Objectification of the Qi Blood Yin Yang Deficiency Pattern by Using a Facial Color Analysis

This study aimed to assess a Qi Blood Yin Yang evaluation method systematically and objectively and to identify the correlation between the Qi Blood Yin Yang deficiency pattern (QBYYDP) and facial color.

Thirty-seven participants (17 males, 20 females) were enrolled in this study. Twenty-four (10 males, 14 females) had ages from 40 to over 60, and 13 (7 males and 6 females) were in their twenties. After sufficient rest, facial images were taken with a camera. Based on the results from a questionnaire survey, we divided the participants into five groups: the normal and the Qi-, Blood-, Yin-, and Yang-deficient groups, after which the relationships between the L, 'a', and 'b' values in the Lab color system and the characteristics of the participants in each of the deficient groups were elucidated using a facial color analysis program.

The color analysis for Qi-deficient (QD) participants revealed that the L value was fairly decreased in comparison with the normal participants, but the 'a' and 'b' values were almost the same. A comparison between the normal and the Yang-deficient (YaD) groups revealed that the L values were somewhat lower compared to the normal group, but the 'a' and 'b' values were not statistically different. For the Yin-deficient (YiD) group, the L value was slightly lower compared to the normal group, but the 'a' and 'b' values were almost the same and the R values were slightly increased. For the Blood-deficient (BD) group, the L values were slightly increased compared to the normal group, but the 'a' and 'b' values were decreased slightly.

This study obtained objective, reliable data for judging the QBYYDP by using facial images and a color analysis program. However, further study with at least 10 or more subjects in each of the deficient groups is necessary to confirm our findings.