Recognizing Illness: 5 Facial Features to Pay Attention To

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine use facial diagnosis by assessing patients' facial appearance, posture, and mental state. This approach helps in evaluating the patient's overall condition, allowing for an initial assessment regardless of illness severity. It is followed by detailed questioning, observation of skin and lip color, and arranging necessary examinations, which can significantly save time.

The face is a microcosm of the entire body, capable of reflecting physiological information from various organs. Different facial areas correspond to distinct organs, forming the foundation of facial diagnosis. As Qing Dynasty physician Chen Shiduo noted, "To diagnose an illness, one must observe the color; to observe the color, one must look at the face, and each area has its significance that cannot be overlooked."

The complexion is influenced by external environmental factors. For instance, extreme heat or cold can darken the face, while working indoors might make it appear pale. Sunlight, wind, rain, cosmetics, and oils can create misleading appearances, altering skin color and hindering it from accurately reflecting the condition of internal organs. Traditional Chinese medicine has specific requirements for facial diagnosis, so maintaining a natural look is advisable. An experienced doctor may be able to identify issues just by examining your face and eyes.

Is it possible to detect illness from the face? Five facial signs are worth investigating, regardless of gender.

1. Red spots or rashes on the skin

Typically, these spots feel soft and disappear when pressed, remaining small and not affecting health. However, if there are spider veins around the red spots, it could indicate liver degeneration, necessitating timely investigation and treatment.

2. Large black moles on the face

Many people struggle to differentiate between black moles, age spots, and melanoma. A stable mole on the skin that doesn't itch or ulcerate can be considered normal with minimal impact. However, a spot that is irregular, has sharp edges, and changes significantly over a few months may be cancerous, and caution should be exercised.

3. Yellow growths at the corners of the eyes

These are clusters of fat beneath the skin. Checking blood lipid levels is crucial to determine if they are elevated. If blood lipid levels exceed normal values, further investigation of the carotid and coronary arteries is necessary, as high blood lipids can lead to blockages over time, posing significant risks.

4. Swelling of the eyes and face

Normal swelling usually subsides within a few hours and may be accompanied by increased urination the same day. Persistent swelling that doesn't change and is accompanied by low urine output may relate to hypothyroidism or kidney disease and should be addressed.

5. Chronic redness of the skin

Persistent skin redness might indicate excessive internal heat. It's important to avoid anger as it could trigger heart disease. Prolonged redness may signal excessive blood supply to the heart, raising the risk of high blood pressure. It is advisable to adopt measures to lower blood pressure and reduce stress.

The face serves as the body's "mirror," alerting you to any issues. Therefore, it's important not to overlook these warnings. Additionally, pay attention to lifestyle changes; even minor adjustments over time can have surprising effects on the body. Stay vigilant by monitoring and checking for these subtle changes.