Health: Face your health issues

Forehead acne

According to Chinese medicine, the forehead is closely linked to the digestive system, and the area between the eyebrows is linked to the liver. Over-indulgence of rich foods and alcohol may cause temporary acne in this area, and frequent breakouts could indicate poor nutritional habits. Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated. You may also wish to get tested for suspected food intolerances, which can affect both the liver and digestive system.

Congested cheeks

Although pimples on the cheeks may have simple causes such as cosmetics or unclean pillowcases, this area is also thought to be linked to the lungs. Zits in this region can indicate respiratory distress; smokers, asthmatics and allergy sufferers are prone to breakouts or broken capillaries on the cheeks.

Spots on the chin and jaw line

Zits on the chin and jaw line are generally thought to be due to hormonal fluctuations and may appear on women at particular stages of their menstrual cycle. Persistent acne in this area, however, may be a symptom of a hormone imbalance or endocrine disorder such as polycystic ovary syndrome, so get your hormone levels checked if you are experiencing other symptoms such as missed periods or weight gain.

Dark circles and under-eye bags

Dark circles and under-eye bags are mostly hereditary. However if you find they make a sudden appearance or get significantly worse, this may point to certain health problems.

The under-eye area is thought to be linked to the kidneys, so changes here may suggest dehydration or a build-up of toxins.

Drink more water and cut down on alcohol, caffeine and salt.

Alternatively, circles could be caused by anaemia, due to vitamin B12 or iron deficiencies.

Unusual tongue

According to Chinese medicine, your tongue is a map to your health, and orthodox medical professionals also use the tongue to identify various conditions.

Anaemia (caused by a lack of iron, folate or vitamin B12) is one such condition. Symptoms include a burning, sore or red tongue. A blue discolouration of the tongue (cyanosis) could indicate a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, and white lesions on the tongue could be a sign of oral thrush.

Excessive facial or body hair

Excessive body or facial hair (hirsutism) can be a frustrating and embarrassing problem. However, it can also be a symptom of an underlying endocrine disorder, which may need to be checked out.

One of the most common female endocrine disorders is polycystic ovary syndrome, which frequently results in excessive body hair as well as acne, weight gain and irregular periods.

Moles

Moles may often get bad press; however, providing you look after them properly (by applying sunscreen, staying out the sun and checking them regularly), moles may actually be a good sign for your health. A research team from King's College, London, found that those with more than 100 moles have tougher bones and are less likely to develop osteoporosis, while those with moles are likely to have healthier eyes and heart.

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