Our face reflects the state of vitality and health- or deficiency of our various organs…
Hey Guys!
For over 5,000 years in Chinese medicine, practitioners have understood that uneven color and texture, patchiness, lines, breakouts, and other issues with our face are really indicative of deeper issues going on within our bodies, in our organs. Our bodies are holistically connected through energy lines called meridians that run up and down our entire bodies. Face-reading can get very specific, but below are some major indicators.
If we study our faces closely, this is what we might learn:
Lines Above the Upper Lip: Indicates stagnation or blockages in the digestive tract, specifically relating to the organs of the stomach and small intestines. This is probably due to the accumulation of acidic waste and toxicity that is not adequately leaving the body.
Deep Laugh Lines: This relates to our lung line. This could be related to smoking, not breathing properly (ie shallow chest breathing) or getting enough oxygen/prana into the lungs, or that our colon is so backed up that our lung meridian is being impeded.
A Lined Forehead: Congestion!! A blocked, toxin-filled colon and gallbladder.I see this a lot with body builders. This usually means someone is consuming a lot of dairy (or whey protein!), cooked oils, or has a good diet- but is not cleansing properly or as efficiently as they should be to keep up with the toxicity the good diet is kicking up.
Breakouts around the Chin/Jaw area: Hormonal imbalance and congestion in the colon. Ladies- be sure to not overdo “comfort” foods before and around your period such as skim milk cappuccinos and milk chocolate, which will further imbalance you.
Dark Undereye Circles or Puffiness: Indicates adrenal exhaustion. Too much caffeine, lack of sleep, too much stress…
Crow’s feet lines around the Eyes: This also indicates that our adrenals are being overtaxed and that our body’s are acidic and imbalanced. Cut out smoking and caffeine, start eating My Glowing Green Smoothie!
Patchy skin or Lines high up around the Cheekbone area: Heart Issues. Eating too much clogging animal protein or products. Perhaps also heart ache or not being able to give or receive love completely.
So before we just groan and moan when we look at our faces and see things we don’t like, let’s be sure that we look within, and consider that the problems are probably lying deeper than we can see. The good news is that cells regenerate. If we take positive steps now, we can reverse issues and make major improvements! 
Yes it is Saturday night and I am writing a blog. I was out braving the city from appointment to appointment, from 8:30-5:30 today, and my whole body is sore and achy. I can VERY happily say that I ‘aint going anywhere tonight.
Lots of love, Kimberly
About Kimberly Snyder
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Kimberly Snyder is a highly sought after nutritionist for many of the entertainment industry's top celebrities and author of the best-selling book, The Beauty Detox Solution. She prepares food for her clients on Hollywood’s biggest film sets and gets them camera-ready for roles and red carpet events... 
This is one of my favorite entries of yours so far! Great info
Thanks you Kim! Great post!
I’d like to hear your opinion about raw food diet for people who have some diseases. Is raw food diet good for everyone or is there some limits for those people who have some diseases?
Is raw food diet good for people who have had eating problems like orthorexia or anorexia or is raw food diet too strict?
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hiya Mya,
Sorry to break in here, looks like Kimberly has oodles of good suggestions and followers. But I’ll give my 2 cents anyway.
Chinese medicine isn’t really big on raw foods, the culture kind of frowns on it for two reasons. First, they use human excrement for fertilizer in the “countryside”, and there’s a hepatitis problem there. So, you don’t find too many salad bars there. Second, raw herbs have a cool or cold nature (compared to grains which can be neutral to warm, or meats which tend to be warm.)
As we grow older it is natural for our internal heat to wane. That’s why teens can walk around in cold weather wearing their t-shirts, while their grandparents bundle up even during the summer.
This internal heat is the engine for digestion too. When the heat is not warm enough to properly digest raw foods, the outcome is loose stools, which means that you’re not assimilating the raw goodness. So, if raw foods give you loose poops, you should consider adding some cooked meals to the mix.
And who can turn down a nice warm soup during the winter? I know I can’t.
HI Al,
Thanks for your comment. I am well aware that Chinese medicine does not advocate raw food. I have spent over 3 months in China- and ate according to how my Chinese practitioners encouraged me to. The result? I was congested, my skin broke out, I was about 7 pounds above my idea weight, and most of all—i was tired all of the time. I have discussed this in length with many of my colleagues. Traditional Chinese medicine does not advocate cleansing and colonics the way it is encouraged in India. Everyone has their own food philosophy, and I can say that eating the way advocated by Chinese medicine in my opinion is not the cleanest, the most anti-aging, or has the ability to take us to our highest level in health and beauty.
