Chiyang Daoren, Eastern Taoism
The method of “the Five Features” (wuguan) is one of the core branches of face reading. On seeing the word wuguan, most people immediately think of a hospital's “ear, nose, and throat department,” which in Chinese bears the same name. However, the “Five Features” of face reading are defined differently from those in medicine.
In medicine, the five sense organs from the point of view of Chinese medicine are the eyes (corresponding to the liver), the tongue (corresponding to the heart), the mouth, that is, the lips (corresponding to the spleen), the nose (corresponding to the lungs), and the ears (corresponding to the kidneys). From the point of view of Western medicine, they are the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat. The “Five Features” of face reading, however, are the five organs of the eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Face reading takes these five as the objects of “reading” and, through features such as their form, complexion, and proportions, analyzes a person's character traits, state of health, and fortune in life. Details follow:
1. Reading the Eyebrows
Reading the eyebrows: the eyebrows are the “Longevity-Preserving Officer.” They correspond to Wood and symbolize “emotional control, decisiveness, and one's foundation in early life,” governing basic character and fortune in early life. Reading the eyebrows has three main dimensions—the shape of the eyebrows, their color and complexion, and their position and its bearing on fortune—described in turn below.
Eyebrow shape: thick eyebrows (sword brows, straight “one-line” brows). People with such eyebrows generally have a firm, decisive character and strong drive, with a relatively clear sense of purpose early in life, but they tend to be impatient and impulsive and need to pay special attention to controlling their emotions.
Light eyebrows (willow-leaf brows, thin brows). People with such eyebrows generally have a gentle, sensitive character and are understanding of others. Their fortune in early life is steady, but they lack boldness and very easily miss opportunities; they need to cultivate decisiveness consciously.
Disordered eyebrows (many stray hairs, loose brow ends). People with such eyebrows are generally suspicious and changeable, easily disturbed by outside influences in early life, and should strengthen their self-cultivation to steady their temperament.
Lines between the eyebrows (mainly lines shaped like the character chuan—three vertical strokes—or single vertical lines). People with such brows generally think too much in early life and easily fall into wearing themselves down from within; they should balance tension and relaxation, combining work and rest, to avoid “growing old before their time.”
Eyebrow color and complexion: bluish-black eyebrows (Wood in excess). People with such coloring generally have excessive liver qi and an impatient, irritable character; in early life they easily make impulsive mistakes in friendships, investments, and the like, and they need to cultivate the practical wisdom of “thinking three times before acting.”
Pale yellow eyebrows (Wood deficient). People with such coloring generally have insufficient liver qi and an indecisive character; they lack a sense of direction in early life and always feel lost whatever they do. They need to strengthen their sense of purpose and cultivate the ability to carry things out.
Bright red eyebrows (Fire in excess). Note that “bright red eyebrows” does not mean the eyebrows themselves turn red, but that the skin around the eyebrows shows a reddish state because of “excess Fire.” People with such coloring generally have excessive liver fire and easily lose control of their emotions; they are very prone to arguments and conflicts with others and should take care to regulate their emotions to avoid “calamity born of the tongue.”
Eyebrow position and fortune: high eyebrows, that is, eyebrows that look raised because the brow bones are prominent. People with eyebrows in this position are generally quick-witted and often show a bit of cleverness in early life, but they should beware of being undone by their own cleverness and of aiming high while achieving little, avoiding the situation of “having ideas that never get off the ground.”
Low eyebrows, that is, eyebrows that sit low because the brow bones are flat. People with eyebrows in this position generally have a steady character and steady fortune in early life, but they easily settle for the status quo and lack ambition; they need to step out of their comfort zone and pursue higher goals.
