“Nightmares That Leave a Mark: Science Behind Sleep Bruising”

caulocare
4 days ago
4 min read

“When Spirits Leave Bruises: Folklore vs. Lab Tests” — **“You Wake Up with Bruises. Your Blood Might Be Crying for Help.”**

💠 Bruises from Beyond: Cross-Cultural Beliefs in Ghost Marks from Thailand, Europe, and Africa

Written by Dr. Phumlarp Caulo | Caulo Care Acupuncture

Unexplained bruises have long sparked fascination and fear across cultures. In many parts of the world—from Thai villages to European witch trials and African folklore—these mysterious marks on the skin are seen not merely as medical anomalies, but as signs of spiritual interference. Today, we revisit these global legends and juxtapose them with what modern science and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) reveal about this phenomenon.

🕯️ 1. Demonic Affliction: The Mark of the Unseen

In certain branches of Christianity—especially Catholicism and Pentecostalism—some believe demons can physically harm individuals, particularly those who open "spiritual gateways" through dark rituals, fortune-telling, or unconfessed sin.

Biblical references such as Luke 9:39 describe evil spirits violently afflicting children. Saint Padre Pio (1887–1968), a Catholic priest known for bearing the stigmata, also claimed to have suffered beatings from demonic forces that left bruises and injuries.

🔖 Reference: Bernard C. Ruffin, Padre Pio: The True Story, 1991.

🩸 2. The Witch’s Mark: European Trials and Bruised Allegiances

During the 15th–18th centuries, European witch trials—including the infamous Salem Witch Trials—associated unexplained bruises, scars, or bite marks with pacts made with the Devil. These were known as “Witch’s Marks” or “Devil’s Marks,” supposedly left during initiation rituals or by a demonic familiar.

🔖 Reference: Carol F. Karlsen, The Devil in the Shape of a Woman, 1998.

👻 3. Ghost Bites: The Shadowy Folk Belief in Asia and Africa

In Thai culture, such bruises are called “Phrai Yam” (พรายย้ำ)—said to be caused by female spirits of the deceased, such as Phrai (ghosts of pregnant women who died with child). The Royal Institute Dictionary defines Phrai Yam as a mark resembling a bruise or bite that appears overnight without pain or visible cause.

Similar beliefs exist in the Philippines, where the creature Aswang is blamed, and in African folklore, where sleeping individuals are believed to be bitten or touched by spirits during the night.

🔖 Reference: Gillian Bennett, Alas, Poor Ghost!: Traditions of Belief in Story and Discourse, 1999.

🛐 4. Spiritual Warfare and New Age Interpretations

Evangelical Christians sometimes interpret these bruises as signs of “spiritual warfare,” where malevolent entities clash with the believer’s body. Many practitioners caution against using tarot cards, visiting psychics, or engaging in occult practices, which are thought to leave one vulnerable to spiritual attacks during sleep.

🧬 Modern Medicine: Scientific Explanations Behind the Bruise

Biological Mechanism:A bruise (Ecchymosis) occurs when tiny capillaries under the skin rupture and leak blood into surrounding tissues. The color changes from red to purple, green, yellow, then brown as the hemoglobin breaks down into biliverdin, bilirubin, and hemosiderin.

Chemical Breakdown:

Hemoglobin → Red
Biliverdin → Green
Bilirubin → Yellow
Hemosiderin → Brownish

🔬 Relevant Lab Tests:

CBC (Complete Blood Count): Evaluates platelets, white, and red blood cells to detect disorders such as leukemia or dengue.
PT/INR: Measures blood clotting via the extrinsic pathway—affected in liver dysfunction or warfarin use.
aPTT: Checks intrinsic clotting factors; abnormalities may indicate Hemophilia.
Liver Function Tests: Evaluate enzymes like AST, ALT, and proteins such as albumin that influence clotting.
Vitamin C & K Levels: Deficiency causes fragile vessels or impaired coagulation.
Coagulation Factor Assays: Used in suspected inherited disorders like Hemophilia A or B.
Autoimmune Panels: ANA or antiphospholipid antibodies may point to SLE or related diseases.
Bone Marrow Biopsy (if needed): Performed in complex or recurrent cases with suspected blood cancers.

🧪 Common Clinical Causes:

Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count
Liver disease: Impaired clotting protein synthesis
Vitamin C deficiency (Scurvy)
Vitamin K deficiency
Medications: Aspirin, warfarin, steroids
Leukemia / Lymphoma

🌿 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Interpretation:

In TCM, bruises without trauma suggest underlying internal disharmony:

Yu Xue (瘀血 – Blood Stasis): Blood isn't circulating properly
Qi Xu (氣虛 – Qi Deficiency): Qi fails to move blood → fragile vessels
Pi Xu (脾虛 – Spleen Deficiency): Spleen fails to "hold" blood in the vessels
Cold Stagnation (寒凝): Cold causes blood to congeal and stagnate
Wind-Damp Invasion (風濕): May relate to joint pain with bruising

Key Organs Involved:

Spleen (脾): Governs blood containment
Liver (肝): Ensures smooth blood and Qi flow
Kidney (腎): Source of Essence and vessel integrity

🧠 Psychology Meets Pathophysiology

Science also considers:

Parasomnia or REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Unconscious movement or self-harm during sleep
Stress-induced bruising
Medications & nutritional deficiencies
Underlying hematologic or autoimmune diseases

🎯 Recommendations for Management:

Prioritize restful sleep
Avoid NSAIDs that impair clotting
Supplement with vitamin C and K-rich foods
Seek medical evaluation for recurrent or large bruises
Incorporate TCM support: herbal teas like ginger + safflower may help circulate blood

🔻 Final Reflection by Dr. Phumlarp Caulo:

Mysterious bruises—or “Phrai Yam”—may appear as marks of spirits, demons, or fate. But today, we know these can also reflect hidden imbalances in blood chemistry, immune dysfunction, or emotional turmoil.

In every culture, whether through the lens of medicine, mysticism, or spiritual protection, one message echoes: our body speaks when the balance between mind and form is disturbed.

So if such marks appear often, don’t fear the dark—seek the light of understanding. Healing lies in awareness, not avoidance.

Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LAc,MsAc,OM,DAHM,Pre-RN

Integrative Medicine Practitioner, bridging Eastern and Western Wisdom.

“Rooted in ancient wisdom, guided by modern science

On this page, we look back at history so you can move forward with health.

I believe in Mother of the Earth, the timeless healer of body and soul.”

This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.

Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.

A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.

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