My blog is about the use of meridians to read the face- NOT on whether or not the Chinese advocate raw food. In fact, I do not encourage everyone to eat a 100% raw diet, until they have taken the time to transition properly. And for many people- they should not even reach 100% raw, due to their genetic constitution. I think you would know that if you took the time to look around and read my site- and obviously you have not. I even have blogs on how to eat soup.
Chinese oriental medicine claims some people do not have enough “fire” in their constitution to thrive on raw foods. However, anyone can increase their fire by eating certain foods to bring in more fire- including cayenne pepper, ginger, etc.
But what I most vehemently DISAGREE with on your comment is where you say “as we grow older it is natural for our internal heat to wane.” I do not accept that these typical characteristics of aging are inevitable. I don’t think anything has to “be natural” just because we grow older. I think that is based on how people eat and their lifestyle. I have a teacher who is 52 years old and he looks like his is 32- I’m not even exaggerating a little bit. He is more vibrant than most people I know in their late 20′s. So it is not natural to grow old and wrinkled OR stay young- it has to do with the individual’s lifestyle, and to an extent their genetic lineage. The attitude of believing “such and such happens because we age” I dismiss as absolute BS. While it is the prevailing attitude of our society, and I know and have experienced that it does not have to be that way!
Kimberly,
Have you read the book “Wheat Belly”? It is a fascinating read and documents the dangers of “today’s” wheat in America.
Love your tips and tricks. I have been drinking green for about 3 months and wouldn’t be without it!
Hey Mya- Everyone has a different genetic lineage and reacts to raw food in a different way. Careful transitioning is part of the process. However, everyone would benefit from more greens, such as from my Glowing Green Smoothie! The raw diet should not be seen as too strict. Exceptions can always be made, and certain cooked foods digest very well.
xx Kimberly
Kimberly,
I totally agree with you that society is programmed to believe that there are so many things that are simply inevitable as we age. These “inevitable” signs of aging are not inevitable! As you said, lifestyle factors are huge in determining how we age. I work in geriatrics, and I have people that are 85 and more vibrant and energetic (and some even look younger) than people I see who are 55. A patient I saw the other day looked about 50, and she turned out to actually be 70. Part of my job is taking a history of their lifestyle, and after seeing so many people, it’s easy to see the lifestyle factors that have led each person to how they look and feel now. Anyone that has worked with as many older people as I have (I see a new patient most days of the week, all of which are at least 50, and most are 70+) can easily tell you that not all aging signs are guaranteed to happen as you age. Thanks for a great follow-up post, Kimberly!
Wow Sara, that is inspiring! It must be very rewarding working in geriatrics. I love hearing about stories about that! Yes, gloom and rapidly aging are not inevitable characteristics of chronological aging. We do have free will and some control!!
xx Kimberly
Yes, it definitely is very inspiring!
I get comments all the time on how beautiful the skin on my face is, and while that’s true for most of my face, my problem area is definitely acne on my jaw. It NEVER goes away. You said that this could be due to hormonal imbalances. What kind of hormone imbalance and how do you restore a proper balance?
I became a vegetarian a year ago, have eaten mostly vegan since then, and mostly raw in the past several months. I drink green smoothies every day, have two salads every day, and go through produce like it’s no one’s business!
I incorporate healthy fats into my diet, such as coconut oil and avocado, and have been consuming a lot more lemon since starting to read your blog about a year ago (aren’t you proud??). I thoroughly enjoy preparing my fresh lemon and ginger tea every day. I usually use the juice of one full lemon in it and it’s so good!
As you mentioned, even though I have been eating healthily recently, I have years and years of not eating the best foods. I’m getting my first gravity colonics tomorrow. Thanks for suggesting it – I’m excited for it and to see how I feel afterwards. It’s rather expensive, but I figured it’s my holiday treat to myself, and what better way to treat myself than to something that will make me healthier? Good health is so important to being able to enjoy life!
I don’t spend a lot of money on outside stuff (e.g. I rarely drink, don’t go out to restaurants or movies often, etc.), but choose to spend my disposable income on organic food to prepare at home and other products to make me healthier. Do you have any suggestions for how I can help to restore whatever hormone imbalance I might have that is causing the acne on my chin/jaw?
Thanks for all of your help, Kimberly! I love reading your blog.
Hi Sara! Well that area could also be caused by congestion in your bowel. It is wonderful you have made so many great changes to your diet. That also does kick up toxicity that needs to leave- and may not be doing so efficiently on its own. I think your gravity colonics could really help. It should make a big difference, and is worth the price! It sounds like you have a pretty great diet with all your greens, and that is the most important thing. You could try having some maca powder, which is said to help balance the endocrine system and hormones in women.