2. Reading the Eyes
Reading the eyes: the eyes are the “Supervising Officer.” They correspond to Water and symbolize “wisdom, emotion, and career in middle age,” governing wisdom, emotion, and fortune in middle age. Reading the eyes likewise has three dimensions, described below:
Eye shape: round eyes (almond eyes, “peach-blossom” eyes). People with such eyes are generally cheerful and outgoing with strong social skills, and in middle age they readily gain many opportunities thanks to their “wide network of connections.” But an outgoing character easily leads to speaking without restraint, and they must do their utmost to avoid making too many enemies as a result.
Long eyes (phoenix eyes, “red-phoenix” eyes). People with such eyes are generally reserved and deep, with exceptional wisdom, and in middle age they readily work deeply in a specialized field and become experts in their line. But an overly reserved character is often solitary and taciturn, and if they are not careful it may affect their relationships.
Triangular eyes (narrowed eyes, slanting eyes). People with such eyes are generally suspicious and cunning, and in middle age they easily damage their reputation by calculating too much. They must consciously cultivate a humane, virtuous heart and learn to win others' trust through sincerity.
Narrow eyes (single eyelids, hidden double eyelids). People with such eyes are generally cautious and practical, and their fortune in middle age is very likely to rise steadily. But their cautious character easily becomes overly conservative, causing them to miss certain high-risk, high-reward opportunities; they must take care to strike a balance between caution and risk.
Gaze and complexion: a clear gaze (clear whites and dark pupils). People with such a gaze are generally kind-hearted and clear and wise in their conduct, and in middle age they readily receive “help from benefactors,” reaping a double harvest in career and love.
A muddy gaze (much white showing, an unfocused look). People with such a gaze generally have complicated minds and are suspicious and changeable in dealing with people and affairs. Because they are fickle, in middle age they easily land in difficulty through bad decisions; they need to make a deliberate effort at “cultivating their character and nurturing their nature” and return to their original heart.
Bluish-black around the eyes (dark circles). Such coloring generally foretells deficient liver blood; as this builds up over the years, in middle age one easily damages one's health through overwork. One should keep regular hours and avoid exhausting one's energy.
Redness around the eyes (bloodshot eyes). Such coloring generally foretells excessive heart fire; as this builds up over the years, in middle age one easily loses control of one's emotions, causing marital conflicts, workplace clashes, and the like. In daily life and work one should take care to regulate one's breathing and state of mind and calm inner agitation.
Eye position and fortune: large eyes (the distance between the upper and lower eyelids is greater than the average for most people). Apart from looking relatively attractive, people with such eyes generally have strong desires, and in middle age they easily damage their own blessings through excessive greed; they must always remember that contentment brings happiness and keep to the proper bottom line.
Small eyes (the distance between the upper and lower eyelids is smaller than the average for most people). People with such eyes generally have a character that restrains desire, and in middle age they easily fall into the awkward position of being good at preserving what they have but lacking in enterprise. They need to seize opportunities and make breakthroughs, avoiding complacency.
3. Reading the Nose
Reading the nose: the nose is the “Judging Officer.” It corresponds to Earth and symbolizes wealth, willpower, achievement in middle age, and the like, governing wealth, willpower, and career in middle age. It likewise has three dimensions, described below:
Features of the nose bridge: a high nose bridge (straight and upright). People with such a bridge generally have a firm will; their careers may go smoothly by middle age, and they readily become leaders. But if they do not handle this well, they easily become self-willed and dictatorial, which affects their career development.
A low, flat nose bridge (collapsed or crooked). People with such a bridge generally have rather weak willpower, and their careers are likely to meet many setbacks by middle age; they easily fall into the habit of depending on others and need to cultivate independence deliberately.
Lines on the nose bridge (horizontal or vertical). Such a bridge generally foretells that in middle age one's finances will be damaged by health or family problems, such as medical expenses or family misfortunes; one should prepare for a rainy day and build up reserves against risk.
Features of the nose tip and nostril wings: a round nose tip (fleshy and full). People with such a nose tip generally have strong regular wealth, readily accumulate wealth by proper means in middle age, and have a strong ability to hold on to it, so they are not prone to so-called “money leaks.”
