Face Mapping

No, we aren’t talking about tattooing continents on your face (even though it may look that way in the photo). Rooted in both the Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, “face mapping” is an ancient practice that connects regular facial skin disturbances with the health status of an internal organ or body part. 

While this blog will mainly be focusing on internal health, there are external and lifestyle factors that can impact your skin's overall appearance. Observe your lifestyle habits as well as daily face mapping techniques for best results!

We have chosen the face mapping techniques of Herbalist Margi Flint. If you wish, there
are also many other credible resources available for references. 

Forehead 

According to Ayurveda, the forehead is ruled by the Vata dosha and relates to the nervous and digestive system.  Stress and internal stagnation could be causing breakouts in this area.

Between Eyebrows

Unless you’ve already achieved the highest level of inner peace and manage to remain calm at all times, it’s common to furrow your eyebrows when feeling anger or anxiety.

As this region governs the liver, spleen, and gall bladder, the specific line pattern could indicate which organs are holding stress and may consequently be at risk. In traditional face mapping techniques, a vertical line on the right side is most often related to the liver, and a vertical line on the left side is mostly associated with the spleen.

Breakouts in this area may be caused by your liver taking on extra work (i.e. drinking more during the holidays).

Below eyes

The true windows to the soul and also to our physical health, the eyes represent kidney
function. Its impairment and dehydration can be observed through puffy or swollen lower
eyelids.

We all know that dark circles under the eyes can be a sign of tiredness or lack of sleep. Genetics also play a role in how thin the skin under the eyes is, and therefore how noticeable dark circles seem. However, ongoing stress on the body combined with poor sleep cycles endured over long periods of time can result in adrenal fatigue. The larger and darker those circles are, the greater exhaustion the adrenal system is experiencing.

 

Ears

Ears are also traditionally linked to kidney function and health. Therefore, skin problems in and around the ears can be a sign of dehydration.

Cheeks

Patchiness or discoloration on the cheeks can indicate poor metabolism and low absorption of nutrients such as folic acid and iron. 

Cheeks are also linked to lung function (think about the redness of your face during a strenuous cardio workout). Broken capillaries on the cheeks is a common attribute among smokers.

Miiko Tip: Dirty cell phones and pillowcases, or a tendency to touch your face a lot, can also cause acne and breakouts along your cheeks. Change your pillowcases once a week, and give your electronics a wipe with some alcohol or vinegar to help disinfect them. 

 

Cheek Lines

The lines along the cheeks shaping the mouth are often related to the large intestine. Inflamed cheeks and prominent lines can be related to food stagnation, poor elimination and slowed metabolism.

Nose

Located at the heart of your face, the nose represents the status of your heart (the physical one) and your circulatory system. A reddened nose can be an indication of heightened blood pressure and early stages of rosacea. So make sure to check your blood pressure and Vitamin B levels!

Chin and Mouth area

The chin and mouth area is governed by the pelvic floor as well as the body’s hormonal
systems.

For women, fine vertical lines across the upper lip are usually an indication of menopause and the cessation of the ovaries.

For both males and females, the chin and jawline are often connected to the reproductive function. It is therefore very common to break out around the chin and jawline during menstruation and pregnancy. This is also another area where a tendency to touch the face (or rest your head in your hands) can result in more breakouts.

 

Interested in learning more about how internal factors contribute to your skin's health? We've created a HUGE educational download to help you troubleshoot what's going on with your skin, and how to conquer it.