Come visit me again soon!
xx Kimberly
That is the EXACT same way I am. Except I’m a diet-soda lover. Something with the chemicals made me addicted. I drink it every other day, and I can feel it interfering with my body. It just tastes so good, I can’t help it. I’ve recently been replacing it with lemon-Ginger tea slowly.
I love this post! What about breaking out on forehead between eyes, and all the way up to hair line? it is only in this area, and this is a new thing for me! I have never had a problem with breakouts (except the occasional hormonal breakout) until now, boo! Thanks for the amazing information
)) xx
Hi Guys- between the eyes and near the hair line is a place where we may neglect to wash thoroughly, where oil may gather, and where things like sunglasses might rest on our face. Make sure you keep all sunglasses and anything that touches your face to stay clean, and keep your hair clean. Your eyebrows are hair and can generate oil also!
xx Kimberly
Great post. It makes complete sense when I look at my face and think about what my Dr has told me about my digestive system not working well after all of my surgeries. But I can say that I feel remarkably better eating raw & following many of your tips! Thanks for sharing your knowledge
HI Mimi- You can help your digestion improve with the right food and eating the right combinations of foods. Don’t lose faith that your system can strengthen and repair! xx Kimberly
Thanks Kimberly! I wish doctors would acknowledge the possibility of these issues—I had some weird things happen to my face in the past year (darker pigment patches, breakouts, etc), and no doctors will even acknowledge it could be coming from within. They just prescribe topical medications that I won’t use anymore. You just reinforced that I need to keep investigating it on my own!
Do you know of any specific books or resources you trust that I could use to research this topic further? Thanks!
I really likes this post, too. I suffer from adult acne, mostly on my chin and lower cheeks/jaw area. I have been drinking green smoothies and lots of raw fruits and veggies since the beginning of October. I also eat sunflower seeds, almonds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. I use olive oil and coconut oil sparingly. I do have salmon or chicken, but rarely now. I just feel better without it. I eat no dairy, soy, or gluten. I still crave chocolate. My skin is still breaking out!! For some of us, is 90 – 100% raw the only way to get rid of acne? I also wonder about colon cleansing. I do not have anyone in the area, would an enema at home be of any benefit?
Love your blog, and your skin is absolutely beautiful!
Hi Cassie- you don’t have to be 90% raw to get clear skin You do need to cleanse and it sounds like you could use some colonics. Before Octb. think of how you had a lifetime of eating heavy and cooked foods- there is much residue in all of our bodies. At at home colonic might be helpful. If you are only released dirty water and not actual waste- stop the enema and try again in a few days. It you don’t release waste you are just pushing water up and it might impact you more. Make sure you take a probiotic every day! xx Kimberly
Hi Kimberly,
Great stuff – thank you for sharing this with people. I’d add that these same signs on the face can indicate aspects of someone’s emotional nature that can be so valuable to understand in order to help them holistically. At the risk of sounding self-serving, I’d refer people to my book, “The Wisdom of Your Face: Change Your Life with Chinese Face Reading” http://wisdomofyourface.com
I’ll be speaking in NYC in Feb – would love to meet you!
Hi Kim.
I have the exact same issue as Stephanie and would be interested in hearing your thoughts on it.
No problems with breakouts except occasional hormones until just this year.
Now Im breaking out consistently along hairline, forehead, and in between eyes.
Nice article!
Yay for green smoothies and alkalizing our bodies.
I’m off to make one now. 
Cheers,
Kristen
Really interesting post, Kim! My dad (who has liver problems) has done some at home colonics to help him when he’s been sick (recommended by his naturopath)and has seen almost immediate results. I think that what you said about our skin reflecting our internal health is so true.
Great post, thanks!
I’ve noticed that after increasing the spirulina in my diet my skin has improved SO much. Also sea vegetables (kombu, nori, hijiki, wakame… such great stuff).
I just read your tweet about soaking broccoli in apple cider vinegar — that’s a great idea. I will definitely do that…. (I’m not on twitter so I didn’t respond there).
Will I be seeing you at DYC next Saturday? I’m looking forward to scoping out the veggie restaurants while I’m there….
p.s. I’ve also been eating soaked almonds every morning and lemon/cayenne tea (since my retreat with Dharma!) and it has been the best thing I have ever done. Gives you protein and healthy fats to start the day!
I’ll be in LA so I’ll miss you, but hope to see you there sometime!!
