What is Dark Face?

Dark face, medically known as hyperpigmentation of the face, is characterized by patches of skin that become darker in color than the surrounding normal skin. This condition can result from various factors, including overexposure to the sun, hormonal changes, aging, and certain medications. Hyperpigmentation can affect anyone, regardless of skin color or type, leading to cosmetic concerns and affecting individuals' self-esteem. Understanding the underlying causes of this condition is essential for effective treatment and management.

How does TCM view Dark Face?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views dark face as a manifestation of internal disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on external factors, TCM explores how imbalances in Qi (vital energy), Blood, and bodily fluids contribute to changes in skin complexion.

Darkening of the face is seen as a symptom of deeper issues such as Blood Stasis, Qi Stagnation, Blood Deficiency, or Yang Deficiency. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial in TCM, as it directs the holistic approach to treatment, aiming to restore internal balance and thereby improve the skin's appearance.

Root Causes of Dark Face in TCM

In TCM, dark face is commonly attributed to Qi And Blood Stagnation, conditions where the flow of Blood and Qi is obstructed, leading to a lack of nourishment and vitality in the facial skin. Blood Stasis can manifest as dark face, purple lips, and menstrual cramps, indicating a deeper circulatory issue.

Qi Stagnation, on the other hand, may present with symptoms like chest distension and mood swings, alongside skin darkening. Addressing these underlying patterns involves invigorating the Blood, promoting Qi flow, and removing blockages, aiming to revitalize the skin from within.

Explore below more details about what might cause Dark face according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Stasis
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Essence Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Liver
  • Kidney
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Face

Common Symptoms: Purple Lips Stabbing Fixed Pain Abdominal Masses Purple Nails Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Clots Dark Menstrual Blood Mottled Skin

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Stagnation Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Qi And Blood Stagnation Dark face, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Wei Jing Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Face

Common Symptoms: Chest Distension Irritability Mood Swings Depression Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Blood Irregular Periods Lower Abdominal Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation Dark face, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Wei Jing Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin
Liver Qi Stagnation Dark face, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Wu Yao Tang | Xiao Yao San
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency Dark face, Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression, Amenorrhea, Low energy, Chills, Dry mouth... see more Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | He Che Da Zao Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Essence Deficiency

In TCM "Essence" (Jing) deficiency refers to a depletion of the body's fundamental substance, which is vital for growth, development, reproduction, and overall vitality. Jing, often translated as "Essence," is a unique concept in TCM, seen as the basis of all life activities and inherited from our parents. Essence deficiency manifests in various symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, weakness, slow physical or mental development, fertility issues, premature aging, weak bones, and a lackluster complexion. It can also affect the hair, leading to premature greying or hair loss. This pattern of disharmony often arises from congenital factors, chronic illness, overwork, or excessive behaviors that drain the body's resources. ... see more

Essence Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency Dark face, Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression, Amenorrhea, Low energy, Chills, Dry mouth... see more Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | He Che Da Zao Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency Dark face, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more Er Xian Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Face

Common Symptoms: Depression Primary Amenorrhea Lower Back Pain Generalized Fatigue Knee Pain Dizziness Amenorrhea Low Energy

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Dark face, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Wu Yao Tang | Xiao Yao San
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency Dark face, Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression, Amenorrhea, Low energy, Chills, Dry mouth... see more Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | He Che Da Zao Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Face

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Generalized Fatigue Knee Pain Dizziness Depression Amenorrhea Chills Night Sweats

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency Dark face, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more Er Xian Tang
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency Dark face, Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression, Amenorrhea, Low energy, Chills, Dry mouth... see more Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | He Che Da Zao Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Dark Face

To treat dark face, TCM recommends specific formulas and herbs that address the root causes identified through pattern differentiation. Tao Hong Si Wu Tang, a formula rich in Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), is utilized for its Blood-invigorating properties, making it suitable for conditions of Blood Stasis.

For Qi Stagnation, Wu Yao Tang, featuring Lindera Roots (Wu Yao), helps to promote Qi movement and alleviate the stagnation that contributes to facial hyperpigmentation. These treatments exemplify TCM's targeted approach, focusing on correcting internal imbalances to achieve a clearer, more even skin tone.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dark face, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Stasis
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Essence Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
  • Formulas that regulate blood

All Formulas Recommended for Dark Face Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wu Yao Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation
Di Dang Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan Blood Stagnation
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang Blood Stagnation
Hai Tong Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wei Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Dark Face Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wu Yao Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation, Liver Qi Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wei Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Dark Face Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
He Che Da Zao Wan Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Dark Face Caused by Essence Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
He Che Da Zao Wan Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for dark face

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for dark face

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Shi Xiao San Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation
Di Dang Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan Blood Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that tonify yin and yang" recommended for dark face

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
He Che Da Zao Wan Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
Er Xian Tang Kidney Yang Deficiency

All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for dark face

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wu Yao Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation, Liver Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Qi And Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen" recommended for dark face

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation

All "formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores" recommended for dark face

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wei Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang Blood Stagnation

Acupoints for Dark Face

In addition to herbal medicine, TCM incorporates acupuncture as a complementary treatment for dark face, with specific acupoints selected based on the underlying patterns. Guanyuan REN-4 is a pivotal point for nourishing Blood and Yin, strengthening the Kidneys, and benefiting the Uterus and Bladder, addressing key issues related to dark face.

Stimulating this acupoint, along with a tailored selection of others, can enhance the effectiveness of herbal treatments, further promoting the restoration of balance and the improvement of skin complexion. This integrative approach underscores TCM's holistic strategy in treating dark face, emphasizing the importance of addressing both physical symptoms and emotional well-being.

See more details below about Guanyuan REN-4, an acupoint used to address dark face.

  • By Meridian
  • Directing Vessel
Guanyuan REN-4

Guanyuan REN-4

On the midline of the abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus.