FACE MAPPING: These common skin defects will tell you all about your internal health
NordenBladet – Did you know that our face tells a lot about our internal health? Face mapping*, an ancient technique in Chinese medicine, gives an insight into internal health and what can be done or changed in our daily lives in order to improve it.
What your skin defects say about your health?
The face and skin tell a lot about physical and emotional health. Clear skin is indicative of a healthy human, and any skin defect gives clues to the medical problems that are going on within the body.
Dark Circles and Bags Under the Eyes
Puffiness under the eyes is a common sign of aging, and it is typically harmless. Namely, the tissues and muscles under the eyes weaken with age, forming mild swelling and causing the lids to appear fluffy.
Other issues that might contribute to dark circles include water retention, allergies, dermatitis and lack of sleep.  It might be indicative of kidney-related problems, as this part of the eye is associated with the kidneys, according to Chinese medicine.
Forehead Acne
The forehead is linked to digestion. Specifically, the upper forehead is linked to the bladder while the lower forehead is linked to the intestines. Acne on the forehead or large amount of lines on the forehead might indicate that your digestive system is having difficulties processing the food that you consume.
Thinning of Eyebrows and Eyelashes
Eyebrows are related to the adrenal glands, so any lines stemming from the start of the eyebrows are associated with adrenal stress. In addition, thinning of the eyebrows and eyelash is indicative of stress linked to the adrenal glands.
Red Nose
There are many blood vessels on the nose and their expansion often leads to discoloration. The expansion can be caused by respiratory stress, sinus problems, and allergies.  According to Chinese medicine, the nose is associated to the lungs, so any sinus problems often take their toll on the lungs.
Butterfly Rash on the Cheeks
A small rash on the face is typically a result of bad selection of cosmetic products, excessive consumption of sweets, or climate change. Once you eliminate the provoking product, the rash disappears. However, if the rash persists for an extended period of time and spreads over the cheeks, it may be indicative of lupus. Other symptoms of lupus include fatigue, joint pain, chest pain, and fever.
Cracked Lips
While cracked lips which are result of exposure to sun are normal, cracking and dry lips are also associated with gastric/ stomach stress, according to Chinese medicine.
Acne Breakout on the Chin
The chin is linked with the reproductive organs, so a breakout on the chin if often a result of menstrual cycle. Therefore, there is no need to freak out, ladies!
Excess Hair on the Face
Excess hair is hereditary for most people. However, for some people it is the result of a condition known as hirsutism. The chin is linked with the reproductive organs in ancient Chinese medicine, which means that excess hair on the face could be indicative of a hormone imbalance or a hormonal change in life, such as pregnancy, post-childbirth, or menopause.
____________________________________
* Face mapping or reading, traditionally stems from ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Back in the day, it was used as a diagnostic tool for prominent leaders and scholars. They believed that the face represented the fortune, health and energy of a person and that by closely examining the condition of the skin and facial shape, like a sleuth you could suss out a person’s character including their physical, mental and emotional state. You could also have the necessary tools and requirements to change your fate and direction.
Face mapping and reading is a lot deeper than just the epidermis and is way more involved than just being concerned about aging.
The face is divided into three main zones – upper, middle and lower. Any malfunctions within the organs and the systems – immune, excretory, endocrine, digestive, circulatory, nervous and respiratory – will show up on the face in the form of breakouts, redness, dryness or irritation.
It’s believed that if the energy of a person was optimal, the complexion would be clear and in good condition. Any malfunctioning or illness would be reflected by a change in colour, texture and appearance.
A brief overview of how to read your face and what you can do:
Forehead – Bladder and Intestines
The upper part of the forehead reflects the bladder, and the lower part, the intestines and digestion. Issues in this area could relate to constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and urinary tract infections.
Checklist:
Change sleep cycle, this is ideal for your liver. Ideally go to bed regularly before 10pm and wake up early around 6am
Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins
Eliminate alcohol or consume less
Eliminate sugar and carbonated beverages
Eat more raw food and take prebiotics and probiotics – think kimchi, sauerkraut
Digestive enzymes may be required with meals
Drink kombucha and kefir
Chew food well to improve digestion
Practice 30 minutes of light exercise every day – outdoors is particularly beneficial. Yin Yoga is ideal.
Practice relaxation or meditation techniques for 20 minutes each day
Keep a daily food diary to see if break outs relate to breakouts
Make sure hair products are not irritating the hairline
Ears and Temples – Kidneys
Dehydration, poor lymphatic circulation. When the kidneys are involved, it indicates a deeper level of aging and stress. Nourish the kidneys with proper hydration.
Checklist:
Drink plenty of water – add a squeeze of lime or lemon
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Eliminate sweetened and caffeinated beverages
Make the salt switch from processed table salt to sea salt
Cooling foods like cucumbers and melon are ideal
Eliminate processed food, fast food and junk food
Practice better skin hygiene – cleanse regularly especially during summer and when perspiring.
