ARE YOU IN YOUR ‘THIS IS ME’ ERA?
It’s 2024 and you’re very much in your ‘this is me..take me for who I am’ era! Well we certainly can appreciate that, in fact..we celebrate it! Be you, be open, be authentic! We want to empower the most authentic you and domino effect that across your friends, family..whoever is around you. Where is this going you might be thinking?..Consider your most authentic self, zero cover ups or touch ups, messy hair, breakouts and all- this is where we want you to feel the most comfortable.
Let’s start with some knowledge…because knowledge is what? POWER
Forget google it’s simpler than you think! The Chinese medicine acne face map is a centuries-old practice that originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is based on the belief that acne and other skin conditions are not merely a result of external factors but also reflect the internal health of the body.
According to TCM, each area of the face is connected to a specific organ or body system. The location of acne breakouts can indicate underlying health issues.
The practice of Chinese face mapping involves interpreting the location, size, and type of acne on the face to identify the corresponding organ or body system that may be imbalanced.
For instance, acne on the forehead may indicate issues with the digestive system, while acne on the cheeks may indicate respiratory problems.
By understanding the acne face map, people can gain insight into their health issues and take appropriate measures to address them.
So What Are The Key Takeaways?
- The Chinese medicine acne face map is a practice that originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is based on the belief that acne reflects the internal health of the body.
- Chinese face mapping involves interpreting the location, size, and type of acne on the face to identify the corresponding organ or body system that may be imbalanced.
- While Chinese face mapping is not scientifically proven, it can help individuals take a holistic approach to their skin health and identify the root cause of their skin issues.
Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine and Acne
Be comfortable in your own skin they say! Comfort also comes from understanding. So let's get understanding why breakouts happen. Do you ever wonder why breakouts can pop up in the same area of your face time and time again…that one painful chin spot that screams hello every month, or the clusters partying on your darn forehead every week?
Well…In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the skin is considered a reflection of the body's internal health. According to TCM principles, blemishes on the skin, including acne, are a result of imbalances in the body's internal organs and energy flow.
Principles of TCM and Skin Health
TCM views the body as a complex system (don’t we know it!) of interconnected parts, where each organ plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. The principles of TCM focus on achieving balance and harmony within the body, which is essential for healthy skin.
TCM practitioners believe that the skin is nourished by the blood and Qi (vital energy) that flows through the body's meridians. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, it can lead to imbalances in the body, resulting in skin problems such as acne.
Role of Face Mapping in Diagnosing Acne
At this point you're probably thinking …this is a lot! But again understanding the role your internal places on the external will help you along your acne-journey. So let’s get into face mapping and how on earth it can help on this bumpy ride!
Chinese Face Mapping, also known as Mien Shiang, is a practice that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose health problems based on the location of blemishes on the face. According to TCM principles, different areas of the face correspond to specific organs and body systems.
For example, the forehead is believed to be connected to the digestive system, while the chin is linked to the reproductive system.
Acne Face Mapping in Chinese Medicine identifies seven problem areas on the face, each corresponding to a different organ or body system. For example, acne on the forehead corners is believed to be linked to the kidneys and bladder, while acne on the cheeks is associated with the lungs and respiratory system.
By identifying the underlying imbalances that are causing acne, TCM practitioners can develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the problem. This may include dietary changes, herbal remedies, acupuncture, and other TCM therapies.
Interpreting the Acne Face Map
The part you have been waiting for *side-eye*...which area means what and which organ system causes it?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the face is considered a reflection of the body's internal health, and each facial area is believed to connect to different organ systems. The concept of face mapping can help identify the root cause of skin problems such as acne, blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads, cystic acne, and hormonal acne.
Forehead and Internal Organs
According to TCM, the forehead is connected to the digestive system and the bladder. If there are blemishes or breakouts in this area, it could indicate digestive problems or dehydration.
What does this mean? It means clearly your diet is awful! - just joking! It may mean that you are consuming a higher level of saturated fats, possibly dehydrated or have a lower fibre intake. Your solution? Up your water intake- like literally stay hydrated! We also suggest eating more fibre rich foods- this also will help you push out any nasties out the other end regularly- you catch our drift.
