Visual diagnosis has been an integral part of Oriental medicine for several thousand years, with the skilled practitioner being able to read not just the indications of internal illness, but also character traits and family patterns. In ancient Greece and Rome, the practice of physiognomy was also well established, and in both East and West it was well established that the face has much to tell us if we can learn to read the signs.
From the basic shape and size of the face and facial organs, to their precise positioning, to skin tone, lines and condition, your face is like your autobiography. Traditionally it was understood that each of our internal organs relate to particular emotions, and to particular aspects of our mental processes. The condition of the internal organs, in their most holistic sense, is thus revealed in the face.
A face with forehead, central region including nose and cheeks, and nose tip to chin area, all of similar depth and width reveals a good constitutional balance between the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of our being. The forehead tells of the mental and intellectual capacity, and even to some extent the orientation of the individual e.g. a broad, deep forehead which is prominent indicates someone given especially to logical, rational thought, while someone with a similarly shaped forehead which slopes backwards would rely much more on their imagination, and their capacity for abstract thinking. Where the middle region of the face is obviously larger than either the forehead, or the area from nose tip to chin, this indicates someone with an artistic temperament, and prone to being guided by feelings rather than logic. Should the lower section of the face be the most developed, it indicates someone with considerable physical strength and endurance. Within these general descriptions there are many variations, but the basic guidelines hold true.
A close look in a mirror will usually reveal that most of us do not have perfectly symmetrical faces, with one side usually being somewhat narrower that the other. The narrower, more contracted side determines which parent has had the deepest influence on us, especially in terms of our genetic make-up, and our responses under stress. In terms of the face, the fathers� influence is seen on the left, and that of the mother on the right. That one parent has influenced us more deeply than the other is simply a fact, and is not a reflection on the quality of our relationship with either parent.
The individual features of the face add greatly to the picture, and allow us to compile a much more specific portrait of each person. Some of the most commonly seen facial characteristics are as follows :
Vertical lines in the lower centre of the forehead, which show us someone with a tendency towards hypoglycaemia, a short fuse, and a stubborn streak ; Dark circles underneath the eyes indicate chronic tiredness, overworked kidneys, and lower back strain ; a protruding lower lip tells of swelling in the colon, and a somewhat disorganized mind ; a dimple in the chin, a la Kirk Douglas, is a sign of an especially strong constitution, allied to great determination and willpower. Although strictly speaking not part of the face, nevertheless the ears are also of great importance in visual diagnosis. The ideal is a large ear, close to the head, with a large lobe. The ears are seen as indicative of our nourishment when in the womb, with the lobe representing the brain.
The advantages of using visual diagnosis are apparent for those working in health-care, but these skills can also be applied to effect in the business world. When negotiating or interviewing, the ability to read faces can confer very useful advantages. Gaining insight into the character and personality of an individual is not always a straightforward matter when looking at forms, or when simply listening to their words, but that extra dimension provided by being able to read faces can greatly assist in dealing with the dynamics of human relationships in any field.
It should be noted that this piece is not intended as a definitive look at reading the face, and that a true reading can only be done by looking at all the details of an individual face. However, once learned, these skills will ensure that you never again take faces for granted. You may even come to regard the mirror as the most valuable item of furniture in the house.
For more detailed information contact me for an individual reading. If you wish to learn to read faces contact me for Workshop details. I am available to work with interested groups anywhere, by arrangement.
