Among the many human body parts, the lips are a very special anatomically feature, not only because they are one of the most exposed but also the most sensitive parts of the body. Besides, the lips color and condition can be a kind of ‘intuitive indicator’ of the physical health especially in the case of abnormal lipid levels, and the lips will silently shift, delivering vital health signs.
Today, we are going to have a comprehensive insight into two main indications on the lips which can help you figure out that your lipids have exceeded the limit.
Sign one: Abnormal color of lips
Healthy lips under normal conditions should be light pink and glossy, which is the outward sign of the body’s qi and blood that are sufficient and good circulation of blood. But, the more blood lipids rise, the more the lip color changes accordingly with the possibility of purple or pale lips due to abnormal conditions.
- Purple lips
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, purple lips are basically a symptom of extreme cold in the body and slow blood circulation.
By modern medical perspective, if the lipid profile elevates along with cholesterol and triglyceride content of the blood, the blood gets thick and the flow rate slows down, consequently, it will reduce the oxygen supply capacity of the body.
And the lips, as the most peripheral parts of the body, are the most sensitive to oxygen lack, so that they can easily become purple due to hypoxia. Purple lips are a frequent sign that the cardiovascular system is being more heavily pressed. In case these symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, and other discomforts occur with purple lips at this moment, you must not ignore them and go to the hospital for checking heart and blood lipid condition right away.
- Pale lips
Pale lips can be a manifestation of anemia or lack of Qi and blood. High blood lipids are accompanied by fat particles in the blood, which may cause stimulated red blood cells production or a decrease in their numbers and function thus, anemia will be triggered. Traditional Chinese medicine has been insisting on the color of the lips reflecting the body’s qi and blood, and that a rosy lip connotes sufficient qi and blood, whereas pallor is often a hint of insufficient qi and blood.
The research of modern medicine also points to a link between white lips and the poor circulation which is directly caused by blood becoming sticky after lipid levels rise. If your lips are frequently pale, for instance after you work out or first thing in the morning, you should go to a clinic to have a lipid test done to make sure there is no health risk.
Sign two: dry and peeling lips
Dropping aside the color of the lips, it is also possible that the dryness and peeling of the lips are the signs of elevated blood lipids. According to TCM theory, “the spleen opens its mouth, and its beauty lies in the lips” means that the state of the lips has a very close relationship with the health of the spleen and stomach.
When blood lipids increase, the body may cut the blood supply to the skin to skin maintain normal operation of various physiological functions, and the skin will easily get dry. As lips are the part of skin, they will also lose their moisture and breaking will happen. According to modern medical research, there is indeed a correlation between hyperlipidemia and dry skin to some extent. When lipids become high, blood lipids will be deposited on the vessels walls, which will hamper blood flow so that the water content in the lip skin will be affected and the lips can easily be dry and cracked.
In clinical practice, TCM has unique methods and remarkable advantages in hyperlipidemia treatment. Holistic conditioning and personalized treatment allow TCM to effectively lower blood lipid levels, elevate patients’ physical fitness, and improve the quality of their life.
Though it should be made clear that TCM treatment of hyperlipidemia is a progressive procedure and needs a patient who is cooperative. Only if a patient is actively following the treatment plan of his doctor and is sticking to the treatment can he get good results.
