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The *Neijing* states: The left and right sides are the pathways of Yin and Yang. In human life, Yang Qi ascends from the left, and Yin descends from the right; therefore, the left cheek corresponds to the Liver (Gan), and the right cheek corresponds to the Lung (Fei). The *I Ching* determines the positions of Water and Fire using the Li trigram in the South and the Kan trigram in the North; thus, the Heart (Xin) corresponds to Li Fire and is located at the Tian Ting (the central upper forehead); the Kidney (Shen) corresponds to Kan Water and is situated at the Di Jiao (the lateral lower corners of the face). The *Neijing* regards the nose as the "King" of the face because it occupies the central position, internally connects with respiration, and upon which life and death depend. The Spleen (Pi) belongs to Earth, and Earth resides in the Central Palace; therefore, the nose belongs to the Spleen. (Chen Feixia)

Cyan is the color of the Liver, Red is the color of the Heart, Yellow is the color of the Spleen, White is the color of the Lung, and Black is the color of the Kidney. If the complexion is cyan, it indicates Wind-Convulsion syndromes or pain; if red, it indicates Heat-Fire; if yellow, it indicates Spleen injury or food stagnation; if white, it indicates Deficiency-Cold; if black, it indicates pain and is often a malignant sign. In summary, distinct and bright colors indicate new diseases with mild conditions; dull and turbid colors indicate chronic diseases with severe conditions. (*Sizhen Xinfa*)

In Spleen disease, a yellow complexion is the proper color. If red appears, it signifies that Fire generates Earth, which is a favorable (Shun) progression. If cyan appears, it signifies that Wood overacts on Earth, which is an unfavorable (Ni) progression. (*Xinfa*)

In Liver disease, a cyan complexion is the proper color. If black appears, it signifies that Water generates Wood, which is favorable. If white appears, it signifies that Metal overacts on Wood, which is unfavorable. (*Xinfa*)

In Lung disease, a white complexion is the proper color. If black appears, it signifies that Earth generates Metal, which is favorable. If red appears, it signifies that Fire overacts on Metal, which is unfavorable. (*Xinfa*)

In Heart disease, a red complexion is the proper color. If cyan appears, it signifies that Wood generates Fire, which is favorable. If black appears, it signifies that Water overacts on Fire, which is unfavorable. (*Xinfa*)

In Kidney disease, a black complexion is the proper color. If white appears, it signifies that Metal generates Water, which is favorable. If yellow appears, it signifies that Earth overacts on Water, which is unfavorable. (*Sizhen Xinfa*)

The facial luster of children reflects the overall state of the Twelve Meridians. When Qi and Blood are abundant, and the colors of the regions generate each other, the disease is easy to treat. However, in chronic diseases where Qi and Blood are deficient, if the regional colors overcome each other, the Healthy Qi is insufficient, making it difficult to treat. (*Xinfa*)

A dark cyan Tian Ting (forehead) indicates Wind-Convulsion. Red indicates Internal Heat; black indicates untreatable conditions. Cyan at the Tai Yang region (temples) indicates Wind-Convulsion. Cyan at the Yin Tang region (between eyebrows) indicates Wind-Diarrhea. Feng Chi (GB20) is below the eyebrows; Qi Chi is under the eyes. Cyan indicates Wind-Convulsion; purple indicates vomiting and reflux; red on the left cheek indicates Heat in the Liver Meridian; red on the right cheek indicates Phlegm-Heat in the Lung. Cyan at Cheng Jiang (CV24) indicates Convulsion; yellow indicates Vomiting; black indicates Twitching/Spasms. (*Jicheng*)

Ri Jiao is on the left forehead, like the rising sun. If covered by cyan, it symbolizes Wood obscuring sunlight; illness here is most critical. Tai Yang is on both temples, the root of all Yang, associated with Fire and Summer Qi; the color should be red. If covered by black, it symbolizes Water overcoming Fire, indicating an untreatable condition. (*Xinfa*)

For patients with dysentery or diarrhea, the face should not be red. For those with cough, the face should not be cyan. Exposure to Wind-Cold causes a fiery glow on the face; Injury from Food Stagnation causes a dull, sallow complexion. Weakness of Qi leads to a depressed fontanelle; Deficiency of Blood leads withered and dry hair. (*Jicheng*)

Generally, for patients: Cyan face with Wiry pulse, Red face with Surging pulse, White face with Floating pulse, Yellow face with Moderate pulse, Black face with Deep pulse—this harmony of color and pulse indicates no serious disease. Any contradiction, such as a Cyan face with a Floating pulse, represents Color Overacting, indicating death. A Deep pulse with a corresponding color indicates Life, suggesting recovery. (*Jicheng*)

Yellow and Red belong to Yang; thus, diseases manifesting these colors are primarily Wind or Heat. Cyan, White, and Black belong to Yin; thus, diseases manifesting these colors are primarily Cold or Pain. Huang Bai (pale white) indicates loss of blood. Otherwise, due to the Heart failing to generate blood, the complexion lacks luster. Wei Hei (slightly black) indicates Kidney disease with Cold-Water. Wei Huang (sallow/pale yellow) indicates various deficiency syndromes. Deep red on both cheeks indicates Yin Fire ascending, a sign of consumptive disease. (*Xinfa*)

If a person has black on the Tian Ting and large red patches (thumb-sized or streak-like) on both Zygomatic arches, it signifies Water and Fire clashing, leading to sudden death. Similarly, blue-black lips and face, or sudden black discoloration of the five orifices, or white powder-like patches, are untreatable. (*Sizhen Xinfa*)