A pointed, thin nose tip (fleshless). People with such a nose tip generally have weak regular wealth and in middle age easily find themselves in the plight of spending more than they earn; above all they must remember to manage money prudently and avoid blind spending in daily life.
Thick nostril wings (fleshy curved mounds on either side of the nose tip). People with such nostril wings generally have good windfall wealth and by middle age readily earn extra income through investments, side businesses, and the like. But they must beware of a swelling speculative mindset and avoid biting off more than they can chew, lest the loss outweigh the gain.
Thin nostril wings (fleshless curved mounds on either side of the nose tip). People with such nostril wings generally have poor windfall wealth; they must be especially careful with investments and avoid excessive borrowing, which would make it hard for them to hold on to wealth in middle age.
Complexion of the nose and fortune: a rosy nose bridge (with luster). Such coloring generally foretells a thriving career and steadily rising finances in middle age, as well as ready support from benefactors; it is a fairly ideal complexion.
A dark, bluish nose bridge (without luster). Such coloring generally foretells that one's career may stall in middle age and that one's finances will fluctuate greatly; one needs to adjust the direction of one's career and the way one accumulates wealth, and must not cling stubbornly to one's own views.
A red nose tip (with visible veins). Such coloring generally foretells that in middle age one easily damages one's health through excessive desires; one must take great care to restrain desire and return to “putting health first.”
4. Reading the Mouth
Reading the mouth: the mouth is the “Treasurer Officer.” It corresponds to Earth and symbolizes emotional expression, blessings and protection in old age, and one's reputation among others, governing emotion, fortune in old age, and social ability. It is likewise described in three dimensions below:
Lip shape: thick lips (full upper and lower lips). People with such lips are generally emotionally rich, with fairly deep blessings in old age, and readily enjoy the company of their partner and children. But they must beware of excessive emotional dependence and avoid “demanding too much” of their children in daily life, lest it affect their fortune in old age.
Thin lips (thin upper and lower lips). People with such lips are generally relatively restrained emotionally. Although they tend to be strongly independent in old age, because they are solitary and taciturn and not good at expressing themselves, problems easily arise in maintaining emotional bonds.
Upturned mouth corners (a mouth that curves upward like an upturned crescent moon, the so-called “upturned-moon mouth”). People with such a mouth are generally quite optimistic, stay young at heart in old age, and are able to enjoy life. But they must beware of blind optimism that leads them to overlook certain risks.
Drooping mouth corners (a mouth shaped like an overturned boat, the so-called “overturned-boat mouth”). People with such a mouth are generally rather pessimistic and easily fall into depression in old age; they should take care to adjust their attitude actively and cultivate a positive outlook.
Teeth and complexion: even, white teeth. People with such teeth generally have strong social skills, may earn an excellent reputation in old age, and readily win the respect of society. They should take great care to “protect and strengthen their teeth,” avoiding oral problems that would damage their image.
Yellow, blackened, or missing teeth. People with such teeth generally have weaker social skills and are easily marginalized in old age; they should pay attention to their overall image and enhance their personal charm.
Dullness around the mouth (dim, lusterless skin around the mouth). People with such coloring generally have many hidden health problems in old age and should strengthen their physical care to avoid “illness brought on by accumulated strain.”
Mouth position and fortune: a large mouth (the distance between the upper and lower lips is greater than the average for most people). People with such a mouth generally have strong desires and should take care not to damage their own blessings through greed in old age, above all avoiding “squandering their savings” and “romantic disputes.” In daily life they must remember that contentment brings happiness and keep to the proper bottom line.
A small mouth (the distance between the upper and lower lips is smaller than the average for most people). People with such a mouth generally restrain their desires considerably and in old age are well able to preserve what they have. But because they restrain their desires too much, they may develop a lonely, dull character; they should cultivate healthy hobbies to make life in old age richer.