Between the Brows – Liver and stomach
Too much boozing, fatty liver, diseases like hepatitis, jaundice, gallbladder problems and dehydration could show up here. Acne in this area can also be the result of eating too late at night, especially heavy, fatty foods. Flaking and dry skin are linked to dehydration and overworked kidneys. The liver is working too hard to remove toxins from consumption and pollution.
Checklist:
Exercise, but avoid overly strenuous exercise that can be heating
Yoga is ideal and brisk walking
Get more sleep 7-8 hours
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Eat lighter foods and cut back on dairy and red meat
Avoid late night snacks
Get plenty of fresh air
Nose & Upper Cheek – Heart and Cardiovascular system
Acne and oiliness can be connected to circulation, blood pressure and cholesterol. Skin conditions like rosacea tend to show up in this zone. Indoor and outdoor air pollution, bad circulation, and high blood pressure can all play havoc with this area of the face. Maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Checklist:
Increase cayenne, garlic, and reishi mushroom
Increase green tea and chlorella
Eat less pungent foods
Eat less meat and salt
Eat temperate foods that are not too hot or cold
Get more exercise and fresh air every single day
Massage the area around your nose to improve circulation
Check vitamin B levels and maybe take a practitioner recommended supplement.
Right Cheek – Lungs and respiratory system
Relate to issues with sinuses and allergies. Pollution, smoking, and asthma will damage this part of the skin. Get plenty of exercise, stay away from pollution, and stop smoking.
Checklist:
The lung meridian is strongest at 7-9 AM so this is the ideal time for cardio exercise
Drink lots of green vegetable juices including dark leafy greens kale, cucumber, celery
Drink lots of water with lemon
Avoid fast food and junk food and hydrogenated fats
Avoid sugar, mango, taro root, wine, and seafood or other foods you may be sensitive to
Get more fresh air
Use a toxin free and fragrance free laundry detergent
Change pillow cases frequently and ideally sleep on a silk pillowcase
Clean cell phones regularly
Practice proper cleansing hygiene, especially if you live in a polluted city
Left Cheek – Liver and stomach
Exposure to air pollution and smoke, gum issues or inflammation in the mouth or tooth sockets. Lower left cheek acne could represent dental health, so have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months and keep your gums and teeth healthy by flossing and brushing after you eat.
Checklist:
Maintain a normal daily routine
Keep a positive mood by practicing meditation and relaxation techniques for 20 minutes each day
Eat more cooling foods such cucumber, melons, and green beans
Don’t overeat and avoid processed and junk foods
The liver is the strongest from 1-3 AM so this is when you should be sleeping
The liver is weakest at 1-5 PM so make your workload easier at this time
Rest your eyes by palming them for 5 minutes every hour if you work in the afternoons
Practice proper cleansing hygiene, especially if you live in a polluted city
Use a toxin free and fragrance free laundry detergent
Change pillow cases frequently and ideally sleep on a silk pillowcase
Clean cell phones regularly
Mouth & Lip Area – Endocrine system
Breakouts are associated with hormonal imbalances and issues. Menstrual problems or increased stress levels will trigger the release of cortisol.
Checklist:
Consider food sensitivities and toxic build up
Eat more fibre by including more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet
Avoid spicy and fried foods
Massage the abdominal area in a clockwise motion
Use a natural and organic toothpaste and lip balm
Jawline and Chin – Stomach, kidney and reproductive organs
Pimples in the middle of the chin are associated with the digestive system. Eating too much fat and sweet food can cause problems in this area as well as excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption. Try to maintain a balanced diet and eat plenty of fruits and demulcent fibre (chia, marshmallow, slippery elm, aloe vera) to improve stomach health.
Checklist:
Reduce the habit of eating before bed
Avoid hydrogenated fats and processed sugar
Eat plenty of fibre from fresh fruit and vegetables
Get adequate rest and nap during the day if possible
Reduce stress as much as possible by practicing yoga and meditation
Get 20 minutes of exercise each day
Sleep early and wake up early and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night
Massage your body for relaxation, particularly the abdomen
Practice proper hygiene
Check toothpaste, mouthwash and lip products
Drink spearmint and peppermint tea
Neck – Thyroid
Good cholesterol production from saturated fats is the precursor of your most important hormones. Eating the wrong foods, being under artificial lights and disconnected from nature can disturb healthy hormone levels and balance.
Checklist:
Get fresh air and avoid artificial lights
Eat grass fed meat and avoid hormone injected meat
Increase saturated fats like organic ghee
Drink adequate water
Sun gazing every day in the early morning barefoot on the grass or sand is beneficial for grounding
Get your hormones checked for imbalances
Take omega 3 supplement to help regulate hormones
Take vitamin D and magnesium supplements both are needed for proper hormone function
Avoid hormone disrupting chemicals like phthalates
Look also:
Featured image: Pexels/Marco Lima
High quality & nature friendly luxury cosmetics from Scandinavia - ElishevaShoshana.com
