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Right complexion
正色 〔正色〕 zhèng sè
A normal complexion. The healthy complexion of the Chinese is traditionally described as a bright, lustrous, contained complexion with a faint red and yellow hue.
A bright, lustrous complexion indicates the presence of spirit. A contained
complexion, i.e., one in which color is held within the skin and is not exposed (see true visceral complexion), indicates the presence of stomach. A right complexion indicates harmony of qì and blood and internal fullness of essential qì. A distinction is made between the governing complexion and the visiting complexion. The governing complexion is each person’s basic complexion; the visiting complexion is any deviation from governing complexion brought about by changes in the weather and environment or in physiological state. Neither the governing nor the visiting complexion is pathological.