When the skin is impacted by an object, especially a hard one, a temporary discoloration of the skin results that is known as a bruise. Very small blood vessels beneath the skin called capillaries are damaged and leak blood into the surrounding tissue. The skin itself is not usually ruptured but instead it turns an interesting array of colors including red, blue, purple, black, yellow, and green. What then is the secret behind the ability to stop bruising altogether or being able to lessen the effects of a bruise?