Skin Mapping as a STRATEGY for Solving Symptoms

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and it is responsible for communicating with the internal organs and dictating what appears or doesn’t appear on our faces. All of us, at some point or another, have dealt with acne, breakouts, dry skin, redness or uneven skin tone. These blemishes on the face are typically a sign on an IMBALANCE in the body, whether it is related to nutrition, hormones, genetics or environmental factors. Since your skin is a DIRECT reflection of your health, it is of the utmost importance that we become AWARE of the underlying causes that relate to various skin conditions.

Skin mapping, also called face mapping, is a theory with thousands of years of history that is grounded in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. It combines elements of both Eastern and Western Medicine philosophies by taking into account the many causes of skin conditions, such as allergies, diet, stress levels, age, personality type, body constitution, hormones and genetics. The FUNDAMENTAL concept is that the face is representative of what is going on elsewhere in your body; that it is a mirror to your health. This technique involves various areas, or “zones," of the face that essentially CORRELATE to specific organs. Not only can skin mapping guide you to look beyond the surface and make connections between the two, but it can help to reveal their primary condition, treat the ROOT cause and improve your health for radiant skin.

The FOREHEAD is a window into the health of the liver and gallbladder. Excessive fat consumption and/or too much alcohol may cause breakouts to arise in this area. Additionally, blemishes in this area may be ties to unmanaged stress, poor digestion and sleep deprivation. You can balance your system by minimizing rich foods and alcoholic beverages, and drinking plenty of fresh water and herbal tea. Milk thistle and burdock root are often used to help support liver and gallbladder function.

The area BETWEEN THE EYEBROWS, also referred to as “the third eye,” is said to be connected to the stomach and liver. Poor digestion and toxic buildup may lead to breakouts in this area. Trying an elimination diet to rule out any allergies or intolerances and considering a gentle cleanse may help alleviate signs of imbalance. Reducing caffeine, alcohol and sugar intake can also improve digestive health and relieve gut-related problems such as inflammation.

The TEMPLES and BROW LINE correspond to the kidneys. Issues in this region can indicate dehydration, overworked kidneys and/or suppression of emotions such as anger. These symptoms are often accompanied by low back pain. Try drinking more water and including superfoods into your diet, such as kale, spinach, berries and algae.

The zone UNDER THE EYES represents the condition of the stomach, kidneys and liver. If this area shows signs of puffiness or dark circles, consider reducing or removing alcohol, caffeine, and sugar from the diet. Additionally, ensure that you are drinking plenty of water and detoxifying tea, coupled with enough quality sleep at night.

The BRIDGE OF NOSE and UPPER AREA OF CHEEKS is associated with the heart. Rashes, like rosacea, commonly appear in this area, and may be indicative of high blood pressure and inflammation. Try to replace unhealthy saturated fats with healthy fats that are loaded with omega fatty acids to boost your HDL (good) and reduce your LDL (bad) cholesterol. Opt for foods like raw nuts, avocado, salmon, flax seeds and chia seeds.

The MIDDLE REGION OF THE CHEEKS is a window to the stomach and lungs. This area of the face is notorious for rosacea, as well as breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Flare ups here may reveal an immune response, respiratory issues or allergies. Consider common allergens such as wheat and dairy, and try alkalizing your body by eating plenty of green veggies and reducing acid-forming foods like alcohol, caffeine and sugar.

The LOWER CHEEKS and NOSE are controlled by the liver and stomach. These areas prone to wrinkles and breakouts, which can usually be blamed on food intolerances and toxic buildup. By cleaning up your diet and adding in some cleansing vegetable juice you can help prevent these from arising. Experiment to see what type of eating approach is sustainable for you and optimize your baseline.

The MOUTH REGION is also connected to the stomach and may signal that the whole digestive system is not functioning properly, including the spleen. Consider any food sensitivities and toxic buildup. You may want to try a gentle detox or an elimination diet and add more greens and more fibre to your meals.

The zone surrounding the chin, the JAWLINE, is linked to the reproductive organs: the ovaries and/or the colon. Breakouts here can be triggered by hormonal stress, especially in women. A consistent menstrual cycle can help keep hormones balanced and circulation healthy. During their cycle, women should include a lot of greens and hydrating foods. Trying a balanced, low-glycemic diet full of lean protein, fruits, veggies, whole grains and healthy fats can be helpful in reducing irritation. Managing stress levels and getting enough quality sleep can also be beneficial.

The LYMPH NODES, located around the neck, can gauge your stress levels and help to determine if the body is fighting off illness. These glands swell when they are fighting off bacteria, a good sign that our bodies are working to process and eliminate the bad stuff. Swollen lymph nodes are representative of stress that affects our immune system, therefore, if these feel irritated you should take time to unwind and practice self-care. Extra rest, a balanced diet, yoga, breathing exercises and meditation can all work to reduce emotional and physical stress that builds up and interferes with the body’s natural healing process.

The Dermatological Science perspective suggests that the root causes of most skin conditions that manifest on the face are related to:

+ hormonal imbalances

+ high levels of stress

+ excess production of oils

+ lack of enough quality sleep

+ poor hygiene

+ substandard gut-health and lack of healthy probiotic bacteria

+ allergies and immune responses

+ toxic build up and irritation from skincare products

+ genetics

+ sun exposure

+ poor circulation

+ underlying diseases such as diabetes or heart disease

+ environmental exposure to irritants

All things considered, skin mapping is a very specific technique, but it all comes down to BALANCING your baseline health, improving your immunity, pinpointing sensitivities and discovering the approach that truly works FOR YOU, not against you. No two individuals are the same and everyone will require different protocols when is comes to achieving OPTIMAL health, INSIDE and OUT.

Xx, Leah Kutsch

P.S. Keeping IIN Touch