Can Facial Asymmetry from Habits Be Corrected? A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Facial asymmetry

Hello, I am a university student.
I have had the habit of resting my chin on my left hand for a long time, and I often chew food only on the left side.
Recently, I noticed that my left cheek is higher than my right cheek, primarily because my left zygomatic bone is higher than the right.
This has also affected the position of my left eye, making it higher than my right eye.
Additionally, I tend to tilt my head slightly to the right, and it seems that my hip joint also has a tendency to be misaligned.
I am wondering if the condition that has already affected my facial bones can be improved, allowing my left side to become symmetrical with my right side.
Thank you.

Hé tún, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/03

Dr. He Yujun reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello, Fugu.
Your questions can be categorized into two main topics.
The first is whether habitual left-sided force application can cause skeletal asymmetry, and the second is whether Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can intervene to improve facial asymmetry if it has already occurred.

To address the first question, from an orthopedic perspective, a person's facial appearance is largely related to their skeletal structure.
However, our bones typically reach their definitive shape around the ages of fifteen or sixteen (with females often developing earlier).
The likelihood of external forces, such as resting one's chin on their hand, significantly altering bone shape is low.
The remaining factor is muscle tension; varying degrees of chewing can indeed lead to asymmetry in the masseter muscles, which may result in uneven appearance of the cheekbones and eyes.
This hypothesis is certainly plausible.
To resolve this issue, once it is clarified that muscle tension is the cause, reducing muscle tension could be effectively achieved through acupuncture.
By relaxing the muscles, the asymmetry can be diminished.
The duration of treatment may require further evaluation and consultation.
I hope this addresses your concerns.

Reply Date: 2016/01/03

More Info

Facial asymmetry can indeed be influenced by habitual behaviors, such as consistently resting your chin on one hand or favoring one side while chewing. Over time, these habits can lead to muscular imbalances and even structural changes in the facial bones, resulting in noticeable differences in the appearance of the face. In your case, it seems that your left cheekbone is higher than your right, which may be exacerbated by your tendency to tilt your head to the right and the potential misalignment in your hip joint.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, the body is viewed as an interconnected system where imbalances can manifest in various ways, including facial asymmetry. TCM emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmony within the body, and it offers several approaches that may help address your concerns.

1. Acupuncture: This is a common TCM practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote energy flow (Qi) and restore balance. Acupuncture may help alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation in the facial area, potentially aiding in the correction of asymmetry over time.

2. Herbal Medicine: TCM practitioners often prescribe herbal remedies tailored to individual needs. Certain herbs may help strengthen the muscles and tissues around the face, improve blood circulation, and promote overall health. Consulting with a qualified TCM practitioner can provide you with a personalized herbal regimen.

3. Tuina (Chinese Therapeutic Massage): This form of massage focuses on manipulating the body’s soft tissues to relieve tension and improve circulation. Tuina can be particularly beneficial for addressing muscular imbalances in the face and neck, which may contribute to asymmetry.

4. Qi Gong and Tai Chi: These gentle exercises emphasize body awareness, balance, and relaxation. Practicing Qi Gong or Tai Chi can help improve your posture and body alignment, which may indirectly influence facial symmetry by promoting overall body balance.

5. Diet and Lifestyle: TCM also emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Consuming foods that nourish the body and support muscle health can be beneficial. Additionally, being mindful of your habits—such as how you sit, chew, and rest your head—can help prevent further imbalances.

6. Postural Awareness: Since you mentioned a tendency to tilt your head and favor one side, working on your posture can be crucial. Engaging in exercises that promote symmetrical muscle development and awareness of your body’s alignment can help correct imbalances over time.

While TCM offers various methods to address facial asymmetry, it’s important to note that significant structural changes may require a multidisciplinary approach. Consulting with healthcare professionals, including dentists, orthodontists, or physical therapists, can provide additional insights and treatment options. They may recommend orthodontic treatments or physical therapy to address any underlying skeletal issues contributing to your facial asymmetry.

In conclusion, while habits can lead to facial asymmetry, there are several approaches within TCM that may help correct these imbalances. A combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, therapeutic massage, and lifestyle adjustments can contribute to improving your facial symmetry. However, it is essential to consult with qualified practitioners to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. With patience and consistent effort, you may see improvements in your facial symmetry over time.

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