What is Your Skin Complexion Telling You About Your Inner Health?
Our skin is the largest organ of our body. That is why I am a big believer that our skin can tell us a lot about what is going on inside our body. There are plenty of medical studies that clearly correlate an unhealthy gut, bad digestion and metabolism to skin conditions and irritations. Though these studies are still in its infancy, it continues to point toward the gut skin axis theory that what we ingest into our system has a great impact on our skin health and vice versa. In addition, both the ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine recognizes the connection between gut and skin and uses “Face Mapping” to find out any imbalances happening in our body.
I’ve always been interested in “Face Mapping” so I did some research and the followings are my findings:
FTC Disclaimer: Some links in this guide may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!FOREHEAD: Small Intestine and Bladder
The center part of the forehead is associated with the small intestine and digestion. Any changes in skin color, texture, and/or appearance in this area can be related to IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), constipation, UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and digestive problems. Deep horizontal lines across the forehead can indicate an overactive nervous system and poor intestinal health. May also be tied to unmanaged stress and sleep deprivation. The outer part of the forehead reflects the functions of the bladder. If there are any skin issues in that upper forehead area, it can potentially indicate an imbalance of the bladder or other related issues.
Recommendations: (When in question, always discuss with your health provider to see if these are suitable for you)
If it is a digestive problem, taking some Digestive Enzymes may be helpful.
Practicing face yoga daily will help reduce and prevent those forehead wrinkles and lines. Here is the Forehead Area Playlist.
Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins.
Eat a high fiber diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
Eat slowly and chew food well to improve digestion.
Take prebiotics and probiotics to heal the small intestine.
BETWEEN THE EYEBROWS: Liver
Blemishes and skin problems between the eyebrows are connected to liver and gallbladder problems. It could be a result of too much alcohol intake, or late night snacking of fatty foods. Our livers could overwork trying to break down toxins in our body. Also, each organ system has a corresponding emotion, for the liver it is anger. That is probably the reason why chronically angry and frustrated people are more likely to have a deep groove on their forehead between their eyes.
Recommendations:
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Avoid late night snacks
Follow these face yoga exercises to reduce lines between eyebrows and eye area. Eye Area Playlist.
Try meditation to get rid of angry thoughts.
Vitamin B helps with liver inflammation and fatty liver.
Vitamin D helps inflammatory and metabolic diseases that affect the liver.
Place a hot towel or a hot water bottle on the right side under your ribs where your liver is located for 15 -30 minutes. This will stimulate blood flow to your liver.
UNDER THE EYE: Kidneys
Dark circles and puffiness under the eye is usually related to poor kidney functions. Our kidney is also responsible for our stress response. High stress, environmental pollution, poor diet, smoking, and sleep deprivation all have a direct impact on kidney function. When our kidneys are not functioning properly, fluids can build up in our body, therefore causing swelling and puffiness.
Recommendations:
Stay away from sweetened and caffeinated drinks
Too much salt can weaken kidney functions so try to use less salt and pick low sodium options.
Get plenty of rests and sleep
Here is a Stress and Tension Release Exercise to help reduce stress.
Here is a face yoga exercise that helps with reducing puffiness of the under eye and eye bags.
NOSE: Heart and Cardiovascular System
Redness around the nose may be an indication of heart related issues such as high blood pressure and inflammation. Acne and other skin conditions like rosacea may occur when there is bad circulation, cholesterol problems, and air pollution. Breaking out at the tip of the nose also often links to sadness and heartache. Anger, grief, and stubbornness all damage the heart. Opening your heart emotionally, forgiving, and willing to understand others is a venue to healing one’s heart.
Recommendations:
Can lower inflammation with omega-3 fatty acid foods like salmon, mackerel, sardines, flaxseeds, and soybeans.
Supplements such as Omega 3-6-9 and cod liver oil supports the heart and overall wellness.
Green tea can help lower the risk of heart problems.
Massage around the nose area to improve circulation.
Integrate a gentle cardiovascular exercise such as walking to your daily routine to get the heart pumping.
SIDES OF THE NOSE: Large Intestines
Breakouts in the sides of the nose may indicate digestive issues related to the colon and bowel movements. You will start to see several skin problems pop up when the large intestines are not functioning properly. Skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea are all linked with intestinal dysbiosis, which is when there is an imbalance in the microorganisms that live in your gut.
Recommendations:
Add more fiber, vegetables and whole grains into your diet.
Keep a food diary to avoid trigger foods.
Exercise regularly
Ginger and turmeric are good for relaxing intestinal muscles.
UPPER CHEEKS AND MOUTH: Stomach
If you’re experiencing any issues with or around the mouth, for example, getting canker sores in your mouth, it may be telling you that you’re having some toxic heat in your stomach. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM, dampness is the most common issue that arises in the stomach. It is usually caused by poor digestion due to factors such as overeating, consuming too much greasy foods, irregular eating habits, and excessive intake of sugary or processed foods. It can also be caused by excessive raw food, or cold food/drinks consumption. Since our body needs to maintain a certain body temperature, our stomach has to heat up the cold food that we consume to match our internal body temperature. The stomach will have to drive up its hydrochloric acid level to properly break down the food, eventually burning the stomach out, leading to dampness. Once an issue of dampness arises, there is often mucus in the colon, yeast and fungal infections and general poor digestive health which can lead to a sensation of heaviness, bloating, and discomfort in the stomach area. Basically, the body can not work effectively to process the food and liquids, causing dampness to accumulate.
The cheeks are in close proximity to the mouth, so much of what applies to the mouth can be applied in this area. When the cheeks are red, it is an indication that the stomach is experiencing inflammation. Having a well balanced diet can help manage and prevent digestive disorders and stomach issues.
Recommendations:
Set a regular eating time for each meal.
Have a balanced diet and avoid greasy and processed foods.
Eat mostly warm and lightly cooked food.
LOWER CHEEKS: Lungs and Respiratory System
If you see skin issues around the lower cheeks, it is normally related to issues of sinuses and allergies. Asthma, smoking, and air pollution will damage this area of the skin.
Recommendations:
Regular practice of breathing exercises.
Stop smoking.
Get plenty of exercise.
Magnesium helps with lung health.
CHIN: Reproductive System
When you see breakouts below the lips and around the chin area, it is usually associated with hormonal imbalances and fluctuations during times like puberty, pregnancy, and/or menstrual cycles. I know that it is around “that time of the month” for me when I see pimples popping up around my chin. It is also very common for women who suffer from endometriosis, uterine fibroids and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to find that they have recurring breakouts on their chin. Oftentimes, these breakouts will be deep, cystic, red and painful to the touch.
Recommendations:
Adequate sleep and regular exercise works wonders on hormonal balance.
Manage stress
Vitamin D can ease hormonal fluctuations.
Vitamin B can help regulate hormones.
Magnesium helps with hormonal balance, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Whether you believe in “Face Mapping” or the connection between the gut and skin, the main takeaway is really simple: everything is good when you find balance. When you reach a harmonious state emotionally, mentally, and physically, you will feel and look good overall. And I truly believe that it will then show on your face.
“Wow” Yourself!