In your face: can facial diagnosis actually reveal health problems? Five staffers put this ancient medical technique to the test

Natural Health, March, 2002 by Daphna Caperonis

WHAT OUR FACE READER SAID ABOUT STEVE:

Steve's eyes slant slightly downward, a sign of kindness. One of Steve's more unusual traits is his hairline that goes back in the corners, which marks an unusual thinker--he thinks "out of the box." He is much more intellectual than his outward personality would reveal.

Steve's eyebrows are sparse and indicate that his liver is tired. Also, he's under stress, as seen in the slight inflammation between his eyebrows and the lines on his left cheek. He has to be careful about catching colds and the flu. Eating nutritious greens like kale and spinach will strengthen his liver qi, and a slight weight gain would be advisable to boost his immune function.

Strong lines at the bridge of Steve's nose raise concerns about his blood sugar and a diet that exacerbates the problem. His diet may be too heavy in carbohydrates. He has a much stronger need for red meat than he may realize; protein can help correct his low blood sugar. "I believe that he is trying too hard to be vegetarian, and he's not meant to be one," says Bridges.

HOW STEVE GRADED HIS READING: B

As publishing director of Natural Health, Steve admits to feeling stress and depending too much on sugary foods and coffee to give him fuel for his busy day. But he feels that yoga, which he has been practicing daily for 30 years, boosts his immunity. Bridges was right that Steve used to be a vegetarian. He currently eats fish and vegetables, but her assessment has made him consider ordering the occasional steak. Steve thinks that the personality assessment rings true based on his position at work--which requires thinking creatively--and passions like painting and music composition.

RELATED ARTICLE: Where to get your face read.

IF YOU'RE AS INTRIGUED BY THIS ASPECT OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AS we were, here's how to learn more:

To find an acupuncturist in your area, call the American Association of Oriental Medicine at 888-500-7999 or visit www.aaom.org. Most licensed acupuncturists perform facial diagnosis as part of your first visit.

Contact Lillian Gamier Bridges, a facial diagnosis teacher in Kirkland, Wash., who diagnosed the subjects for this article, via her website, www.lotusinstitute.com. Bridges performs facial diagnosis from photos or in person for about $80 to $100, or she can refer you to acupuncturists and other practitioners who have taken her facial diagnosis course.