The Association of Quantitative Facial Color Features with Cold Pattern in Traditional East Asian Medicine.

Sujeong Mun,Siwoo Lee,Ilkoo Ahn

doi:10.1155/2017/9284856

Abstract

Introduction Facial diagnosis is a major component of the diagnostic method in traditional East Asian medicine. We investigated the association of quantitative facial color features with cold pattern using a fully automated facial color parameterization system. Methods The facial color parameters of 64 participants were obtained from digital photographs using an automatic color correction and color parameter calculation system. Cold pattern severity was evaluated using a questionnaire. Results The a⁎ values of the whole face, lower cheek, and chin were negatively associated with cold pattern score (CPS) (whole face: B = −1.048, P = 0.021; lower cheek: B = −0.494, P = 0.007; chin: B = −0.640, P = 0.031), while b⁎ value of the lower cheek was positively associated with CPS (B = 0.234, P = 0.019). The a⁎ values of the whole face were significantly correlated with specific cold pattern symptoms including cold abdomen (partial ρ = −0.354, P < 0.01) and cold sensation in the body (partial ρ = −0.255, P < 0.05). Conclusions a ⁎ values of the whole face were negatively associated with CPS, indicating that individuals with increased levels of cold pattern had paler faces. These findings suggest that objective facial diagnosis has utility for pattern identification.

Highlights

Facial diagnosis is a major component of the diagnostic method in traditional East Asian medicine
L∗ values were highest in the nose region, a∗ values were highest in the lip region, and b∗ values were highest in the forehead region
The results of a multiple regression analysis showed that a∗ value of the whole face was negatively associated with cold pattern score (CPS) (B = −1.048, P = 0.021)

Summary

Introduction

Facial diagnosis is a major component of the diagnostic method in traditional East Asian medicine. A∗ values of the whole face were negatively associated with CPS, indicating that individuals with increased levels of cold pattern had paler faces. These findings suggest that objective facial diagnosis has utility for pattern identification. Known as syndrome differentiation, is an essential component of the diagnostic process in traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM). Recent studies indicate that cold pattern is common in women and individuals with low body mass index [4, 5]. Cold pattern has been associated with alterations in metabolic rate [4], thyroid function [6, 7], the sympathetic nervous system [5, 8], the renin-angiotensin system [9], and glucose metabolism [5]

Methods

Results

Conclusion