While sophisticated MRI and X-Ray
machines leave little to the imagination, they haven't been around that long.
Human disease and disorders, however, precede them by millennia. Instead,
ancient medical practitioners have used nuanced observational diagnoses to
quickly narrow down symptoms to specific imbalances within the body and help
prevent or correct future disease.
The same techniques can still be used
today to read the skin on your face to help determine what's causing flare-ups
or blemishes. "Face mapping," an ancient practice rooted in Ayurvedic
teaching, connects a point on your face to an organ or body part so you know
what to treat internally for clear external results.
Here are 10 areas your face may be breaking
out or experiencing an issue, and what they say about your health:
01. Forehead..
Might mean: Gallbladder and liver
issues..
According to Ayurveda, the forehead
is ruled by the Vata dosha and relates to the nervous system and digestive
system, meaning stress and internal stagnation are probably causing breakouts
here. Try reducing the amount of processed foods and fat in your diet sure to
eat less processed foods, while incorporating meditation and yoga to keep stress low.
02. Between eyebrows, right side..
Might mean: Repressing emotions in
your liver..
It’s apparent to most that deep
seated anxiety would cause your lovely face to wrinkle up, but understanding
the line pattern can help you understand where you might be holding stress and
which of your organs may consequently be most at risk. If you have a vertical
line between your eyebrows on the right side, it indicates you're repressing
emotions — especially anger — in your liver.
03. Between eyebrows, left side..
Might mean: Repressing emotions in
the spleen..
A line on the left side indicates
that emotions are likely penned up in the spleen.
04. Eyes..
Might mean: Joint problems,
intestinal issues, thyroid problems..
Eyes can be particularly telling:
Small irises point to joint problems and an increased whiteness in the iris can
indicate that joints are in a degenerative state. A spotty iris can mean poor
nutrient absorption in the intestine. If you observe a light ring around the
iris, cut back on your sugar and salt intake as this indicates that you have an
excess of both. A yellowish color in the eye can indicate a weak liver.
05. Below eyes..
Might mean: Impaired kidney function..
Puffiness and swollen lower eyelids
indicate impaired kidney function.Increasing water intake will help, as will
measures that kindle the body’s digestive fire, such as adding more spices to
your food and making sure to chew your food well. (Ayurveda recommends chewing
each morsel nearly 30 times before swallowing!)
06. Cheeks..
Might mean: Slow metabolism, low
absorption of nutrients, lung issues..
Patchiness or discoloration on the
cheeks can indicate poor metabolism and low absorption of nutrients, such as
folic acid and iron. Additionally, cheeks are linked to lung function (think
about how red your face gets during a strenuous workout that has you breathing
hard), so pay attention to the quality of your breath and consider breathing exercises.
Not based in Ayurveda, but it's
important to note that acne on the cheeks might be caused by a dirty cellphone
and pillowcases, or a tendency to touch your face a lot. Make sure to keep your
hands away from your face, and accessories and sheets clean.
07. Nose..
Might mean: Blood and heart issues..
Because the cheeks and nose are
governed by the Pitta dosha (the fire element), it's no surprise that breakouts
here indicate an internal flare up. The nose is closely related to your
circulatory system, so if you find yourself breakout out there, it might
indicate a blood pressure issue. Up the amounts of essential fatty acids in
your diet (avocado, flax, olive oil), and avoid alcohol, coffee and spicy
foods.
08. Lower lip..
Might mean: Intestines, digestions..
Your lower lip can provide key
insights into the functioning of your intestines. Browns spots can mean you may
be suffering from indigestion and poor enzyme function, as well as a
possibility of parasites or worms in the lower intestine. Adding more probiotics to your diet may help.
Pale lips are often the first sign of
anemic onset, so increase your intake of leafy greens and other iron-rich
foods. If you’re noticing a distinct bluish tinge on your lips, it may indicate
poor oxygen absorption — possibly even a heart condition — and if you’re
experiencing breathlessness that goes with it, you definitely want to follow up
with your doctor. Finally, discoloration on the lower lip could indicate a
possible disorder in the intestines, while discolorations on the edges of your
lips may indicate a kidney issue.
09. Tongue..
Might mean: Toxin buildup, lung
issues..
Your tongue is the first place many
internal disorders will show up, so you'll want to inspect it every day
(preferably in the mornings). Circular white residue in the middle or the back
of the tongue indicates a build up of toxins in the intestines or colon,
meaning it might be time for a detox.
Frothiness or abrasions at the edges
of your tongue indicate a possible issue with the lungs, meaning aerobic
exercise and meditation are especially important for you. If you find the outer
edge of your tongue looking ridged or uneven, that would indicate poor
absorption of nutrients into your blood stream. This could be happening because
you’re eating too many processed foods, and sometimes even due to the overuse
of vitamins (counterintuitive, I know!). Focus on clean, whole foods high in
vitamins, iron and folic acids.
10. Chin..
Might mean: Hormonal imbalance..
Your chin is most likely where
hormonal imbalances and stress will make themselves known, which means you're
more likely to break out there around your menstrual cycle. Reducing stress as
much as possible, getting adequate sleep and exercising will help heal
blemishes around this Kapha dosha-ruled area.
