Pimples. Some of us pop them and move on, some apply creams, and other simply leave them. A pimple is after all, just a pimple right? Maybe not. Depending on where you have a blemish show up on your face, it might be sending you subtle signs about your body. Research into the area of Chinese Acne Mapping shows that different areas and types of blemishes can actually tell you about your health.

In Chinese Acne Mapping, there are various sections mapped out across your face according to a chart practitioners have developed. This chart corresponds to the physical characteristics, sections, face mapping areas, and other information indicating possible issues in specific body systems.

The map is divided into 14 zones, as explained below, and begins by working from the top down to the bottom.

Find out – What Is Your Acne Telling You?

Zones 1 & 2: Digestive System

If you start to find pimples all along both sides to your forehead then it may be time to change your diet. Pimples in this area are a warning sign that you quite possibly have digestive problems. The remedy for this is to eat more fruit and vegetables as well as whole foods. Also try to include the adequate amounts of water to stay hydrated.

Zone 3: Liver

Don’t you hate waking up in the morning and feeling really tender right between the eyes, only to find a massive pimples sitting there? Yeah same here. The thing is though, pimples occurring in this specific region generally signal some issues with your liver.

The suggestion is to either cut back or completely stop drinking alcohol as well as processed foods which usually contain toxins. Reducing and eliminating toxins from your environment may also be helpful. For Zone 3 acne, eat well, drink less alcohol (or not at all), eliminate toxins, get frequent exercise, and get good sleep.

Zones 4 & 5: Kidneys

Any pimples or blemishes that start to appear around both of your eye regions are usually connected to your kidneys. As the kidney is an important organ, this should be taken seriously, especially if there are dark circles around your eyes as well. If you are experiencing acne in Zones 4 and 5, you need to feed your body (and your kidneys) more water. Start guzzling!

Zone 6: Heart

Those pimples on the tip of your nose aren’t just irritating sores. Finding these could indicate that your heart isn’t at its best or that you may also have high blood pressure. Check with your doctor as soon as possible for a checkup. Some remedies or treatments can include increasing your vitamin intake (especially Vitamin B), daily exercise, increasing your intake of Omega 3 fats.

Note also that pimples in Zone 6 can also be caused by makeup that is not fully removed from these pores. Likewise, makeup that is too old can bring blemishes to the area.

Zones 7 & 8: Kidneys

Kidneys must definitely be important since acne arising from kidney issues not only appears around your eyes but also concentrate around your ears. The same recommendations for Zones 4 and 5 apply for Zones 7 and 8. You may also consider decreasing alcohol consumption, caffeine and carbonated drinks. Focus on getting a consistent good night’s sleep as well and remember to drink plenty of water.

Zones 9 & 10: Respiratory System

Pimples and blemishes that are located around the cheeks can signal that respiratory issues may be on their way. Smokers experience this the most, but also those with sensitivities or extreme allergies. If you don’t smoke and don’t have allergies but you still have blemishes in Zones 9 and 10, be sure to simply keep your body cool, cut back on sugar and get fresh air. Many have also found success in eliminating cheek acne by switching to alkaline foods. Alkaline foods includes green vegetables among others.

Zones 11 & 12: Hormones

Those nasty pimples on your chin? Yes, even they offer some signals as to how your body fares. These regions can indicate that your body is going through some hormonal changes – most commonly puberty, monthly cycles or stress. While you can’t avoid hormonal changes (most of the time) you can adopt certain habits to decrease the chances and concentration of said blemishes.

Work on reducing your stress, washing your face thoroughly and supporting your hormones. Turmeric has been found to be helpful for monthly hormone fluctuations. Likewise, focus on getting enough sleep to support your body and brain functions, stay hydrated (as always) and again, keep a healthy diet including vegetables and fruits with little or no processed foods.

Zone 13: Stomach

If you are having acne around Zone 13 – the middle of your chin – then you may be having stomach issues. To remedy this type of acne switch to a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole foods. Identify and eliminate any food intolerances and avoid all toxic and processed foods.

Zone 14: Getting Sick

If you find that pimples have migrated to the center of your neck (it’s more common than you think) then that means you are working with a 50/50 chance that you’ll be sick. Your body is fighting off threatening bacteria at this time and you can do some things to assist the process. Engaging in meditation or yoga/Pilates, take naps, stay hydrated, and your body will thank you.

Now that we’ve covered the areas around your face, we can start going through all the different types of pimples or blemishes and what they have to offer. So not only do you have to keep an eye out for the locations, but the types as well! Read on to find out what the physical characteristics of your pimples have to say:

1. Inflamed and Red Skin Near the Breakout Region

This type of blemish can signal that you have inflammation and toxic build up causing swelling and redness near the breakout. Reducing toxin intake, eliminating inflammatory foods, exercise and optimum levels of water intake are the keys here. Hormones can also play a role in inflamed and red skin near the breakout.

2. Dry, Red Blotches

This is a direct result of any allergies you may have. The only remedy is to cease the cause of your allergies, whatever it may be.

3. Tiny Bumps Under Your Jawline Skin

These types of blemishes are generally indicative of lymphatic congestion or a build up in toxic body levels.

4. Tender, Painful, Red Cystic Acne and/or Oily Skin

*(Possible without cystic acne AND/OR oily skin)

These types of pimples and blemishes can cause some minor pain (but pain nonetheless) may indicate the fact that your liver and/or lymphatic system is congested.

5. Rashy Pimples and Odd Skin Tone

Candida causes these symptoms 90% of the time but it could also indicate a common digestive problem in women more so than men, called Dystopia.

6. Cyclical Breakouts

In the case of women, these breakouts occur during ovulation or menstruation and can be difficult to control. Lower bodily inflammation as much as possible. Consider adding a vitamin D supplement and a turmeric supplement as well.

7. Pimples, Blackheads, Whiteheads and Congested Skin

Most generally located in the nose, forehead, and chin (but can be found everywhere), these can signal dirty skin or bacteria build-up on the surface of the skin and can be avoided with daily facial washes, less makeup or a change to non-comedogenic makeup.

8. Puberty Related Breakouts

We’ve all been through it before and there’s truly few things we can really do to avoid it, but be aware that acne during these years can also be due to a lack of zinc in the diet.