What is the Meaning of Ones Complexion?
Face color, as mentioned here, is a medical term in traditional Chinese medicine. Among the four diagnostic methods of "observation, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation" in traditional Chinese medicine, observation refers to examining the patient's face color. By observing the color and state of the face, doctors can detect changes in the patient's body and understand their health condition. For instance, a flushed face or spots on the face can indicate various health issues. Combined with other examination methods, doctors can comprehensively diagnose the patient's specific condition.
1. Face Color Refers to the Complexion of the Human Face
In traditional Chinese medicine, observation is the initial step in diagnosing illness by examining the facial complexion. It is believed that the five sense organs are closely related to the health of the five internal organs, and the complexion of the face can reveal clues about the health of the body. Therefore, by carefully observing changes in the face every morning while looking in the mirror and combining this with subjective symptoms, one can roughly assess the health status of the internal organs and seek timely medical attention.
2. Face Color Reflects the Smoothness of Qi and Blood
The complexion of the face is a manifestation of qi and blood flowing through the meridians and manifesting on the surface. The prosperity and circulation of qi and blood will inevitably be reflected in the facial color.
3. Flushed Face: Potential Heart Issues
A flushed face, similar to the rosy cheeks of a baby, is not always a good sign. It is particularly important to be aware of the health condition of the heart, as individuals with heart diseases such as angina or myocardial infarction, or those with potential risk factors for these diseases, often have reddened faces. Poor blood circulation in the body can lead to an imbalance of heat, resulting in a condition where the upper body feels hot while the lower body feels cold. Additionally, excessive water retention in the legs can cause swelling. Abnormal function of the heart can also lead to an uneven distribution of heat in the body, resulting in a flushed appearance.
4. Spots on the Face: Alert for Gynecological Issues
The appearance of spots on the face, apart from being associated with pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives, often reflects endocrine disorders in women, such as irregular menstruation, menstrual pain, uterine inflammation, and infertility. In traditional Chinese medicine, facial spots in adult women are referred to as "liver spots," and it is believed that individuals with liver qi stagnation are prone to developing facial spots. This suggests that emotional disturbances have a direct relationship with the formation and exacerbation of facial spots. Therefore, regulating emotions is crucial for the prevention and treatment of facial spots.