5. Reading the Ears
Reading the ears: the ears are the “Listening Officer.” They correspond to Metal and symbolize one's inborn foundation, the accumulation of wisdom, and the basis of health, governing inborn blessings, wisdom, and health. They are likewise described in three dimensions below:
Ear shape: large ears (wide outer ears and thick lobes). People with such ears generally have deep inborn blessings, exceptional wisdom, and a sound constitution, and they always tend to gain much for little effort. But precisely because things go so smoothly, they must above all beware of arrogance and complacency and of developing a self-satisfied, closed character, which would affect their inborn blessings.
Small ears (narrow outer ears and thin lobes). People with such ears generally have relatively thin inborn blessings; their wisdom comes mostly from later accumulation, and their health is easily damaged. They especially need to persist in hard work to make up for their inborn shortcomings.
Large earlobes (like “Buddha ears”). People with such earlobes generally have excellent fortune in old age and readily enjoy the filial devotion of their descendants. But they must not sit back and enjoy the fruits; they should pay special attention to cultivating themselves and nurturing virtue, lest their blessings drain away.
Small earlobes (like “thin ears”). People with such earlobes generally have average fortune in old age, so in daily life they should actively tend their family and health, maintaining both well to avoid ending up “old and alone with no one to depend on.”
Ear complexion and position: rosy ears (with luster). Such coloring generally foretells abundant inborn kidney qi and a sound constitution, with plenty of energy even in old age; still, one should exercise moderately and avoid harm from sitting too long, lest problems arise.
Bluish-black ears (without luster). Such coloring generally indicates rather deficient inborn kidney qi and many hidden health problems; one should take special care to look after one's body to counter the inborn deficiency.
Ears higher than the eyebrows (the upper edge of the ear, or the top of the helix, is higher than the eyebrows). This ear position is “the face of cleverness, wealth, and rank.” It generally foretells inborn cleverness, a strong memory, and outstanding understanding; such people readily win the appreciation of elders and superiors, have many benefactors, and rise quickly in their careers. In character they are quick-thinking and have lofty goals, but because of “high ears and high ambitions” they may seem too competitive and should take care to be gentle in communicating with others.
Ears lower than the eyebrows (the upper edge of the ear, or the top of the helix, is lower than the eyebrows). This ear position is “the face of practicality and steadiness.” On the whole, fortune is driven mainly by one's own later efforts, and it becomes stable after middle age. Such people are practical, steady, and dislike showing off, but they easily lack boldness and miss opportunities; they should pay special attention to cultivating the habit of “deciding quickly,” lest they stall through excessive perfectionism.
Special attention should be paid to the “overall connections” and “dynamic balance” of the Five Features method. Face reading has always stressed that “the five features must not be read in isolation”; judgment must combine the overall proportions, the harmony of complexion, and the generating and overcoming relationships of the Five Phases. For example, regarding the balance of the Five Phases, in the case of “Wood (the eyebrows) in excess overcoming Earth (the nose),” one must observe whether “high eyebrows and a low nose” amount to “unbalanced proportions,” and judge comprehensively whether “enterprise in early life” will “overdraw one's finances in middle age.”
Regarding harmony of complexion, take the nose (Earth) and the eyes (Water): the core of harmony between their complexions is that “Earth does not overcome Water too much, and Water does not drain Earth too much.” This shows as a bright, moist yellow nose and eyes with clear whites and dark pupils, with both complexions bright, moist, and even, without abrupt stray colors. Regarding dynamic change, because the complexion and form of the five features may change with “age, health, and state of mind,” they need to be “observed regularly” to judge “the rise and fall of fortune.” For example, “a nose tip turning from dark to red” signals “a recovery in finances.”
In short, the Five Features method is the “practical core” of face reading. Through the details of “the eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, and ears,” it analyzes the connections among “character, health, and fortune.” But in essence it is “a symbolic summary of traditional experience,” to be viewed rationally, without sinking into the mire of “superstition.”