Your skin is your body’s earliest warning system. By using the TCM Face Map, you can pinpoint exactly which internal systems need a little extra love. Whether it’s hormonal chin breakouts or forehead “heart-fire,” here is everything you need to know about what’s happening beneath the surface.
TCM Chinese Face mapping
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your face reflects your inner health status. Mien Xiang (面相), also known as Chinese face mapping, originated 3000 years ago and used to view the face as a body map with each facial area connecting to different organ systems.
Beside the common possible causes of acne, such as overproduction of oil secretion and poor skincare habits, TCM believes that the imbalances in an organ system can also result in blemishes and acne found on the face. With that, face mapping is then useful in directing the diagnosis and treatment approach to treat the root cause of an acne outbreak.
Forehead Acne: Heart and Liver Systems
The forehead reflects mainly the Heart, Small Intestine and the Liver systems. In TCM, the heart and the small intestine share a paired relationship and are thus closely related. Acne on the forehead is caused by the internal heat produced in the heart and liver system. Stress, irritability and the lack of sleep are the main triggers that ignite heart-fire and liver-fire, leading to the formation of acne around the forehead area.
Actionable Tips:
- Prioritize Sleep Hygiene: Establish a consistent sleep-wake cycle.
- Digital Detox: Replace pre-sleep screen time with mindfulness practices to lower heart-fire.
- Stress Management: Incorporate meditation to soothe liver irritability.
Recommended remedy for Forehead Acne
See Lotus Plumulae Tea Recipe
- Lotus Plumulae: 2-3g (approx. 1 tsp dried)
- Licorice Root: 2–3 thin dried slices (about 3g)
- Water: 300ml (about 1.25 cups)
- Optional Sweetener: Rock sugar or honey (highly recommended to balance the bitterness).
- Prep the Herbs: Rinse both the lotus sprouts and the licorice root slices under cold water to remove impurities.
- Simmer the Licorice: Unlike the delicate lotus sprouts, licorice root is woody. For the best flavor, place the licorice slices in a small pot with the water. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 5 minutes. This extracts the glycyrrhizin (the natural sweet compound).
- Infuse the Lotus: Turn off the heat. Add the Lotus Plumulae to the pot (or pour the licorice water over the sprouts in a cup).
- Steep: Cover and let it sit for 5–7 minutes.
- Sweeten: * If using Rock Sugar: Add it during the simmering stage so it dissolves completely.
- If using Honey: Wait until the tea has cooled to a drinkable temperature (below 60°C or 140°F) before stirring it in to preserve the honey’s enzymes.
The tea is exceptionally bitter. Drinking it on an empty stomach may cause nausea or mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals. It is best enjoyed after a light meal.
Because lotus sprouts can slightly lower blood pressure, those with existing low blood pressure should monitor their intake carefully.
There is limited clinical data on the safety of lotus embryo alkaloids during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before use.
Due to its potent cooling effect and bitter alkaloids, it is generally not recommended for small children.
Nose Acne: Stomach Fire and Digestion
Nose Acne: The Gut-Skin Connection
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acne concentrated around the nose is often a sign of “Stomach Fire” and digestive distress. This internal heat is typically triggered by a diet high in spicy, fried, or highly processed foods, as well as excessive raw, cold items.
When Stomach Fire remains unchecked, it can lead to heat accumulation in the large intestine. This process depletes essential fluids, leading to constipation, poor bowel movement and sluggish detoxification. When the body cannot efficiently eliminate toxins internally, the results often manifest externally as breakouts.
A Note on the “Danger Triangle”
The area from the corners of the mouth to the bridge of the nose is known as the Danger Triangle. Because the veins in this zone lead directly toward the brain, you should never squeeze or pop pimples here, as doing so carries a risk of serious bacterial infection.
Actionable Tips:
- Cleanse Your Diet: Reduce intake of inflammatory, greasy, and processed foods.
- Support Digestion: Prioritize hydration and high-fiber vegetables to keep your system moving.
Recommended remedy for Nose Acne
Food recommendations: 🍵 Green Bean Soup
Green bean has cooling properties that can help remove stomach-fire in the body and promote bowel movements. However, people with diarrhoea are not advised to take it for the long term.
