In Chinese Medicine, there’s a map of the body on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. You can use needles and pressure on points to help stimulate and support internal organs. But did you know that the face also reveals much about the state of your health and any imbalances or illnesses? Facial mapping is a fantastic way to assess and establish healthful practices and routines to support you on your journey to achieving or maintaining wellness. Here are a few things we look for, what they can mean and how to facilitate healing.
Acne
“Aren’t we done with this?” Acne is associated with being a teenager, and yet, here we are. This unpleasant condition sheds light on several concerns depending on where it shows up. Think of it more like a clue or a hint. For example, jawline acne corresponds to a hormonal imbalance of the liver and gallbladder. Acne on the cheeks is linked with digestive imbalances and dampness of the spleen/stomach. By adjusting our diets and hydration, we often can reduce or rid ourselves of this unwanted visitor.
Colour changes
Colour changes, like increased redness, indicate heat in the body, purplish/blue/black indicate “stasis” or lack of blood flow to the area, pale or dull skin indicates lack of nourishment and poor assimilation of nutrients by the digestive system.
Dehydration
When the skin on your face is dry, it indicates a lack of proper water metabolism in the body. This can be due to either blockage of flow or lack of hydration to the body's cells. Is your skin tight, dry, peeling or cracked? You might want to double down on your water intake. Drinking plenty of water is vital to cell hydration, rejuvenating your skin and flushing out toxins.
Greasy Skin
Excess dampness indicates a sticky substance that can block both energetic flow, circulation and properly functioning water metabolism that usually occurs through the body. Dampness is generated by dietary intake. Certain foods should be avoided or consumed in limited quantities. These foods to avoid are dairy, alcohol, spicy foods, greasy foods and refined carbohydrates. Foods that lack fibre and nutrients slow digestion and negatively affect your balanced blood sugar levels.
Puffiness
Puffiness, which can frequently occur around the eyes, indicates kidney weakness and overuse. It can also suggest that the kidney is overburdened from toxicity. In Chinese Medicine, the kidneys control how water metabolism is distributed throughout the body. To counteract this, you want to explore and possibly reduce your sugar intake and, again, drink more water.
Healthy Skin 101
By using food as medicine and counterbalancing symptoms, you can enjoy incredible skin health. Think about clearing heat, taming redness and nourishing moisture with a rainbow of vegetables, green juices and plenty of water and clear hydration (herbal or green tea) to nourish our cells and detoxify our bodies. Facial mapping also pairs well with the benefits of daily Gua Sha and Facial Cupping. These selfcare, awareness and self-love practices release and relax tension, sharing insights about where your body could use more attention. When your skin acts up, be curious. There is always something to learn.
