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Writer's pictureGwen Krehbiel CNHP

What Is Face Mapping?

If you’re like many people, you may sometimes struggle with acne breakouts, dryness, redness, or uneven skin tone. You might be curious about the underlying causes of these skin issues and eager to find lasting solutions. One approach worth exploring is face mapping, a practice rooted in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, with thousands of years of history behind it.


Practitioners who use face mapping believe that the location of skin issues, such as acne or redness, on your face can reflect what’s happening inside your body, particularly in major organs like the kidneys, liver, and heart.


What Is Face Mapping?

Face mapping is an ancient technique that connects facial skin issues to a person's overall health.


Some experts, including dermatologists, view face mapping as a blend of Eastern and Western medical philosophies. It considers various factors that can contribute to skin problems, such as:


  • Allergies

  • Diet

  • Stress levels

  • Hormones

  • Genetics

  • Age

  • Personality type/body constitution (also known as doshas)


One of the most common uses of face mapping is for acne. The theory suggests that breakouts occurring in specific areas of the face, like the chin or forehead, have distinct causes.


Face mapping can also be used to address redness, rashes, puffiness, lines, and wrinkles.

Though face mapping charts can vary, most divide the face into different zones to help pinpoint potential underlying causes of skin problems:


  • Forehead: Linked to the small intestine and bladder; may be related to stress, poor digestion, and lack of sleep.

  • Between/above eyebrows or nose area: May indicate imbalances in the kidneys, stomach, bladder, or spleen. Acne near the nostrils could be connected to gut issues or inflammation.

  • Lines/wrinkles between eyebrows on the right side: May suggest repressed emotions like anger, potentially indicating poor liver function, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

  • Lines/wrinkles on the left side of the eyes: May be related to liver and spleen function.

  • Breakouts or lines above the eyebrows: Could represent heart function issues.

  • Puffiness under the eyes: Often connected to kidney function.

  • Chin, around the mouth, and jaw: May indicate imbalances in the reproductive system, large intestine, or stomach. Breakouts below the lips could reflect broader digestive system issues.

  • Red cheeks: Could be linked to stomach, liver, and lung dysfunction, or an immune response.

  • Red nose: May point to heart-related issues like high blood pressure or inflammation.

  • Irritation on the neck: Could be related to stress affecting the immune system.


What Does Science Say?

Is face mapping a reliable way to address skin concerns like acne and rashes?

Scientific evidence supporting the accuracy of Ayurvedic and Chinese face mapping is limited. However, some studies suggest that skin conditions, such as acne or redness in particular areas like the chin or cheeks, may reflect issues like hormonal imbalances, stress, or immune reactions. Additionally, some research indicates that face mapping could offer skin benefits.


For example, a 2019 study found “distinct regional differences in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance, blood flow, sebum, pH, and temperature in facial skin,” suggesting that certain lifestyle changes might impact specific areas of the face.


Modern dermatology points to various root causes for skin conditions on the face, including:

  • Hormonal imbalances

  • High stress levels

  • Excess oil production in the “T-zone”

  • Poor sleep habits

  • Poor hygiene

  • Gut health issues

  • Allergies and immune responses

  • Reactions to makeup, skincare, or hair products

  • Genetics

  • Sun exposure

  • Poor circulation

  • Underlying diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease

  • Environmental irritants


Many of these causes are also addressed in face mapping treatment protocols.

Most dermatologists recommend starting with the basics:


  • Regularly cleanse your face with suitable products.

  • Use SPF when in the sun.

  • Treat any existing skin infections.

  • Remove known allergens from your diet and lifestyle.


If these steps don’t resolve your skin issues, you might consider consulting with a specialist in face mapping for further guidance.


Conclusion

Face mapping is an ancient technique based on the belief that facial symptoms can reflect deeper health issues. Although it’s not scientifically proven, face mapping may be an option to explore if conventional treatments haven’t worked.





Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment. Medical conditions require medical care.


References:

  1. Face Mapping Overview:

  2. Face Mapping and Acne:

  3. Scientific Evidence on Face Mapping:

  4. Modern Dermatology on Skin Conditions:

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Aug 20
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

I couldn't believe how accurate my facial analysis was. It showed inherited health concerns as well as current health issues (diagnosed and un-diagnosed). The personality traits were spot on too! I was also encouraged to learn that I could make strides to change my heath and stress levels and that my face would reflect those healthy decisions. Just amazing.

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