Liu Heng's Take on Liu Zhuang's Facial Features: A Straight, Determined Nose and Full, Restrained Cheeks
The relationship between the Yongle Emperor and Master Liu Zhuang delves deeply into the principles of physiognomy and destiny through a question-and-answer format. This work is a hallmark in the study of physiognomy, tackling various doubts and complexities within the field. Teacher Liu Heng adds contemporary insights to the ancient text on physiognomy. "Yongle's Hundred Questions" is among the historic texts on physiognomy, created through a dialogue between the Ming Dynasty's Yongle Emperor, an enthusiast of physiognomy, and the esteemed physiognomist Master Yuan Liu Zhuang. The book spans a wide range of topics, from nobility to everyday people, making it a rare gem in physiognomy studies and essential for enthusiasts of the field.
Why does hair fall out?
Answer: Typically, as flesh grows with wealth, hair corresponds to the clarity of spirit. Hair is the surplus of blood; when the blood is impure, hair weakens, and when blood is healthy, hair flourishes. Hair loss signifies a loss of wealth. If flesh increases, hair will also fall out. For those with a wood constitution, hair loss can be an ominous sign of impending death. The text states: "Flesh grows with abundant wealth, hair thins when blood is impure and the spirit unsettled. If one with a wood constitution experiences hair loss, it suggests excess liver energy and significant kidney energy deficiency, indicating imminent death."
Supplementary Commentary by Liu Heng: The "Huangdi Neijing" states, "Hair is the surplus of blood, the essence of the kidneys." Here, blood pertains to the liver, which stores blood. Generally, excessive indulgence leads to flesh growth, affecting the vitality of one’s spirit and blood. Hair reflects the residual energy of the liver and the true state of the kidneys. If the liver is not storing blood properly, blood depletes, leading to hair loss. Lush and vibrant hair indicates a good blood flow.
Those who lose hair often indulge excessively in food and pleasure. Overindulgence causes flesh to grow, resulting in hair loss. Individuals with a wood constitution should be lean and energetic, with a pale complexion and elongated face. If such individuals experience hair loss, it indicates excess liver energy and deficient kidney energy, suggesting they are close to death. Ancient texts say that overindulgence results in flesh growth and sparse hair while chaotic liver energy diminishes the spirit, causing hair to wither. Individuals with a wood constitution should maintain beautiful hair; hair loss signifies a decline in liver and kidney health.
What are the Three Yang?
Answer: The Three Yang and Three Yin refer to the area below the eyes, also known as the "male and female palace" or "fortune and virtue palace," representing the Three Yang. The areas on the face include the Yintang (the area between the eyebrows), cheekbones, and nose. These crucial facial areas should be vibrant rather than dull or stagnant.
Supplementary Commentary by Liu Heng: The Three Yang are Taiyang, Yangming, and Shaoyang, while the Three Yin are Taiyin, Shaoyin, and Jueyin. In physiognomy, the area beneath the eyes is called the "male and female palace," also known as "Three Yin and Three Yang," which may reflect changes in the six meridians. This "male and female palace" relates to children and descendants. A plump, yellow, and smooth area without lines indicates healthy and intelligent offspring.
The Three Yang on the face encompasses the Yintang, cheekbones, and nose. A straight nose symbolizes immense wealth, while a well-defined nose bridge and a wide, clear Yintang are favorable. Cheekbones should be full and slightly prominent. A straight, determined nose, paired with balanced cheekbones and a bright Yintang, indicates a promising future. A flat nose suggests a lack of ambition, sunken cheekbones imply scheming, and high cheekbones suggest conflict (prominent cheekbones, irrespective of flesh, can imply potential harm to a partner). A narrow Yintang suggests a lack of generosity. The Three Yang areas on the face should have a healthy skin tone, balanced features, and the right proportions, radiating a bright and lustrous complexion. Vibrant, lively features are crucial for success, while a faded complexion suggests a loss of wealth and status.
What does it mean when there are lines on the forehead?
Answer: Forehead lines can hold various meanings: one line is the "Hua Gai" (symbolizing solitude), two lines are the "Yan Yue" (indicative of middle-class wealth), and three lines are the "Fu Xi" (representing great wealth). Too many lines are undesirable. Ideally, lines should start from the sides of the forehead and be horizontal and deep. "Hua Gai" means loneliness, "Yan Yue" suggests moderate wealth, and "Fu Xi" suggests significant wealth. Short or chaotic lines indicate unfavorable life aspects, such as hardship and low status.
Supplementary Commentary by Liu Heng: The forehead represents the land, and its lines indicate prosperity, also known as the "Three Talents Lines." The lines, one called "Hua Gai," two "Yan Yue," and three "Fu Xi," should not be numerous or chaotic. Clear and horizontal, they should start from the hairline and end at the forehead sides. "Hua Gai" lines near the hairline suggest solitude, "Yan Yue" lines suggest wealth, while "Fu Xi" lines, clear and straight, indicate nobility. Short, tilted, or chaotic lines suggest hardship and a lack of familial ties.