Award Winning Author
Face Reading with Before & After Photos
Eyes Reflect Vitality: When Three Whites (Sanpaku) Can Be a Red Flag
Like the Rising Sun
If you have white sclera above or below your iris, consider it a personal vitality barometer. Typically, for most of our lives, white shows only on both sides of the colored orb. A quick look in the mirror and at faces around you confirms this. When white shows on three sides, it is an energy readout; the Japanese call it sanpaku, which means three whites.
In infancy, we commonly see white on each side and above the iris. Like the morning sunrise, the ascending iris mirrors the untapped vital energy to serve this child a lifetime. This is normal.
Like the Setting Sun
As our energy declines, normally toward the evening of our life cycle, the iris seemingly sets or rolls back up into the head to reveal white below iris. This photo of Nancy shows sanpaku (three whites) of both eyes.
Note that Nancy’s sanpaku is most pronounced on the left. Such asymmetry is not unusual.
You Can Reverse Sanpaku
Here is a before and after photo of a 47-year-old client, Colleen, who shifted her diet to quickly reverse her sanpaku eyes. This intake photo shows a thin white zone underneath her iris. She complained of inflammation, overweight and fatigue.
After six weeks following my diet suggestions, Colleen sent a new photo showing only two whites. She reports having more energy and that: “I’ve even gone down a size in pants!”
A Call to Action
Practically speaking, sanpaku suggests a lack of groundedness; that your energy tends to be up and out rather than centered. Consider it an invitation to regroup. What in your diet and/or lifestyle scatters your energy? Chinese Five Element medicine considers sanpaku a kidney and Water Element imbalance. My multiple blogs offer free support, or purchase a Face Reading Report via email to receive my personal help.
As your irises settle back down, you’ll feel better and more vital. Some other medical conditions may give the appearance of sanpaku. You may ignore the sensationalistic claims on the web about sanpaku; bottom line, sanpaku is simply a visual clue suggesting that it’s time to recoup your energy.
See also: Side-by-side, mother and daughter photo in which the daughter is sanpaku.
False Sanpaku – Bulging Eyes
The eyes of some people tend to bulge or protrude to show three or even four “whites” (as, for example, the cartoon character Popeye or the actress Goldie Hawn). This can give a false appearance of sanpaku and is considered a thyroid indicator (see Wood Element). Look again at Nancy’s photo above: her bulging left eye increases the exposed white under her iris.
Reverse Sanpaku – Mania
When an adult displays “reverse” sanpaku with white showing above the iris (like the infant above), it may indicate mania which may be associated with bipolar disorder. If you have this, medications may be appropriate. Eat a balanced diet, get adequate sleep and make shifts to regain the middle ground. Avoid extremes.
What type of diet is best for someone with Sanpaku eyes?
There’s no one diet that’s “best” for everyone. Your opportunity is to discern what diet is most digestible and healing for you. I say “digestible” because if you are sanpaku the odds are that you are not well assimilating your current diet. For guidelines, visit the “Complexion” blog.
Hi! Thank you so much for this article! It helped clarify so much! I know a few people who are very yin deficient from burnout/stress or illness who have sanpaku. But then I’ve read that yin sanpaku means yin excess?
If someone lacks groundedness, wouldn’t that be a yin deficiency ultimately? But I’m reading everywhere that yin sanpaku means yin excess.
Sorry just trying to make sense of this!
Thanks so much!
Good questions and it depends upon your sources. George Oshawa, who introduced the Japanese term “sanpaku” to the west, reversed the description of yin and yang. So, yes, confusion reigns re. yin and yang sanpaku. Now, to answer your question. One can be both yin and yang deficient. When white sclera shows beneath the irises this suggests a lack of kidney yang or groundedness.
My son (16 years old) has sanpaku eyes and also has only one functional kidney. He is a sports loving person but does not take care of his diet. I am worried for him. Please suggest how to help him.
Oh, how we worry for our loved ones and especially when they make choices we would not make. Most 16-year-olds are not too open to dietary input from their parents. The best way I know to support positive change others, is to role model for them. Let your good self-care be an example to him.
Why are sanpaku eyes even a bad thing that must be fixed ? Honestly don’t get it.
Sanpaku is one indicator of low energy. As most people want robust energy, sanpaku is considered not ideal.
Can you say more about the sun setting eye in infants? What is the cause and can you offer any advice? My son has sun setting eyes but it is intermittent. He’s had a brain scan and the scan was normal. What else can it be ?
Please, not to worry. Sun setting eyes in infants is normal and, as you observe, intermittent. I’m sure he’s perfect!
Hey, am I considered to be have sanpaku eyes even if its only a little white on the bottom? I’ve read so many cases of people with sanpaku eyes dying young, I really want to know if I’m considered to have sanpaku so I can change it. I’m in my teenage years so I’ll hopefully be able to fix it if I am considered to have them. Thanks so much.
Regarding degree of sanpaku, it varies. Ideally there is not white showing. If it does show, a little is “better” than a lot. Regarding your other questions, you’ll find your answers on that blog.
Hi!
I recently found out what sanpaku eyes were and realized that I have a mild case of them. I’ve had 3 whites showing on my eyes ever since I was a very young kid. It also registered to me that I had suffered from kidney infection a couple of times during middle school. I’m currently trying my best to adjust my diet and lifestyle choices. Is there a chance that my sanpaku eyes will go away?
(I’m still in my teenage years)
If your energy is overall robust, I’d not worry and assume that it’s just how you are. If your energy is thin, then follow the advice in this blog. Or, perhaps it’s that your eyes slightly bulge which points to a liver-related condition. Good for you for making shifts to take good care of yourself. I salute your wisdom!
Hey there!
I have always had a wonky eye growing up and have had 2 surgeries to fix it. When I was younger it was very bad (it looked up).
My eyes show three whites regardless unless I force them straight. After the surgeries they were straight for a bit and recently it has gotten worse but I believe its mainly neurological. I was worried after I saw this though – I have always had eyes like this, could this mean something else?
Please, Nyra, not to worry. Face Reading observes general characteristics. For what ever reasons, your eyes do not fit that “norm” but are your own norm. Give thanks for your good vision and eye position and rest there. Meanwhile, the findings of Forrest Maready in Crooked: Man-Made Disease Explained may offer insights.
Hello! I have had yin sanpuku eyes for the past 3 yrs and I am very young. I am under emotional stress as well. What are the diet changes that you suggest besides reducing stress?
I’m sorry that you’re under a lot of stress. Not to worry, you can shift your diet to regain your stamina. YOu can start on this blog. Good Luck!
Mine are a bit sanpaku. I was looking at old childhood photos and my eyes look so much more grounded. I wonder what happened? Nice to know it can be reversed.
Definitely you can reverse this (unless you’re on your deathbed). Your optimum diet and lifestyle are the keys. Good luck!
My left eye has been sanpaku for about 3 years. How long will it take me to change it?
You’re right, sanpaku can generally be changed unless, probably, you’re in your late 80s. But it will take some work to ground your energy and support your kidneys. Odds are that you’ll need to shift both your diet and lifestyle choices. If you want specific help, I’ll be glad to do so in a Face Reading consultation. Good luck!