A face can look different after a sleepless night, a stressful week, or time spent in the cold. Most changes pass. But a new color change that persists—especially alongside other symptoms—may be worth a closer look.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses the complexion as one clue when assessing health. Jonathan Liu, director of Liu’s Wisdom Healing Centre in Canada and a contributor to The Epoch Times, said TCM associates five complexion colors with five organ systems: bluish-green with the liver, red with the heart, yellow with the spleen, white with the lungs, and dark or black with the kidneys.
These organ systems describe patterns of function in TCM; they are not the same as the anatomical organs. A complexion change cannot, on its own, reveal whether an organ is diseased, Liu said. Its timing and any accompanying symptoms matter.
Bluish-Green Complexion–Liver
People with a persistently bluish-green complexion often experience high levels of stress, emotional tension, anxiety, or irritability. In TCM, this may reflect an imbalance in the liver’s regulatory functions.
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Prolonged stress may disrupt this system and eventually manifest as changes in the complexion.
In cold weather, a temporarily bluish or purplish complexion is generally a normal physiological response and usually resolves once the body warms up.
Flushed Cheeks–Heart
If both cheeks are frequently flushed, possible causes include menopause and rosacea. In TCM, it may also be associated with an imbalance in the heart’s regulatory functions.
TCM holds that “the heart governs the blood and vessels.” When qi (vital energy) and blood circulation become overly active or internal heat builds up, facial flushing may occur.
Persistent, unexplained facial flushing—particularly when accompanied by chest tightness, heart palpitations, or dizziness—warrants prompt medical evaluation.
Sallow Complexion–Spleen and Stomach
A waxy, yellow complexion without yellowing of the whites of the eyes may reflect poor digestion or nutrient absorption.
However, if the whites of the eyes are also yellow, it may indicate jaundice, a condition that can be caused by liver or gallbladder disease.
In TCM, the spleen belongs to a broader digestive system that also encompasses the intestines, stomach, and pancreas.
Weak spleen and stomach function, insufficient qi and blood, poor metabolism, or impaired nutrient absorption may result in a sallow complexion.
Pale Complexion–Lungs
A persistently pale and dull complexion may be caused by anemia or other conditions. In TCM, it may also be linked to an imbalance in the lungs’ regulatory functions.
According to TCM, lung qi deficiency—understood as weakened lung function—can impair the movement of qi and blood, leaving the face looking pale.
Darkened Complexion–Kidneys
Declining kidney function may lead to a dull, darkened complexion due to metabolic waste buildup, anemia, and other contributing factors.
In TCM, early darkening of the complexion may be associated with kidney qi deficiency, understood as a depletion of the functional energy stored in the kidneys.
If the condition progresses to kidney failure, impaired circulation of qi and blood and disrupted fluid metabolism may cause the complexion to become increasingly dark and dull.
A sudden, noticeable darkening of the complexion should be taken seriously and promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Changes in complexion are only one possible indicator of health and should not be used alone to diagnose disease, Liu said. They should always be considered alongside other symptoms and a physician’s clinical evaluation.
Other Facial Changes That May Signal Health Problems
In addition to changes in complexion, the appearance of the lips, dark circles, and under-eye bags may also offer clues about a person’s health, Liu said.
Purplish Lips
Lips that remain bluish-purple or dark purple for an extended period may be associated with heart or lung disease. They may also reflect poor circulation of qi and blood.
Persistent purple discoloration of the lips warrants prompt medical evaluation.
Darkening Under the Eyes
Dark circles can result from insufficient sleep, allergies, aging, or hyperpigmentation.
However, persistent dark circles accompanied by puffiness around the eyes or changes in urine may be linked to declining kidney function.
A Sudden Increase in Under-Eye Bags
The gradual development of under-eye bags with age or chronic sleep deprivation is generally not a cause for concern.
However, if they enlarge noticeably over a short period and are accompanied by eyelid swelling that does not subside, they may be associated with kidney, heart, or endocrine disorders.
Kidney-related edema, or swelling, often appears first around the eyes and is usually more noticeable in the morning.
In addition to watching for abnormal facial changes, incorporating simple daily practices may help support the functions of the five organ systems.
Finger Massage for Immune Support
Naiwen Hu, a TCM physician and a contributor to The Epoch Times, said that spending less than two minutes each day massaging the tips of all 10 fingers may help promote blood circulation and regulate the functions of the five organ systems.
This practice can help support the body’s immune defenses and may be particularly suitable for people who sit for long periods or have little time to exercise.
TCM theory holds that each finger corresponds through the meridian system to a different organ system. Massaging each finger can therefore offer different health benefits.
The technique is simple:
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Hold the tip of one finger between the index and middle fingers of the opposite hand.
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Press and rub gently for about 10 seconds before moving to the next finger.
Thumb Massage to Support Digestion
The thumb corresponds to the spleen and stomach.
Regularly massaging the thumb can help support digestion and nutrient absorption, Hu told The Epoch Times. This may, in turn, reduce indigestion and support regular bowel movements.
Healthy spleen and stomach function is also associated with stronger immune defenses.
Index Finger Massage to Support Liver and Eyes
The index finger corresponds to the liver.
As mentioned earlier, the TCM concept of the liver extends beyond the anatomical organ and is associated with emotional regulation, qi and blood circulation, and metabolism, Hu said.
Notably, the eyes are also considered part of the liver system in TCM. Massaging the index finger is believed to help brighten the eyes.
Middle Finger Massage to Ease Emotional Tension
The middle finger corresponds to the heart.
In TCM, the heart is associated with mental state, emotions, and sleep, as well as blood circulation, Hu said.
Massaging the middle finger may help ease emotional tension.
Ring Finger Massage to Support the Respiratory Tract
The ring finger corresponds to the lungs.
Regularly massaging the ring finger may help relieve respiratory discomfort, Hu said.
TCM also links the lungs with the large intestine, so the practice is believed to support bowel function as well.
Little Finger Massage to Maintain Fluid Metabolism
The little finger corresponds to the kidneys. According to Hu, healthy kidneys are associated with alertness and vitality, while kidney deficiency may manifest as fatigue, swelling, or lower back pain.
Finger massage can be performed at any time and in any place. Hu recommends practicing it while commuting, during breaks at work, or while resting, particularly for people with busy schedules or sedentary lifestyles.
The most useful thing a mirror can show is change. A face that looks different for a day may reflect sleep, temperature, or stress. A change that persists, worsens, or appears with other symptoms deserves a closer look—and, when needed, a medical evaluation.
