long-standing depression, the complexion may be pale. This is due to the depressing effect of
stagnant Liver-Qi on Spleen- or Lung-Qi. In such cases, the Wiry quality of the pulse will betray
the existence of anger rather than sadness or grief (indicated by the pale complexion) as a cause
of disease.
Excess joy, in the sense outlined above, may manifest with a red colour on the cheek-bones.
Worry causes a greyish complexion and a skin without lustre. Worry knots lung-Qi and affects
the Corporeal Soul which manifests on the skin. For this reason, the skin becomes greyish and
lustreless.
Pensiveness may manifest with a sallow complexion because it depletes Spleen-Qi.
Fear shows with a bright-white complexion on the cheeks and forehead. If chronic fear causes
deficiency of Kidney-Yin and the rising of Empty-Heat of the Heart, there will be a malar flush,
with the underlying colour being bright-white.
Shock also causes a bright-white complexion. Shock early in childhood may manifest with a
bluish tinge on the forehead. If there is a bluish tinge on the forehead or around the mouth, it
indicates a pre-natal shock (while in the uterus). Hatred often shows with a greenish complexion
on the cheeks.
Craving shows with a reddish colour on the cheeks.
Guilt shows with a dark-ruddy complexion.
Eyes
Observation of the eyes plays an extremely important role in the diagnosis of emotional and
mental problems. The eyes reflect the state of the Mind, Spirit and Essence. The "Spiritual Axis"
in chapter 80 says:
The Essence of the five Yin and the six Yang organs ascends to the eyes ... the
essence of bones goes to the pupil, the essence of tendons goes to the iris, the
essence of Blood goes to the blood vessels in the eyes, the essence of the Lungs
goes to the sclera ....66(237)This shows that the essence of all the Yin organs and therefore the Mind, Ethereal Soul,
Corporeal Soul, Intellect and Will-Power manifests in the eyes. The same chapter of the
"Spiritual Axis" says further on: