The Nose Knows

Fall is the time of the lung according to Chinese medicine and the facial feature most prominently associated with this time of the year is the nose. To honor the debut of fall, this month’s column will focus on the shapes and sizes of noses and the personality traits associated with the various sizes and shapes according to Lillian Bridges' book on Chinese face reading.

Face reading is part of our own historical development. Plato and Aristotle wrote about personality types associated with facial characteristics. It is also documented that Abraham Lincoln chose his cabinet based on facial characteristics.

The ancient Chinese associated large noses with nomadic ancestors who came from cold climates. Noses had to be large and long to warm the air before it entered the lung so as not to damage the lung. Living in such a cold climate required an ego that would sustain the belief that one was supposed to survive which gave the individual ambition to work hard in order to live. Thus, someone with a large nose probably has a healthy ego and a long nose will probably belong to a person who is ambitious. The effects of a cold climate could also isolate people so large noses can also imply a longer mentality and an independent spirit.

A person whose nose comes off their face by over an inch can be thought of as a trailblazer. Protruding noses usually belong to individuals who like to do things in new and different ways. The Chinese were amazed at the size of the noses of the first Western sailors that landed on their shores and actually nicknamed them “big noses”. The Chinese were impressed with how far their noses came off their face, as this was a rare trait to be found among the Chinese. They believed that the Western sailors had to leave the comfort and security of home to explore the unknown because of the size of their noses.

By contrast, smaller noses belong to people whose ancestors came from warm climates where the air was warmer and easier to breathe. Food was more plentiful and people did not have to struggle to survive. Consequently, people with small noses usually are more passive and group oriented. They live socially and cooperatively with their neighbor and prefer to blend in and not stick out in a crowd. They prefer an easier life and a relaxed work environment. Play is an important part of life. These individuals enjoy group activities and being part of the crowd. People with small noses are not personally ambitious.

Flatter noses belong to people who are content to live life as it has always been lived. They do not readily grasp innovative ways to change and definitely prefer the tried and true methods to new ways. These individuals conform and are not adventurous. They prefer to travel with someone or with a tour group. They prefer to live adventures vicariously rather than first hand. These individuals may have security issues and prefer the anonymity of groups.

The ancient Chinese also considered the nose to be the “moneybox of the face”. The bridge of the nose shows how much energy a person has to earn money. A wide bridge indicates an individual who has extra energy for making money. Money comes in easily and in large quantities. A narrow bridge indicates an individual who has less energy to expend and money is earned in smaller increments.

A bump on the bridge of the nose indicates a person who likes to be in charge. This person is not a good follower, but makes a good leader. If the nose turns upward at the end, this individual is more of a follower. The Chinese believe that an upturned nose indicates someone whose work will pay off to them later in life.

The base of the nose, which includes the nostrils, shows how much money can be saved. A fleshy nose indicates materialism and often belongs to someone who appreciates and accumulates things. A bulbous nose may indicate overindulgence in physical pleasures and someone who accumulates for the sake of acquiring things.

People with thin or narrow noses belong to people who value ideals over money. These individuals care more about quality than quantity and would rather do without than “make do” with something inferior. A bony nose indicates a person who lives simply and eschews material things. These individuals prefer hardship to pleasure and often live a monastic life.

The nostrils are also considered part of the “moneybox”. Wide nostrils indicate a person who spends money and energy easily. Narrowed nostrils often can be found on individuals shopping at warehouse discount houses and at sales. They indicate an individual who will spend money, but they want to save at the same time. Small nostrils belong to people who want to hold onto their energy and money. It does not mean that people with small nostrils are cheap, it just means that they are very aware of how much things cost and how long they have to work to earn the money to purchase items.