WHAT EXACTLY IS FACE MAPPING?

Face Mapping is such a fascinating phenomenon. Ever wonder why certain areas of your face seem to break out more consistently than others? Well, according to Chinese medicine, the location of acne sites on your face may give you an indication of their underlying causes. Skin is certainly a reflection of your internal health (i.e. you are what you eat, etc.).

The mapping technique has been referenced for centuries as a means to gain insight about what our skin issues are telling us about our bodies. Note: In no way, shape or form should this mapping tool be used as a substitute for an professional medical opinion. The acne causes listed for each facial region are general guidelines and may not apply to everyone. And just because you break out on your forehead, doesn’t automatically mean there’s something wrong with your liver. Ok?

Now that we’ve gotten that out the way, let’s take a closer look into this, shall we?

THE ZONES

Zone 1 & 2: The forehead is connected to your digestive  system & bladder.

Zone 3:  Between your brows is connected to your liver.

Zone 4 & 5: Around your eyes is connected to Kidneys.

Zone 6: The nose is connected to the heart.

Zone 7 & 8: Your ears are connected with the kidneys.
Zone 9 & 10: Your cheeks are connected with your respiratory system.

Zone 11 & 12: Jaw area is connected with hormonal imbalances  and stress.

Zone 13: The center of the chin is connected to the stomach.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Source: Skinacea

Facial Region	Solution
Forehead Acne	Go to bed early (10pm) and wake up early (6am). Even if you can’t fall asleep, it’s good to relax so your liver can rest and be ready for work the next day. Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins. Drink less soda and carbonated beverages. 20-30 minutes of light exercise every day, especially outdoors. Practice relaxation techniques to worry less. Get enough sleep with a regular sleep schedule. Eat healthy foods, chewing thoroughly to improve your digestion. Reduce refined sugar in your diet. Keep a daily food diary to see if your acne is related to certain food groups (like dairy). Practice better hygiene (i.e. washing bangs and hair, cleaning hats). Check if shampoos, conditioners, and hair products are irritating skin.
Temples Zits	Eat less processed food, junk food, and fast food. Reduce the amount of unhealthy fat in your diet (healthy fats from avocado and fish are okay). Eat cooling foods like bitter melon, cucumbers, and gourds. Practice better hygiene, especially during the summer and if you wear makeup and/or sweat a lot.
Between the Brows Pimples	Exercise, but avoid overly strenuous exercise. Get more sleep. Avoid alcohol. Avoid smoking. Eat lighter foods and foods that are less “rich” (like butter and cheese). Avoid late night snacks.
Nose Pimples	Eat less pungent foods (spices, garlic, etc). Eat less meat. Eat less saltEat warm temperature foods (not too cold or hot). Get more fresh air. Exercise every day (like going for a walk). Massage the area around your nose for better circulation. Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin B.
Left Cheek Acne	Maintain a normal daily routine. Try to keep a positive mood. Eat more cooling foods such as gourds, winter melons, and green beans. Don’t overeat, especially junk food. Try to decompress and relax. The liver is the strongest from 1-3 AM. This is when you should be sleeping. The liver is weakest at 1-5 PM, so schedule difficult work for the morning. If you have to work in the afternoon, rest your eyes for 5 minutes every hour. Practice proper hygiene, especially if you live in a polluted city. Check laundry detergent for any irritating ingredients. Change pillowcases frequently if you sleep on this side of your face. Clean cell phones with rubbing alcohol. Lower left cheek acne could represent poor dental health, so keep your gums and teeth healthy by flossing and brushing regularly.
Right Cheek Acne	Avoid fast food and junk food. Avoid mango, taro root, wine, and seafood, or other foods you may be sensitive to. Eat less sugar. Get more fresh air. The lung is strongest at 7-9 AM. This is the best time for aerobic exercise. Practice proper hygiene, especially if you live in a polluted city. Check laundry detergent for any irritating ingredients. Change pillowcases frequently if you sleep on this side of your face. Clean cell phones with rubbing alcohol. Lower left cheek acne could represent poor dental health, so keep your gums and teeth healthy by flossing and brushing regularly.
Lip Area Zits	Eat more fiber. Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Eat less spicy and fried foods. Massage abdominal area in a clockwise motion. Change your toothpaste and/or chapstick.
Chin and Jaw Acne	Reduce the habit of eating before bed. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Get more rest. Get your hormones checked for imbalances. Get 20 minutes of exercise each day. Sleep early and wake up early, getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Reduce stress as much as possible (yoga, meditating, listening to music, writing in a journal, etc.). Massage your body for relaxation, particularly the abdomen. Practice proper hygiene. Check toothpaste, mouthwash, and chapstick. Drink spearmint tea. Take omega-3s to help regulate hormones.

Whether you’re a believer or not, one thing I’m sure we can all agree on is that how we care for our bodies internally, will reflect externally. And once again, please take this method with a grain of salt and do not hesitate to see a medical professional to further investigate reoccurring breakouts.