Do you know what causes your acne? You might assume you’re breaking out because of the post-breakup pint of ice cream you ate, or that night you forgot to wash off your makeup — but according to Ayurvedic medicine and the ancient Chinese practice of face mapping, acne might be more than skin-deep.
Mien Shang, meaning face reading, is a 3,000-year-old practice based on the belief that parts of your face are linked to different internal organs, causing breakouts, dryness, or other skin woes. Although there is no scientific evidence on face mapping, research conducted by the department of dermatology claims that there is an association between diet and acne. Each area might signify an “upset” with a certain organ system.
Don’t worry: most likely, your acne isn’t a result of an organ problem. But, it may mean that you need to give your body a little more TLC by supporting its different organ systems. We’ve gathered some health signs, according to the practice of face mapping, that will tell you what the blemishes and acne on your face are saying about the health of your organs.
Image Source: Healthline
Forehead
Acne on the forehead points to potential problems in the digestive system.
How to treat acne on your forehead: For better gut and heart health, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Reduce the number of processed foods you eat and add probiotic supplements or probiotic foods to your diet that will support small intestine health. Cardiovascular exercise can further support your heart, so try to relax. The stress you hold inside can show up on your skin!
Temples
Acne on your temples might be linked to your kidney and bladder.
What to do for clearer skin around your temples: Experts suggest that eating too many processed foods laden with fat can wreak havoc on your liver and kidneys. So can drinking too much alcohol, which is processed by the liver. In other words, it might be time to cut back on your vices and work on incorporating more whole foods into your diet. Your bladder might benefit from drinking more water and supplementing with cranberry juice.
Cheeks
Breakouts on the upper cheekbones indicate problems with the stomach, while breakouts on your lower cheekbones might signify an issue with your lungs.
How to clear up your cheeks: If you’re smoking cigarettes, these breakouts may be a sign that it’s time to quit. Cigarettes can damage your lungs, increasing your risk for lung disease and cancer. You can support your stomach health by eating a balanced diet and taking digestive enzymes to aid in the process of breaking down the foods you eat.
Chin and Jawline
Breakouts on the chin are connected to the reproductive organs. This could mean problems with fertility or hormone imbalance.
What to do for clearer skin on your chin: If you’re constantly experiencing acne on your chin and jawline, it might be a sign of excess hormones related to menstruation or pregnancy. These hormones can contribute to more oil build-up and inflammation. Toxins in your skincare products and in the environment may also be to blame. Be sure to exfoliate and use products that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which are great antibacterial agents.