6. Mouth and Lip Area
Blemishes around your mouth and lip area are associated with your spleen, stomach, and digestive system. In TCM, your spleen and stomach are considered your main digestive organs, so any problems in these areas can manifest as things like IBS, dysbiosis, bloating, bad breath, problems with appetite, and poor stool movements, among other things. Spleen issues also cause issues like cold sores and cracked lips.
Cause: According to TCM, “dampness” causes many illnesses including high cholesterol, cancer, metabolic disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, allergies and environmental illnesses. Internal dampness is a condition of “high humidity” inside your body.
According to Chinese face mapping, skin issues around your mouth and chin area are caused by consistent exposure to excessive dampness. Heavy, damp foods may also be a cause. These foods include things like fatty, greasy and deep-fried foods, milk products (except yogurt), sugar and sweets, white-wheat flour, refined starch and highly processed starch products, too many mushrooms and fungi, peppers, cold beverages, as well as excessive amounts of fermented foods (10).
In TCM your spleen is responsible for “giving you energy (Qi),” therefore, if you have blemishes on your chin, mouth or lip area, you may be lacking energy. Eating a lot of spicy foods, staying up late and consistent stress can also cause an imbalance and issues in these areas.
Cure: Eat foods with yeast/fungus-inhibiting properties known to relieve damp and damp-heat such as onions, cinnamon, ginger, scallions, basil, rosemary, dill, oregano, sage, parsley, cardamom, nutmeg, fennel, anise, clove, coriander, leeks, chives, rye, celery, lettuce, alfalfa, turnips, raw honey and corn. Avoid excessively spicy foods and get plenty of sleep.
7. Your Chin and Jaw Area
Skin issues on your chin and jaw area typically point to hormonal imbalances.
Cause: Blemishes on either side of your chin indicate internal hormonal changes and/or stress. Because of this, women often find they have issues in this area during their menstrual cycle.
Cure: Take omega-3 fatty acids to help regulate your hormones. Adopt a healthy lifestyle by reducing stress as much as possible. Make sure to go to sleep early and wake up early—get at least 7-8 hours each night. Practice stress management techniques like yoga and meditation and drink plenty of water while eating more leafy greens. Plus, try to eat hormone-regulating foods.
Your face can tell you a lot about your health, all you have to do is listen.