Hi Kimberly,
Thank you so much for sharing such informative and interesting posts. I absolutely love your blog, it inspires me!!! I am currently eating the standard American diet and hate that my life revolves around food that just makes me feel gross. I really want to make the commitment to eating things that will make me feel alive, and you have truely given me a path to follow. Thank you for shining your bright light!
my sincerest gratitude,
amanda
HI Love,
Thank you for writing me! At least you recognize that you are eating the SAD diet and that something needs to change. Take small steps, and you will start to feel good and that will give you the motivation to keep transitioning.
Love, Kimberly
Hi Kimberly,
What about the left and right side of the face?
I noticed that my left eye has a few more wrinkles, skin about the eye and crows feet. Also I have a wierd rash on my laugh line on my left side. I can cover it with make up, but it is bothering me as I know it is from something toxic. What do you suggest? I was thinking of going to the acupuncturist/
Sometimes lines on the face are worse on the left because of driving…that side of the face is exposed to more sun. Do you drive a lot?
Hi Leslie! You know me, as a New Yorker I never drive! But that sounds like it could definitely be a factor for some people’s faces!
Hmm. Leslie, another reader, was commenting how the left side of our face does get more exposure to the sun, and elements from driving. Do you drive a lot? An acupuncturist may definitely help! If you are in NY I know a great one: http://www.yvonnemizuta.com.
xx Kimberly
Thank you for this information…alot of problems i had physically and on the face i now know has to do with dairy products ….its amazing how quickly my skin clears…i was trying to fix my face on the outside …i now fix it from the inside and the difference is grand! thanks
For those interested in chinese medicine vs raw foods, I suggest you grab a copy of ‘Support the Mountain’ by Mikio Sankey, Ph.D., L.Ac.. Very interesting read and might be of use to some TCM practitioners.
Kim,
I love all these blogs-very interesting. I love as much info as I can get that will keep me vibrant, young and healthy. However, I feel that no matter how healthy I think I’m eating, something must not be right! I avoid dairy (have it occasionally-cheese), soy, wheat/gluten, do not eat meat (only fish rarely)-but I’ve had a life long battle with acne. I’ve tried everything! I will say that by changing my diet it has helped cut down on the cystic acne. I mostly get acne on my chin and back of neck and hairline on back of my neck. I will get the breakouts on my neck for like months and then get clear for months-then it repeats. I have looked at products I use/changed pillow cases/done detox cleanses (which helped for a while),etc. I can’t get a grip on this! I am doing a green smoothie daily (usually adding Vega health optimizer-has maca/hemp protein/pea protein and a variety of vitamins/minerals). Eating lots of salads/fruit/veggies/seeds/nuts. I do tend to be very stressed/easily agitated. Any ideas for me?
Thanks,
Ann
Also, I have done 3 courses of Accutane in my early to mid 20′s. Do you think I’ve damaged my liver and it’s harder for me to expel toxins out of my body? Ever since I’ve used the Accutane I also have extremely dry lips (which is a side effect of it’s use-but supposed to go away when you are done taking the drug). I feel that maybe I’ve harmed my body to an extent that I will never be able to fix? Could this be true? Sorry for the long comment…
Thanks
Ann
Hi Ann,
It sounds like your body is congested. Even though you eat a great diet now, remember that for decades you ate cooked and heavier foods. You body still has waste in it- and your highly alkaline diet kicks that up. I strongly suggest getting some gravity method colonics. As acidic waste gets cleared out, your skin will clear up over time.
xx Kimberly
Thanks for the input! I’ll keep trying!
Hi Kimberly,
I do have a question about skincare- I actually developed a couple of sunspots (brown spots) on my cheeks when I visited Hawaii and didn’t wear strong enough sunscreen. Do you have any advice for eliminating sunspots? Thanks! 
I just found your blog and just couldn’t stop reading- I am mostly a raw foodist myself trying to get back to eating 100% raw since that is when I felt my best!
Hi Melinda! The sun can pull toxicity out of our skin, which is an eliminative organ. Sunspots can point to issues with our liver. I would cut back on caffeine, sodas, red meat and other highly acidic foods which tax the liver. Have lots of lemon, which helps rebuild the liver!
xx Kimberly
So it’s not the sun that is causing my spots but my liver? My only bad vice, I do admit, is my organic coffee- I really want to give it up and see how my skin reacts.
Yes! It is a great idea to do that experiment and see what happens. We can gain a lot of information when we are observant and really conscious.
xx Kimberly
I was wondering if there are any foods you can suggest to help w/ focus? I have the worst ADHD, but I hate the idea of pumping my system full of meds when I’m sure there are more natural solutions. Any tips on how to cope via diet?