In Spring, Wood is prosperous; the color should be cyan. Cyan should be lustrous like green jade, not dull like indigo. If white appears in Spring, it signifies Metal overcoming Wood. (*Xinfa*)

In Summer, Fire is prosperous; the color should be red. Red should be vibrant like vermilion wrapped in silk, not dull like hematite. If black appears in Summer, it signifies Water overcoming Fire. (*Xinfa*)

In Autumn, Metal is prosperous; the color should be white. White should be pure like goose feathers, not glaring like salt. If red appears in Autumn, it signifies Fire overcoming Metal. (*Xinfa*)

In Winter, Water is prosperous; the color should be black. Black should be glossy like lacquer, not dull like charcoal. If yellow appears in Winter, it signifies Earth overcoming Water (Text says Earth overcoming Metal, likely a textual variant referring to off-season colors). (*Xinfa*)

Yellow is the proper color for all four seasons, but it should be subtle like yellow earth wrapped in silk, not dry like loess. (*Xinfa*)

For patients, a yellow face with cyan, white, or black eyes generally indicates survival. However, if the cyan resembles dead grass, the white resembles dry bones, or the black resembles coal, it indicates death. (*Daquan*)

Patients with a red face and yellow, cyan, or white eyes are untreatable. (*Daquan*)

Patients with a black face and cyan eyes, black face and white eyes, black face and cyan lips, or black face with fullness under both hypochondria and inability to turn over, will die. (*Daquan*)

Patients with a cyan face and white eyes, cyan face and yellow eyes, or cyan face and black lips are untreatable. (*Daquan*)

Patients with a white face and black eyes, or a face lacking spirit, are untreatable. (*Daquan*)

In initial exterior contraction, a turbid complexion is acceptable. In chronic disease, a fresh and rosy complexion is strictly contraindicated. Only a yellow complexion on the face and eyes, neither withered nor floating/greasy, indicates impending recovery. (Chen Xiuyuan)

Generally, a cyan face indicates death; a dull black face indicates death. (*Daquan*)

Alternating white and yellow indicates lingering Infantile Malnutrition (Gan Syndrome). Alternating red and cyan indicates urgent Wind pathogen. (Wan Mizhai)

Puffy face and eyes indicate pain, distension, and asthma. Frequent frowning indicates abdominal pain and excessive crying. Earthy-yellow Feng Chi and Qi Chi indicate Spleen injury. Cyan-blue Left and Right Cheeks indicate Ke Wu (external fright/pathogen affecting children). (*Jicheng*)

Black at Feng Men indicates Hernia; cyan indicates Convulsion. Dull Fang Guang is ominous; smooth is auspicious. (*Jicheng*)

Frequent puckering of the mouth indicates Spleen Deficiency; protruding tongue indicates Heart Heat. (Wan Mizhai)

The anterior fontanelle receives maternal blood; the posterior fontanelle contains paternal essence. Bright and full fontanelles indicate longevity; empty and sunken fontanelles indicate premature death. (*Jicheng*)

Infants with large mouths, straight noses, clear eyebrows, beautiful eyes, harmonious Five Mountains (facial features), and equal proportions indicate fortune and longevity. Those with small mouths, flat noses, and furrowed brows may die young even without illness. (*Jicheng*)

Zhang Zhongjing of the Han Dynasty saw Wang Zhongxuan and said, "You have a disease; your eyebrows will fall out, and you will die in half a year. Taking Wushi Tang can prevent this." Zhongxuan did not believe him, and the outcome was exactly as predicted. How profound was Master Zhong's observation of facial colors! (*Hou Hanshu*)

Scattered cyan-purple veins on the face mostly indicate Wind-Heat. (Chen Feixia)

Red face indicates Heat. However, in Yin Excess repelling Yang, a red face with a deep, fine pulse indicates Dai Yang (Floating Yang); the treatment method should be warming. (Zhou Yushan)

White spots on the face indicate Parasite Accumulation. Dull, non-lustrous yellow face with crab-claw patterns also indicates Parasite Accumulation. (Zhou Yushan)

Uneven yellow face indicates Food Accumulation. Lustrous yellow face indicates Damp-Heat, Phlegm-Fluid, or Blood Stasis. Withered and dark yellow face indicates Cold-Damp and Food Accumulation. Yellow mixed with black indicates Spleen and Stomach decline. (Zhou Yushan)

White face indicates Qi Deficiency. Face white and spiritless indicates post-illness state, blood loss, or excessive sweating. (Zhou Yushan)

Note: Observing colors originates from the *Suwen*, with detailed distinctions. The *Jingui Yaolue* discusses it exclusively in the first chapter, showing that color diagnosis is essential for physicians. By extensively collecting ancient theories and reviewing modern cases, one hopes to achieve instant recognition, thereby mastering the art of saving lives. Striving to be a good physician rather than a good minister, I urge those studying the Yellow Emperor's classics to encourage each other. The locations mentioned in this chapter—Tian Ting, Yin Tang, Feng Chi, Qi Chi, Tai Yang, Fang Guang, bilateral Zygomatic arches, bilateral Cheeks, bilateral Temples, Five Mountains, Ri Yue Jiao, Feng Men, Fontanelle, Di Jiao, and Cheng Jiang—are illustrated in the Facial Diagnosis section. (Tili Zi)