When the face in your mirror has pouches under the eyes and puffy skin, you can help restore your appearance by eating the right foods, cutting down on salt and applying acupressure daily, writes Zhang Qian.Traditional Chinese beauties have oval-shaped faces, smooth, taut skin and bright eyes - the dream of every woman.Yet, improper diet and lack of sleep can easily rob them of their beauty, by causing dark pouches under the eyes, puffy and slack skin. Some women resort to expensive plastic surgery, but traditional Chinese medicine can help to restore your face in a much easier way - eating a healthy diet and applying acupressure.Whether you are young or older, eating the right foods, cutting down on salt, avoiding cold and massaging acupressure points on your face daily will improve your appearance.Many women see a puffy face and eyes in the mirror almost every morning. Sometimes the symptoms disappear in a few hours, but for some people they persist. As we age, the eye area also darkens but it can be lightened by acupressure that improves circulation.The main cause of a puffy face is actually similar to that of excess fat (mentioned in a previous column) - a weak spleen or digestive system that cannot efficiently eliminate excess water.The retained water oozes back to the skin's surface, resulting in puffiness.Slack skin, of course, is also caused by aging as the skin loses its elasticity.But more damaging than spleen problems (in TCM, spleen refers to the entire digestive system) are unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle. These play a major role in the puffiness retained-water problem.There are three main causes of excess water retention: too much salt; too much pressure and too little sleep; long-term exposure to a cold environment and eating cold foods (both cold in temperature and cold in "yin" energy).Excessive salt is a well-known cause of water retention. Psychological pressure, too much work and lack of rest will slow the metabolism. Exposure to cold for long periods reduces blood circulation, resulting in water retention.Besides, puffiness and dark pouches under the eyes are also linked with menstrual periods.Therefore, eating a fairly bland (not spicy) diet with little salt and sugar is important.Avoiding cold foods can help the stomach and spleen work properly.Foods rich in calcium such as apples, hyacinth beans, and bean products promote circulation and act as diuretics. Regular eating, rest and work sets up the regular work of the digestive system.Acupressure also promotes blood circulation and cell metabolism in the face: this reduces accumulated fat and water and helps tighten the muscles and skin. Here are some suggestions. The "sunken spots" mentioned are tiny indentations between facial bones. Massage these spots at least once a day for a minute or two - Any time, day or night.