How to Assess Facial Complexion

The ancients expressed: “With both spirit and appearance, one will thrive indefinitely; without them, one will quickly falter; with appearance but no spirit, never begin; with spirit but no appearance, ultimately succeed.” This is because spirit and appearance differ: appearance is superficial, while spirit is genuine. Spirit comes from within, and appearance is seen on the surface; spirit is the core, and appearance is the external.

Thus, the core of physiognomy lies in first examining spirit, then discerning appearance. Yet, the essence of spirit is colorless and flavorless, without shape or form; it may resemble a drifting dragon or a leaping swan, constantly changing and elusive. So, how can one assess this unseen and intangible spirit in physiognomy? Specifically, there are three primary methods:

1. Observe from a Distance

The essence of spirit flows continually, always shifting, and is all-pervasive. As the saying goes: “One cannot see the true face of Mount Lu simply because they are within it.” Observing from up close can obscure vision with superficialities and environmental distractions. By observing from afar, one clears these obstacles, making it easier to perceive the true essence and reality. This way, the distinction between spirit and appearance becomes apparent; spirit remains spirit, and appearance remains appearance, with no confusion.

2. Observe Behavior and Examine Spirit

A person’s spirit manifests when gathered and transformed; when the spirit is strong, the spirit is plentiful; when weak, the spirit diminishes. Therefore, to examine spirit, one must observe a person's behavior. Spirit reflects not only in the eyes but also in actions, daily habits, speech, and interactions.

For instance, someone slouching reflects a lack of spirit, whereas one sitting upright like a mountain appears calm and collected; an unsteady individual lacks spirit, yet one standing firm like a rock seems composed; someone speaking hesitantly with sadness lacks spirit, but a person whose voice resonates like a bell is full of spirit.

In silence, furrowed brows suggest worry; listening as if overwhelmed; seeing things obscurely; in motion, a drooping head and weak body, speaking softly; eating too slowly or too quickly, drinking hastily or struggling to swallow; snoring while awake or appearing loud while silent; restless feet, fidgety hands, sleeping on the back but walking head down are signs of insufficient spirit.

3. Observe Form and Examine Spirit

Those with spirit naturally possess a strong presence. This is evident in facial features, which may be full and high, or orderly and harmonious; they may be well-structured or balanced appropriately, lacking depression or flaw, without lines or blemishes, and free from irregular moles. Differences according to area are generally as follows:

If there is spirit in the forehead, it will be round and raised; without spirit, it will appear sunken. If the temples contain spirit, they will be round and elevated; without it, they will have depressions. In mountains and forests, spirit will make them full and high; lacking spirit, they will be thin at the back.

With spirit in the sun and moon corners, the forehead appears square and round; without it, sunken. Auxiliary corners with spirit appear full; without it, flat. Eyebrows with spirit are smooth and elegant; lacking spirit, they become sparse and disorderly.

Spirit in the Yintang (between the eyebrows) creates fullness; lacking it, narrowness. Spirit in the nose means a raised root and fullness in tip and longevity; without it, the root will be flat, nostrils exposed, with a bony, sharp tip.

If spirit resides in the dragon palace, it will be full and shiny; without spirit, it will be sunken and dark. Cheekbones with spirit appear fleshy and prominent, with a solid foundation; without spirit, they become scattered, bony, or sunken. A philtrum with spirit appears deep and well-defined; without it, flat and unremarkable.

Spirit in Lan Tai (near the ears) shows strength and definition; without spirit, weak and soft. Clearly defined legal lines indicate spirit; otherwise, indistinct.

Ears with spirit show a well-formed structure with prominent features, white with a sheen, wide ear holes, and thickness or firmness. Lacking spirit, the contrary is true.

A head with spirit is round and full, with no protruding bones, having support and balance, a well-defined occipital bone, and high cheekbones without lines or blemishes. Without spirit, the opposite is true.

A face with spirit features prominent cheekbones, ample flesh, an upright and full nose, bright and moist, without lines, blemishes, or dark spots. A balanced bone and flesh structure with no stagnation indicates spirit presence.

Eyes with spirit shine vividly, with clear contrast between black and white, bright and colorful; they won't sink or bulge when viewed for extended periods; pupils are large and black as lacquer with long, beautiful eye sockets, exhibiting spirit without fierceness, hiding it without obscurity. Without spirit, the opposite characteristics are present.

If the forehead has spirit, it will be free from lines and depressions, appearing covered and prominent like a wall with support and balance. Otherwise, it indicates a lack of spirit.

The mouth, exhibiting spirit, shows teeth that aren’t exposed, front teeth secure, neither sharp nor black. The absence of these indicates a lack of spirit.

A lower body with spirit stands upright with a balanced blend of bone and flesh, a firm foundation, and areas around the abdomen and thighs that don’t sag; the beard doesn't obstruct the mouth, and the throat isn’t constricted. Conversely, these imply a lack of spirit.

A body infused with spirit has a round, upright head, a straight posture, even arms, and a robust back; a round waist and broad chest, deep navel, firm abdomen, steady hands, stable feet, without limping; red nipples, a white Yintang with many dots, bones unexposed, balanced, a flat back without grooves, distinct hips, calm and composed demeanor, and a loud voice. The absence of these traits suggests a lack of spirit.

Any deviation from these attributes indicates a deficiency of spirit in that specific area.

The face divides into three segments. Possessing the spirit of heaven implies smooth natural feng shui, deep ancestral blessings, and a strong foundation. Having the spirit of humanity brings family prosperity, a kind heart, and a thriving career. Having the spirit of the earth ensures flourishing descendants, and after death, one may rest in auspicious land or enjoy longevity.