What Your Acne Breakout Says About Your Health
Ever invested hundreds of dollars in the best skincare products and even gone to the extremes to keep your face clean only to be greeted by pesky and painful acne breakouts? We understand how frustrating and perplexing it can be.
The truth is, our skin is the largest organ of our body that can be affected by numerous factors, not just the products you apply on topically. Other elements such as your internal health and the food you indulge in can undo all the efforts you’ve placed into caring for your complexion.
Fortunately, identifying these root causes isn’t difficult. Below, we’ll share all about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) face mapping and what it says about your acne outbreak.
Acne from a TCM Perspective
TCM views acne eruptions as imbalances within the body, specifically in the organs or meridians. It is believed that issues such as excessive heat, dampness, stagnant Blood and Qi, wind, cold, and many other elements can contribute to acne formation.
Your face is also a reflection of the health of your internal systems. In fact, different parts of your face are closely linked to your body’s organ systems, and you can leverage TCM face mapping to find out more about the problems causing your acne.
Learn More: Achieving Acne-Free Skin Through TCM: Does it Work?
1. Forehead
There are four organ systems linked to our forehead, namely the Small intestine, Bladder, Heart, and Liver. Internal heat produced in these organs, be it due to stress or a lack of sleep, can cause acne to form. Combating acne in this area is simple—adopting a stress-relieving lifestyle. This can include engaging in meditation, listening to soothing music, and going to bed earlier.
2. Nose
Nose acne can be associated with your diet as it’s indicative of excessive fire in the Stomach, which is usually a result of unhealthy eating habits consisting of large amounts of spicy, deep-fried, processed, or raw cold foods. Such dietary choices can lead to heat accumulation in your large intestines too, causing constipation. Given that bowel movements are critical for detoxifying your body, the inability to eliminate smoothly can manifest as acne on your skin.
TCM recommends introducing the herb, Huang Lian, to your diet to quell Stomach fire. Consuming fruits and vegetables that are cooling in nature and high in fibre, including watermelon and lettuce, can also be helpful.
3. Cheeks
Our cheeks are divided into two parts; both the upper cheeks around the cheekbones are linked to the Stomach, while the lower cheeks are tied to the Lungs and Liver. Similarly, cooling stomach fire through TCM can aid in the treatment of acne on the upper cheeks.
In the case of acne on lower cheeks, they can stem from problems with your respiratory system or negative emotions, such as prolonged exposure to stressful situations. To support Lung functions, include foods such as pears, white radishes, and green leafy vegetables in your diet.
It is important to note that cheek acne can also be attributed to poor skin care and hygiene habits. So make sure to disinfect the items that come into contact with your face (e.g. phones), cleanse your face regularly, and avoid touching your face with dirty hands.
4. Chin and Jawline
Acne on the chin and jawline may indicate problems with your Kidney and reproductive system, usually caused by Kidney or Liver deficiencies.
In TCM, the Kidney is a vital organ responsible for storing essence, governing growth and development, and playing a crucial role in reproduction. When it’s weakened by poor dietary choices and lifestyle habits, acne can break out on the skin.
To treat and prevent acne from forming on your chin, consume foods that nourish the Kidney and clear heat. This can include mulberry and goji berry tea, herbs like rehmannia root and horny goat weed, or foods such as barley, black beans, black soybeans, and eggs. Cooling foods like watermelon, mung beans, cucumber, and dandelion root tea can also aid in clearing heat to achieve balance.
TCM acne treatment methods adopt a holistic approach that seeks to improve your internal health and prevent skin eruptions. If you’re struggling with skin problems, perhaps TCM can offer you the relief you desire.
Tangs Clinical is a TCM skin clinic that offers a range of herbal medications and TCM treatments for skin problems. Book your appointment with us here to kickstart your journey to healthier skin.
