Facial Analysis and Entering the Year of the Rabbit
Elemental Archetypes
In Asian medicine, you will commonly find systems of mapping the entire body on other parts of the body. Reflexology is most widely known, but many acupuncturists use similar systems on the hand, face, ears and abdomen.
Chinese Medicine encompasses many aspects of life because it is a holistic system of care. This means it looks at the larger picture of you and your life. I find that the biggest piece missing when it comes to what people are searching for when they seek East Asian Medicine (EAM) is that larger picture. Living in the US we lose a lot of context because we do not live in Chinese society or with Chinese culture. There are a multitude of ways to practice Chinese Medicine outside of the ways we, in the US, are accustomed to, which is mostly acupuncture, massage, tai chi, qi gong and herbal medicine.
Facial Analysis is touched on in most acupuncture training. Acupuncturists practice various methods of diagnostic observation like noticing complexion color, skin changes, where certain marks, rashes or broken vessels appear on the face or body. As with many aspects of East Asian Medicine (EAM) there is a much deeper context to all of this. Dr. Tamsin Lee (she/they) of Elemental Archetypes, shares some of their wisdom on the practice of Facial Analysis.
Dr. Tamsin Lee
What is Facial Analysis?
Many people in Western societies mistakenly view practices from the East as mystical fortune telling due to orientalism. Facial analysis is NOT fortune telling. Dr. Tamsin says, “In Eastern philosophy, each individual is born with a Destiny, but this Destiny is not fated. This means, we all have free will.” Their approach to facial analysis is about “the reclamation of our beauty narrative. It is medicine that allows you to tell your story of who you are and why you are here.” They emphasize that the work they do is not about predicting the future, but instead, observing “the emotional and behavioral patterns on your face and analyzing the story that it tells. Each subtle facial feature, line, and groove tells a story of your ancestors, family history, childhood and adult experiences.” Because Dr. Tamsin is also trained in East Asian Medicine (EAM) as a doctor and researcher they are able to utilize multiple diagnostic systems in their facial analysis practice. Facial analysis, just like other forms of EAM is very individualized. Dr. Tamsin explains, “Together we explore ways to align with the Dao by utilizing their innate gifts and strengths. After the session, each client has a choice of what they want to do with this knowledge. My hope is that they transform it into wisdom, and they become the sole narrator of their story.”
Where Does Facial Analysis Come From?
Dr. Tamsin says, “facial analysis derived from ancient China, and it was traditionally used by doctors as a tool to diagnose and treat their patients.” For those who visit acupuncturists or other EAM providers today, you might have experienced the different methods they use such as acupuncture, herbs, moxibustion, food therapy and/or bodywork. Dr. Tamsin explains that, “However, in ancient China, prior to using these modalities, doctors would work on the metaphysical level with their patients using facial analysis, divination, feng shui, and Qi Gong.” They also go on to say that “facial analysis later spread to other countries including Corea where it is known as 'gwansang'. It continued to spread into ancient Greece and Rome, and later into France, Germany, Australia, Canada, and the United States, where it was more commonly referred to as 'physiognomy'“. Dr. Tamsin also points out “as facial analysis spread into other countries and cultures, it evolved further away from the way it was practiced in East Asia. For example, ancient Greece used physiognomy as a justification for selective breeding. Later in the 19th century, it evolved into eugenics which was adopted by the Nazi in Germany in the 20th century.”
How Did You Learn Facial Analysis?
Dr. Tamsin grew up around gwansang through their family. They say, “Just like I grew up with acupuncture, cupping and Corean herbal medicine. However, as a Corean American, I was desperate to assimilate into white culture, and neglected the wisdom of my ancestors.” Later they were given the opportunity to study with Lillian Bridges (1956-2021), who was a well-known face reader. It was through working with Lilian that Dr. Tamsin began to see facial analysis as a powerful tool. Dr. Tamsin says, “Lillian gave me a framework to go back to my family's lineage and learn gwansang. The work I do with clients stems from my rigorous training as an EAM doctor, and personal practice of Daoism and Buddhism for over 20 years.”
How Can You Use Facial Analysis to Improve Your Luck or Health?
In one-on-one sessions with Dr. Tamsin, you should expect to do a deep dive with them on understanding what you are seeking. Dr. Tamsin clarifies by saying “oftentimes, we do not even know what we are looking for in life because the things we are seeking are often things that have been told that we should be seeking.” This is why they view their facial analysis work on the ‘Qi level’. They explain that, “You have to understand what is the Qi of your luck, prosperity/health first in order to figure out how to improve it. Once you understand this, in order to improve your life, you have to work from your unique gifts.” Dr. Tamsin says that most of the time, “we are unaware of or in denial of our gifts because they come so naturally to us.” In the process of working with them, clients are able to recognize their gifts and regard them as sacred. This is part of the process that Dr. Tamsin guides clients through in order to learn “to nourish and cultivate them for our career, romantic relationships, friendships, health, and wealth.”
What is Facial Analysis’ Relationship to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Dr. Tamsin says, “Face reading like many of the metaphysical practices in ancient China were stripped away when Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was developed during the Cultural Revolution.” During this process, the multitude regional, ancestral practices of medicine were codified into what most people are familiar with in the US when they see licensed acupuncturist. Dr. Tamsin explains that, “Today, acupuncture students learn face reading as a medical diagnostic tool. The education varies depending on each school but it is typically learned as a way to observe the physical manifestation of the internal Organs.” This idea is often sited from the Huang Di Nei Jing, which is considered one of the major classical texts of Chinese Medicine. Dr. Tamsin says “Although I am a licensed doctor, I do not work with patients. Instead, I work with clients, and we work on a spiritual metaphysical level. Unfortunately, the TCM education in the United States is heavily influenced by the Cultural Revolution. Metaphysical practices are banned in the People's Republic of China which means many of the metaphysical teachers in the United States are white. In Asia, however, the metaphysical teachers are often of Chinese heritage or come from countries that are heavily influenced by ancient Chinese culture and philosophy.”
What Advice Can You Give For The Year of the Rabbit?
Dr. Tamsin advises, “align yourself with the Rabbit spirit, and practice kindness. The Qi of 2023 is primarily Water and Wood which means there may be more arguments as Water feeds Wood. Although it is a Yin Water year which does not have the same force as the previous Yang Water 2022 year — Over the course of one year, Yin Water can be quite powerful in unexpected ways. Take a breather and pause before responding. The key to practicing kindness is learning to be kind to yourself first. Spend the year being kinder, gentle, and tender with yourself, and you will soon find yourself being kinder to others without even realizing it. It will become part of your being.”
What Is One of Your Lunar New Year Rituals
“I always deep clean my space before LNY. I use this time to throw away or donate things I no longer need, especially things that I have outgrown in the past year. Having these things in your space stagnates your Qi and keeps you in the past. After a deep clean, I activate the new Qi with smoke, sound and chanting. As I activate the new Qi, I give gratitude to the animal spirit of the previous year before welcoming the new one. I truly see each animal spirit as a teacher, guide and protector, and it is important for me to honor them for the wisdom they have taught me. During the week of LNY celebrations, I have dim sum brunch with my friends. I am also obsessed with Lion Dances so we try to catch the festivities in Chinatown. We all come from different East and Southeast Asian cultures, and we have different ways of celebrating LNY but there is nothing like coming together over a delicious meal, and kicking off the new year!”
How To Get In Touch
Dr. Tamsin Lee (she/they)
Use the code ‘BLOG’ for $25 off on an initial acupuncture visit.
Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM and Dr. Tamsin Lee, AEMP 1/16/23