Zones 1 & 3: Digestive system & spleen
Breakouts and other problems in this area often relate to a build-up of toxins in the digestive system and spleen. Symptoms include constipation or poor absorption of nutrients – side effects of overindulging in comfort foods. Focus on improving your diet, cut back on sugar, and work out if there are foods to which you may be intolerant.
Zone 2: Liver
Redness, flakiness, or excess oil between the brows can relate to a stressed liver and possible allergies. If you have problems in this area it’s wise to cut back on alcohol and fatty foods, which are hard for the liver to process, and try drinking water with a squeeze of lemon. Also consider cutting back on dairy. Lines in this area can relate to stress on the liver and stomach and hint at a need to relax and slow down.
Zones 4 & 10: Kidneys
Dark, baggy, puffy skin under the eyes indicates a sluggish kidney or bladder due to stress or lack of sleep, so it’s important to try and replenish kidney adrenals with an early night and plenty of water. Steer clear of food that dehydrates the body, like coffee, alcohol and fizzy drinks, because these foods can also add to the ‘spare-tyre syndrome’ – increased likelihood of weight gain around the mid-section – which relates to these zones.
Zones 5 & 9: Stomach, Lungs and Colon
Our respiratory system is under constant attack from smoking, passive smoking and other air pollution, and if our bodies struggle to cope this can cause problems like spots, puffiness or broken capillaries on the cheeks. Traditional Chinese medicine recognises the lungs and colon as yin-yang organs that work in harmony, so keep both in balance for good health and get plenty of fresh air. Problems here can also relate to digestion issues, so add more fibre to your diet, boost your intake of fruit and vegetables and drink herbal teas (especially those that contain peppermint or spearmint).
Zones 6 & 8: Gall bladder
The area where the side of the eye meets the corner of the cheekbone relates to gall bladder function. Problems here could relate to the way your body metabolises fats/oils. Emotionally, problems here relate to our ability to face challenges and deal with conflict. Above the eyes relates to spleen function and insulin resistance – problems here can be prompted by a carb overload.
Zone 7: Heart – This area offers insight into the health of your ticker. Redness (including broken capillaries) can be a sign of congestion in internal organs due to a diet that is too acidic and high in animal fats and protein. Switch to good fats like avocado and get your blood pressure checked.
Zone 11, 12, 13 & 14: Hormones
The chin and jawline are common spots for breakouts (especially around period time), so it’s hardly surprising that these areas are linked to stress and hormone levels, including fertility and menstrual issues. Some experts believe breakouts in this area indicate when we ovulate (and on which side) while repeated breakouts could relate to ovarian cysts. If this is a problem area, focus on regulating your sleep cycles and your diet, and consider asking your GP for a blood test to check your hormone levels.