See Green Bean Soup Recipe
- 1 cup (200g) Dried Mung Beans (Green beans)
- 6–8 cups Water
- 2 Pandan Leaves: Rinsed and tied into a knot (Optional).
- 3–4 tbsp Brown Sugar: Adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
- Optional: A pinch of salt (to bring out the sweetness).
- Prep the Beans: Rinse the mung beans and soak them for at least 2 hours. Drain the soaking water before cooking.
- Boil with Pandan: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, drop in the knotted pandan leaves. Let them boil for about 5 minutes on their own to release their fragrance into the water.
- Cook the Beans: Add the soaked mung beans to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover.
- The “Bloom” Stage: Simmer for 45–60 minutes. You want the beans to be soft and the water to turn a slightly cloudy green. If the water level gets too low, feel free to add a bit more hot water.
- Sweeten: Remove the pandan leaves (their job is done!). Stir in the brown sugar. Start with 3 tablespoons, taste, and add more if needed. Add a tiny pinch of salt if you want to balance the earthy flavor of the beans.
- Final Simmer: Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure the sugar is fully integrated.
Green beans are highly fiber-rich and “cold.” If you have a weak digestive system, chronic diarrhea, or are currently experiencing loose stools, limit your intake. It can exacerbate “coldness” in the stomach, leading to abdominal pain.
In traditional wellness, if you frequently have cold hands and feet, or suffer from menstrual cramps that improve with heat, you should consume this soup sparingly and always serve it warm, never chilled.
These groups often have more sensitive digestive tracts. Offer smaller portions to ensure they can process the “cooling” nature of the beans without discomfort.
Wait for 1-2 Hours: Because green beans have “detoxifying” properties, they may inadvertently interfere with the absorption or efficacy of certain oral medications. It is best to wait at least two hours between eating the soup and taking medicine.
Cheeks Acne: Lungs, Respiratory, and Stress
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your cheeks act as a window into your respiratory and emotional health. Specifically, the right cheek is associated with the lungs, while the left cheek is tied to the liver.
- The Respiratory Connection (Right Cheek): Breakouts here often signal respiratory sensitivities, such as sinus congestion or allergies.
- The Emotional Connection (Left Cheek): Since the liver governs emotional flow, high levels of stress or repressed frustration often manifest as acne on the left side.
Lifestyle & “Maskne” Factors
Beyond internal balance, external hygiene is a major contributor to cheek acne. Long-term mask-wearing (“maskne”), dirty pillowcases, and bacteria on phone screens can irritate the skin. To maintain a clear complexion, prioritize gentle cleansing and give your skin a break from heavy makeup.
Actionable Tips:
- Purify Your Air: Use air purifiers to minimize allergens. Avoid Smoking.
- Boost Lung Capacity: Engage in cardio like jogging or swimming.
- Hygiene First: Regularly disinfect your phone and swap out pillowcases every few days.
Recommended remedy for Cheeks Acne
Food recommendations: 🥣 Snow Fungus Soup with Pears
This is a well liked traditional dessert amongst Chinese women as it contains “plant collagen” (mucilage and polysaccharides) that brings about beauty benefits. White fungus (Snow fungus) is rich in dietary fiber and helps to nourish the lungs, kidney and stomach. Snow Pears clear heat from the lungs and dissolve phlegm
See Snow Fungus Soup with Pears Recipe
🥣 Snow Fungus Soup with Pears Recipe
Ingredients- 1 piece Dried Snow Fungus (approx. 25g)
- 1 large Asian Pear (Nashi pear) or Ya Pear
- 1 tbsp Dried Goji Berries (approx. 15g)
- 10–12 Dried Red Dates (Jujubes), pitted (approx. 20g)
- 10 Cups Water
- Optional: 1 piece Rock Sugar (adjust to taste, approx. 30g)
- Hydrate the Fungus: Soak the dried snow fungus in a large bowl of room-temperature water for 20–30 minutes. It will expand significantly.
