The expression “It’s written all over your face,” is taken literally in Chinese medicine and ayurvedic teachings. According to these ancient medicinal values, face mapping can reveal vital information about overall health. Although not backed by scientific research, face mapping associates areas of the skin with particular underlying conditions.
Chinese medicine and ayurvedic teachings
Chinese medicine and ayurvedic teachings view the body as a whole, instead of many different pieces. Followers of the practice believe that organs and bodily fluids work together in harmony to sustain a healthy individual. These teachings go back as far as 2500 B.C., and continue to be taught by many today.
The basic belief is this: When one organ is not functioning at full capacity, the rest suffer and show signs of distress. For example, if a person experiences breakouts between the eyes, they may be a symptom of a liver problem. Stress on the body is not limited to physical ailments, but also spiritual and mental health imbalances.
What is Chinese face mapping?
Chinese face mapping can be described as the roadmap to your health. Points — or areas of concern — on your face are connected to organs in your body. Points may include wrinkles or blemishes. Lines in the skin may represent long-term stress on the body, while breakouts may indicate short-term stress. The belief is that by treating the internal organ’s stress, the external body will show healthy, clear skin. Below is a breakdown of the areas of the face where a breakout may happen and the organ to which it is linked, plus recommended treatments for the underlying cause.
The forehead is linked to the bladder (from the upper forehead) and the intestines (lower forehead). Treatments might include:
- Increase water consumption to flush out toxins
- Increase fiber in diet
- Keep a food journal to link breakouts caused by certain foods
- Wash face with organic soap infused with green tea
The eyebrows are linked to the kidneys and adrenal glands and treatments could include:
- Avoid alcohol
- No smoking
- Maintain a healthy sleep schedule
The eyes (and the space in-between the eyes) are linked to the liver and treatments can include:
- Avoid alcohol
- Increase consumption of foods which detox the liver: garlic, grapefruit, green tea, et cetera
- Check for hepatitis
- Avoid late night snacking
The space under the eyes is linked to the kidneys and treatments might include:
- If eyes are puffy, there is possible fluid retention
- Darker under-eyes indicate a need for an increase in water consumption
The nose is linked to the lung and treatments can include:
- Check with your doctor if you have asthma, bronchitis or allergies
- Cut back on spicy food
The cheeks are also linked to the lungs and treatments might include:
- If issue is the right cheeck: aerobic and breathing exercises early in the morning, cut back on sugar intake
- If it's the left cheeck: avoid strenuous work around 5 p.m., increase “cool foods” such as melons and cucumbers
- Wash face with an organic calendula soap
The mouth is linked to the stomach and large intestine. Treatments can include:
- Avoid spicy foods, wines, fried foods and sugary treats
- Increase fruits, vegetables and fiber
The chin is linked to the reproductive organs (hormones) and treatments can include:
- Check hormone levels with a physician
- Drink spearmint tea
- Take omega-3 supplements
- Decrease stress
Audrey Lefebvre R.N. specializes in Integrative Medicine, incorporating traditional and holistic care. Audrey holds over 5 years of experience in direct patient care and 4 years in holistic practice. Audrey loves writing about natural and organic topics; including natural skincare regimens and alternative ways to improve our lifestyle.