent either problem. -Also, for problems which are hard to deal with by touch, the Chinese paradigm does include a pretty detailed system for combining herbs to promote wound healing and breaking up the stagnating factors in the blood which Sioban says accompanies varicose veins. -I'll see if there are any combinations in particular that are particularly used for varicose veins - I'm not sure off the top of my head, but they seem like something which would be termed a mild blood stagnation and treated with the herbs indicated for mobilizing blood.