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The art of face reading

WHAT DO OUR faces really say about us?

The Chinese believe there’s a lot that can be read from our facial expressions, from underlying personality traits to our life’s purpose. For thousands of years, people have used the art of face reading to predict futures and break down the nuances of our characters. But does it really work?

Whether or not you’re a believer in this science, you’re already a practitioner - if you’ve ever been close to anyone, it’s not difficult to figure out when they’re lying to you. Take another look at your siblings and other family members and you’ll quickly understand the complexity of reading their emotions in a way that a stranger might not immediately recognise. Beyond that, there’s not a criminal investigator in the world that hasn’t used face reading as a way to detect guilt and innocence or the grey area in between.

It’s also fascinating to see how different cultures have used the art in particular ways. South Americans often read in search of love and relationships, the Chinese in terms of jobs, career and destiny. The Europeans often look to learn about their health and nutrition while Africans consistently seek out the depth of a person’s character. The ancient practice varies from place to place, but it usually involves the analysing of over 100 points on the face, as well as countless other factors associated with the nature of expression.

Professional face reader Eric Standop has spent the better part of a decade travelling around the world and learning this art, using the tools of keen observation to tell people things about themselves based on the most subtle of expressions.

Standop respects peoples’ scepticism regarding face reading, because he was a sceptic himself. But after years of training under masters in the art, he believes there’s a lot that can be learned from our reflection.

“Some people want to reconfirm what they already feel and know. For others, they’re searching for something they can’t find the words to express. It’s almost like opening up a book,” he said.

Understanding the different signs in the face can unlock a person’s full potential, Standop claims, and it’s this belief that has garnered him clients from across the globe. Combining the ancient Greek technique of Physiognomy, the reading or interpretation of the physical appearance of a person, and the Chinese versions of Siang Mien that literally means face (Mien) and reading (Shiang), Standop uses modern interpretations of facial diagnosis, micro expressions and body language to reveal a deeper understanding of someone.

“I look behind the fog of words, reading in the face the authentic side of a person,” he said. “Who would not want an unadulterated view of himself or others?”

His sessions usually last about 80 minutes and involve light conversation which he uses to distinguish the natural micro-expressions we make when we speak. He uses a face template to mark down observations that include anomalies on the right or left side of the face, nose, cheeks, ears, forehead and so on.

Each characteristic tells a story and during our session, it was revealed that I had what is referred to as a ‘tree face’ with elements of a ‘fire face’ as well. It means that I’m protective, I believe in growth but I require patience in order to blossom. I’m also a quick thinker with trust issues and like fire, I am full of energy with a major impact on those around me but I can easily lose steam. In conclusion, I’m a burning tree, and I’m left with more questions than answers.

According to Standop, the art of face reading is not just about giving people a glimpse into their futures, rather it’s about helping them explore elements of their personalities that may be unrealised or dormant.

“Words were always my friends, a bridge to strangers. Words connect, they can manipulate as well,” he said. “But the magic of a smile seemed more powerful and honest, to get to know a person truly. The face speaks its own language.”