Why your face is your new health check

What energy type are you? According to Chinese medicine, faces are divided into five categories: fire, earth, metal, wood and water.

Fire: Long, streamlined face with a pointed chin
You're spontaneous, emotional and very sociable. You feel low when you spend too much time alone, which has a knock-on effect on your health.

Earth: Square face with a strong jaw
You're kind, loyal and reliable. People turn to you in a crisis, but you need to learn to put your own needs first at times, as it can wear you down.

Metal: Oval face
You're smart and quick-witted. You don't show feelings easily, which can lead to health problems from keeping your emotions under wraps.

Wood: Long, streamlined face and nose
You're practical and a superb organiser, but too much stress can make you irritable and short-tempered.

Water: Round face
You're sensitive and caring, but have a tendency to get anxious. People always tell you their problems, because you're so understanding.

If you're fire

Health check: Your heart and small intestine are vulnerable, and you may suffer from stress related bowel problems.
Health tips: Cut back on spices, coffee and alcohol. Good foods include chicory to nourish the heart and ginger to boost circulation. Fast-paced, sociable exercise, such as dancing, suits you best.
Health fixes: Try Pukka Triphala, £14.45 for 90 capsules, to help regulate the bowel. Also try LifeTime Resveratrol Life Tonic, £19.95 for 960ml - it's a juice with cardiovascular benefits. Both www.victoriahealth.com.

If you're metal

Health check: Your lungs and colon can kick up problems. You're also prone to colds and skin allergies, and may develop IBS-type symptoms.
Health tips: Eat plenty of fruit and foods rich in fibre. Good foods include garlic, onions and wholegrains. For exercise, try aerobics, yoga, t'ai chi and meditation.
Health fixes: Schwabe Pharma Karma, £14.99 for 30 tablets, www.schwabepharma.co.uk, contains St John's Wort to ease anxiety.And Earth Solutions Inner Peace Scent Inhaler,£6.95, www.aromatherapy-products.co.uk, uses calming lavender and patchouli oil.

If you're earth

Health check: Watch out for your stomach, pancreas and spleen. You may suffer digestive problems, blood-sugar imbalances and cystitis.
Health tips: Avoid cakes and stodgy meals. Eat low-GI foods to keep blood-sugar levels stable, and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice. You may also benefit from spices such as cardamom and cinnamon to ease digestion. The best exercises for you include walking, gardening and stretching. You'll also benefit from shiatsu, reflexology and aromatherapy.
Health fixes: Try Cynara Artichoke, £14.63 for 60 tablets, which contains the active ingredient cynarin to support digestion. Also Cinnamon Spice Yogi Tea, £1.99 for 15 tea bags, a herbal tea with cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Both available from health stores nationwide.

If you're WOOD

Health check: Always give your liver TLC, as you can experience bloating, stressinduced abdominal weight gain (caused by liver imbalance), headaches and PMT.
Health tips: Avoid fried, greasy foods and alcohol. Eat plenty of leafy greens such as watercress, lettuce and broccoli. You will benefit from exercise that improves flexibility, such as yoga or Pilates.
Health fixes: Start the day with a cleansing glass of water with lemon, and try A.Vogel Milk Thistle Complex, £9.82 for 60 tablets, a detoxifying blend that's good for the liver. Also, HealthAid Artichoke, £9.99 for 60 capsules, aids elimination and reduces bloating. Both
available from www.victoriahealth.com.

If you're WATER

Health check: Watch your kidneys and bladder as you can suffer from water retention, arthritis and sleeping and menstrual problems.
Health tips: Avoid foods that overstimulate the kidneys and adrenals - coffee, tea, salt and alcohol. Good foods include chestnuts, adzuki beans, tofu, miso and sea salt. Blue-green algae supplements are also beneficial. Water types can get overwhelmed by emotions, so reiki, flower essences and homeopathy are all good therapies for you. Best exercises include swimming, sailing and windsurfing.
Health fixes: Try Solgar Spirulina, £11.39 for 100 tablets, www.solgar-vitamins.co.uk, and Pukka Relax tea, £2.09 for 20 tea bags, www.pukkaherbs.com

Read on to find out what different parts of your face say about your health.