Eyes Area and Liver Health
Honey show of that unibrow! But seriously those in-between the brow spots are stresss. TCM links this space to your liver and its role of detoxification, therefore if there are breakouts or blemishes in this area it could indicate liver problems.
So if you are an avid smoker or big boozer this may be detrimental to your skin (let alone health)- no judgments here though, we just want you to be the best version of yourself. So consider cutting down on those toxic antics and try to avoid processed foods.
Cheeks and Respiratory System
The cheeks are connected to the respiratory and metabolism system in TCM. Breakouts or blemishes in this area could indicate respiratory problems or poor detoxification in the body as well as a bad diet.
One way to improve respiratory health is to avoid smoking and pollution, as well as lower your intake of red meat, sugars and dairy. These cheeky spot contributors often slow down your metabolism. *Screaming good health! Mind the OVER-indulging and check yourself!*.
Nose and Heart Condition
Honestly….The Pain, The Fight- The Endurance! Who told them! WHO! Nose breakouts although not as common can be your most memorable gift. Like seriously, people are out here naming them! But why and how do they affect us so badly or you know just cause havoc?
TCM connects the nose to heart- they suggest breakouts, blemishes or oiliness around this area could indicate heart-related issues such as high cholesterol or blood pressure.
Now now don’t be alarmed, these are both very common issues within the human body. Both are easily bettered by exercising regularly, cutting down on meat, salty foods and instead by increasing your vitamin B intake and upping your raw nutrition ie. fruits and veggies.
Mouth and Stomach Balance
The mouth area is connected to the stomach in TCM- a given right!. Breakouts or blemishes in this area could indicate stomach problems such as acid reflux or indigestion. So honey take your time when you are eating and chew chew chew!
Jawline and Hormonal Imbalance
*Not by the hairs on my chinny chin chin*- Our PCOS girlies you get it! (polycystic ovary syndrome) So most commonly breakouts around your jawline correspond generally with hormonal issues, which means a disruption with your endocrine system- in simple terms these are the glands that make hormones.
This excess of hormones overstimulates oil the glands and clog pores leading to those painful under the skin monsters.
Always seek medical advice and manage a balanced lifestyle i.e exercise, balanced diet and get enough sleep.
Chin and Kidney Function
That one bugger that embeds itself in the comfort of the underlayer of your skin or the army of buggers that congregate around your chin area. Well those headaches of a blemish are said to be connected to the kidneys in TCM.
Breakouts or blemishes in this area could indicate kidney problems. We can only advise ..again cut down on the boozy weekenders, give the starbucks caffeine a break and fuel and hydrate with water.
So now we are clued up on the ayurvedic practices and ideas of Traditional Chinese Medicine and in better understanding our acne journey, it is only right for us to weigh in on western beliefs and what is in some context more prevalent and relevant to us in society today.
Understanding Scientific Perspectives
Evidence-Based Research on Acne
Scientific understanding of acne has evolved over the years, and evidence-based research has contributed significantly to this field.
Studies have explored the multifactorial nature of acne, considering factors such as genetics, hormonal influences, and environmental elements.
Research has also delved into the efficacy of various treatment modalities, shedding light on their mechanisms and potential impact on acne management.
Comparative Analysis of TCM and Western Dermatology
Comparative analysis between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Dermatology offers valuable insights into their respective approaches to acne treatment.
Whereby TCM emphasises a holistic perspective. It considers the interconnectedness of the body systems and the role of internal imbalances in skin health. In contrast, Western Dermatology often focuses on topical treatments and pharmaceutical interventions targeting specific symptoms of acne. This is where social media has a huge part to play in how we choose and products and incorporate them into our daily routines.
Understanding the differing philosophies and methodologies of these two approaches provides a comprehensive view of acne management. It allows individuals to make informed decisions regarding their treatment options. We advise to consult medical professionals in regards to your skin and overall health and always mindfully consider what you are putting into your body and how you are treating yourself.