Using the Face as a Diagnostic Tool

The face is a wonderful diagnostic tool which reflects what’s going on inside your body, physically and emotionally. It guides where in the body's internal organs and systems may be blocked or imbalanced. Before you’ve even started your treatment I can do a quick analysis of the state of your general health by looking at your face. Facial diagnosis can help portray your genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, stress levels, and even nutrition. Certain skin types, skin tone, wrinkles and discolouration can indicate what’s going on inside your body.

Face Mapping is based on the understanding that everything on the outside of our skin is a direct reflection of what is going on inside. Our organs, nerves and systems are connected via channels in the body and since our bodies self-regulate it makes sense that if there’s an imbalance in one organ, it will show up on its reflex area and on our skin. Disorders of the skin like eczema, spots, dry patches or changes of skin tone often signify an internal issue that needs to be resolved in order for the skin to heal and rebalance. By using face mapping, you can pin point which part of the face is connected to the internal organs.

How to utilise face mapping

Specific areas of the face correspond to the internal organs. A common example of what the face tells us would be wrinkles in between the eyebrows which corresponds to the liver. The liver is in charge of detoxification, aiding digestion, and regulating emotions. So if the body is overloaded with toxins, processed foods and negative emotions, it shows up in the face in this area. In traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ is known to have a corresponding emotion and for the liver it is anger. The liver also has a strong connection with the skin – often skin issues indicate a liver imbalance because the liver is trying to detoxify through the skin.

The area under the eyes relates to the Kidneys and Adrenal glands. The kidneys manage and filter all fluid in the body and remove toxins from the blood. The Adrenal glands (which sit on top of the kidneys) are responsible for our stress response. When the body is going through periods of high stress, is dehydrated or overburdened with toxins, it adversely affects the kidneys and shows on the face in the form of under-eye bags, puffiness or a difference in skin tone under the eyes.

The cheeks relate to the stomach and spleen which manage digestion. Issues of excess heat in the body often shows up on the cheek area. If you have red cheeks or spots on the cheek area, it signifies inflammation and therefore an out of balance digestion. If you have red cheeks, make sure to drink enough water to help aid digestion since the stomach needs it to work properly (only drink between meals 1-2 hours after eating and 15 minutes before so as not to weaken the digestive enzymes and stomach acid).

The mouth and chin relate to the colon and stomach. Any issues in or around the mouth may indicate a problem with the colon and digestion. Spots on the chin may indicate a sluggish or blocked colon and mouth ulcers can indicate an imbalance in the stomach or stomach ulcers. If you have a dry mouth or lips, it can indicate a dryness issue in the digestive system so try to drink more water and drink soothing aloe vera to help your stomach and colon.

In Facial reflexology we use face mapping to stimulate the organs and systems of the body to bring about balance and optimum health within the body. Not only does Facial Reflexology support your internal health and well-being, it also promotes a youthful appearance and leaves you with a truly healthy glow. Your face will feel and look smoother and more toned, with less muscle tension and boosted lymphatic drainage. Working on reflex points on the face helps connect the body’s neural-pathways to rebalance and re-energise the body and mind.