Lip

Either of the two folds of flesh that form the opening of the mouth, which are normally redder and darker in the color than the surrounding areas of the face. Pale lips indicate a dual vacuity of blood and qì. Green-blue or purple lips are seen in both blood stasis and cold patterns and indicate impaired flow of blood and qì. Parched lips indicate damage to liquid. Gaping corners of the mouth and shrinking of the philtrum signify imminent desertion of right qì. Drooling from the corners of the mouth during sleep generally indicates spleen vacuity or stomach heat. In infants, this may indicate intestinal parasites. Drooling from one side of the mouth is associated with deviation of the mouth and facial paralysis.

See cracked lips; lip wind; cocoon lip; harelip. See also mouth.