Face Mapping – How to Read Your Skin From Within

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 color, texture and appearance.   

HOW TO READ YOUR FACE AND WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. 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
• Try kombucha and kefir 
• Chew food well to improve digestion
• Practice 30 minutes of light exercise every day – outdoors is particularly beneficial. 
• Practice relaxation or meditation techniques for 20 minutes each day
• Keep a daily food diary to see if breakouts are related to diet
• Make sure hair products are not irritating the hairline 

2. EARS AND TEMPLES – GALBLADDER & 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.

3. 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 

4. 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 doctor recommended supplement.   

5. RIGHT CHEEK – LUNGS AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Related 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 7-9am 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 

6. 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 1-3am so this is when you should be sleeping
• The liver is weakest at 1-5pm so make your workload easier at this time
• 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

7. 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 fiber by including more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Avoid spicy and fried foods
• Massage the abdominal area in a clockwise motion
• Incorporate dry brushing
• Use a natural and organic toothpaste and lip balm 

8. 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 fiber to improve stomach health. 

CHECKLIST

• Reduce the habit of eating before bed
• Avoid hydrogenated fats and processed sugar
• Eat plenty of fiber 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 for toxins 
• Drink spearmint and peppermint tea  

9. 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, heavy metals, and others.