Hi Mjane! ADHD points to imbalance in the diet. Imbalanced food= little to no attention span, since the body and the mind are connected. One of the most balancing of all foods is greens. I suggest trying the Green Smoothie to replace your breakfast at least a few times a week. Stay away from soda, caffeine, coffee, refined sugar, products with high fructose corn syrup, white bread, etc. Bring in more salads and vegetables- and work to increase your percentage in your daily diet.
xx Kimberly
Hi can bags under the eyes be reversed I have been experiencing insomnia caused by rapid heart beat (tachycardia) and recently developed bags that won’t go away and my face is starting to get lines from the eyes to the cheeks can the green smoothies correct this issue and how much should I drink each day do I need 64 oz or is 16-32 enough any other suggestions are greatly appreciated thanks
Hi Kimberly,
I just found your site and I will be starting your two smoothies as soon as I can get to the store to get started. I also was wondering if you could comment on a product I recently started drinking. I recently stopped drinking diet Pepsi, but i still want to fill up my glass with ice and have a cold drink. So I found this drink called Honest Tea,honey & green tea. I claims to be organic and is sweetened with organic sugar cane. I do not drink any of their other products. I’m looking for an opinion i could trust, it seems like you may be someone to ask after reading many of your articles. Awaiting your reply and thank you for your time.
~Kelly
My brother suggested I would possibly like this web site. He used to be entirely right. This publish actually made my day. You cann’t consider just how much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!
HI Kimberly – I love your entry about what we need to look out for on our skin. I truly believe our skin, the largest organ on our body shows what we feel inside. Ok so my skin tells me I need help. LOL, with 4 kids, need more sleep and of course exercise, a crazy busy job, social life and household to take care of whats the best place to start?
Also I want to start practicing or learning yoga, what is best for beginners like me? I actually want to start teaching it out here. Any advise would be great!!!
Thanks so much, I am excited to read your book when I get it!
Hi Fridaleen! When you get The Beauty Detox Solution, you will get some info on starting out. Make slow steps that fit your lifestyle, and pick a phase that fits for you. Just starting to drink the GGS will be a huge improvement! xx
Hi Kimberly,
I have problems with milia and was using acne skin-care through my dermatologist.
A few times I have had the milia removed by my dermatologist, because they were so bad.
For the past 10 days I have been drinking detox tea, I quit the last of my dairy (1/2 & 1/2 cream) and am using organic products on my face.
My face gets worse everyday with more milia, first it was mostly the chin, jaw and a little under the jaw. Now it is also my forehead between eyebrows and upward about 2 inches.
Any ideas? I am considering sending the products back.
Renae
Hi Renae,
I would suggest also taking probiotics and eating probiotic-rich foods for clearer, more radiant skin. Gook skincare is key, but you have to battle the acne at its root cause, which is within the body. xx
Hi Kimberly
I am 34yrs & I have dreadful pigmentation/melasma on my face. It started to surface during pregnancy but was very faint, subsequently i developed the worst case of cystic acne. I was given a prescribed medication called Androcur to help with the acne (it worked) but i believe this caused the melasma to darken & spread. I have ceased the BCP & I wear spf 30 everyday plus I stay out of the sun & its only getting worse. I have tried everything, even fraxel laser which made the problem worse. I have mild PCOS not sure if this could be a factor? Any suggestions would be amazing as this is really effecting my self esteem?
I am new to your blog & im just loving all the great information
Hi Kimberly!
I’m new to your site and to juicing! I just ordered your book and looking forward to learning more! This article just made sense for me and the breakouts I am having on my chin area. Who knew at 42 I would have breakouts…I guess it just never ends, but I’m glad to know I can do something about it…or at least try. My only concern is that I don’t have a Vitamix Blender. The cost is out of our family budget right now, and we are considering the Ninja. BUt in the meantime, we are using just a standard blender. Do you have any options for me to get the blending consistency I want and need.? Thanks for this and looking forward to more!
What about deep lines/creases across the neck? It definitely seems genetic in my family but I wonder it means something else.
Hi Kimberley,
For a while I’ve had problems with digestion, I eat a good amount of fruit and vegetables, but I have a thing with chocolate
Do you think that may a something that’s leading to digestion problems?
Also, reading that article I agree with the bit where you say breakouts on your chin and jaw area have to do with congestion problems, this is me at the moment. I have my wedding in 4 weeks! any tips on how to get rid of the pimples and have glowing skin?
Thanks in advance!!
Tamara
I get really bad acne along my chin and lower jaw line, and also on my back…I know this is hormonal…what can I do to balance this out?