- Clean and Trim: Once soft, pick up the fungus and use scissors to trim away the hard, dark-yellow circular base. Tear the white “frills” into small, postage-stamp-sized pieces. Small pieces help the collagen release faster.
- Prep the Pear: Peel the pear and cut it into bite-sized cubes. If you prefer a bit of crunch, keep the pieces larger; if you like them meltingly soft, cut them smaller.
- The First Boil: Place the trimmed snow fungus and the 10 cups of water into a large pot. Bring to a boil, then immediately turn the heat down to low.
- Simmer for Texture: Cover and simmer for 40 minutes. Since you are using a full 25g of fungus, this time allows the water to transform into a slightly thickened, medicinal syrup.
- Incorporate Aromatics: Add the red dates and the pear cubes. Continue to simmer for another 15–20 minutes.
- Final Seasoning: Add the rock sugar and the goji berries. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 2–3 minutes).
- Note: Adding goji berries at the very end prevents them from breaking apart and keeps the soup clear.
Snow fungus is extremely rich in dietary fiber and “yin” (cooling) energy.
- The Risk: If you have a “weak spleen” or a cold stomach (frequent bloating, loose stools, or cold hands/feet), consuming too much can cause indigestion or diarrhea.
- The Fix: Add a slice of fresh ginger to the pot while simmering to balance the “coolness” with some warmth.
If you have a cough with clear, watery phlegm or feel “chilled,” avoid this soup. Because it is moistening, it can sometimes “trap” the cold pathogen inside the body. It is best used for “dry” coughs or skin recovery, not during an active flu.
Even though rock sugar is traditional, it is still sugar. If you are monitoring blood glucose, omit the sugar entirely or use a tiny amount of stevia. The pear and red dates provide a natural, subtle sweetness on their own.
Chin and Jawline Acne: Kidneys and Hormonal Imbalance
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the chin and jawline are direct reflections of the reproductive system, which is governed by the Kidneys. Your body is likely navigating a hormonal shift.
- The TCM Connection: This zone is linked to the Kidney system, which oversees reproductive health.
- The Culprits: Stress, your monthly cycle, PCOS, or even post-pill adjustments can cause these stubborn spots.
- The Root Cause: These flares often stem from a “Kidney deficiency” that throws your hormones out of sync.
Stress acts as a major catalyst here, disrupting your internal equilibrium and leading to persistent “hormonal acne” along the lower face.
Actionable Tips:
- Prioritize the “Beauty Sleep” Window: Aim to be in bed before 11:00 PM. In TCM, sleeping during these hours is essential to nourish Kidney Yin, helping to regulate hormones and clear the skin from the inside out.
Recommended remedy for Hormonal Acne
Supple Recommendation: PULSE Adult & Hormonal Acne
Targeted for hormonal and stress-induced acne. Clears internal heat and stabilises the stress response to minimise breakouts, clear congestion, and resolve monthly breakouts.
This 100% natural, chemical-free compound formulation:
- Clears stubborn acne around chin & jawline
- Minimises stress-induced breakouts
- Controls excess sebum production
- Regulates recurring monthly hormonal breakouts
- Supports healthy skin
Bonus: DIY Acupressure Tips for Acne
Gently massage these acupoints for 3 minutes, twice a day.
The appearance of acne at different facial areas can signal an imbalance in the respective organ systems. By using face mapping and a more comprehensive asessment, TCM physicians can help to discover the unique root causes of each individual’s acne. They will then aim treat the root cause of acne breakouts internally, allowing for an overall holistic healing on top of a good facial skin condition on the outside. Learn more about PULSE Acne Management Programme.
Citations
Li H, Lu J, Jie F, Wu S, Jiang L, Wang C, Hu J. Traditional Chinese medicine-based pattern differentiation system of deficiency and excess using traditional Chinese medicine-based inspection characteristics. Sci Prog. 2025 Oct-Dec;108(4):368504251386320. doi: 10.1177/00368504251386320. Epub 2025 Oct 30. PMID: 41166218; PMCID: PMC12679376. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12679376/
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2019, April). Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-chinese-medicine-what-you-need-to-know
