Art History Guide

“Physiognomy is the ancient Chinese art of face reading, otherwise known as Siang Mien. By studying the proportions, features and shapes of each individual face, experts in the art of face reading can tell you more about your character than perhaps you know yourself.

Many people today use the art of physiognomy as a form of fortune telling or even matchmaking. It can also be used in the corporate world as part of the interview process, allowing employers to see the real you as opposed to the one adept at “fooling�? the normal set of tests.

So what might the shape of your face reveal to others?

Well, aside from the shape of the obvious physical features such as the nose, mouth or ears, complexion and bone structure are very important. A very bony face, for example, means you could come across as harsh and intense, whereas a large, fleshy face denotes someone who is outgoing and always looking to enjoy themselves. If you have a rosy complexion, you are likely to have a romantic attitude to life, but an imaginative, artistic type of person is more likely to have a dark complexion.

EVERY face is unique – that’s right, no two faces are alike as even identical twins have slight facial differences, however small.

Acupuncturists who practice facial rejuvenation often use the art of face reading to predict their clients’ characters, thereby enabling them to tailor the treatment more appropriately. For example, someone with a tendency for heavy drinking and living unhealthily may need more treatments to produce the desired effect. They will also need to change their habits if they want their facial rejuvenation treatment to last longer!

Some specialists in the art of physiognomy provide a service whereby you can get your own Chinese face reading, perhaps to see whether your facial features match your character or just for fun. It’s also a great gift if you are struggling to find something for that person who has everything.

You can find out more about physiognomy and even get your own face reading at http://www.facial-acupuncture-secrets.com

The author, Helen Smeaton, lives and works in Cyprus as a mountain bike professional, freelance writer and web designer.”