What is sanpaku?

Sanpaku, meaning "three whites" in Japanese, refers to a condition where the white of the eye (the sclera) is visible either above or below the iris. It's often categorized into two types:

  • Yin Sanpaku: The white of the eye is visible below the iris. This is the more common type and is generally associated with physical imbalances, fatigue, or overwork. Some interpretations link it to susceptibility to accidents or illness. See more on Yin Sanpaku.

  • Yang Sanpaku: The white of the eye is visible above the iris. This is less common and often associated with mental or spiritual imbalances, anger, rage, or a disconnection from reality. It has sometimes been linked to individuals prone to violence or erratic behavior. For more details, explore Yang Sanpaku.

Historically, sanpaku was popularized by George Ohsawa, the founder of the macrobiotic diet. He claimed that sanpaku eyes were indicative of an unhealthy diet (particularly excessive consumption of sugar and processed foods) that leads to physical and spiritual imbalances. He believed it made individuals susceptible to illness, accidents, and unhappiness. He popularized this belief through his book, You Are All Sanpaku.

While the concept gained traction in the 1960s, particularly due to its association with celebrities like John F. Kennedy, who was said to have sanpaku eyes, it is not recognized as a scientifically valid medical diagnosis. Some see it as a pseudoscientific belief rooted in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine and physiognomy. The idea of Macrobiotic Diet is also related to sanpaku.

It's important to note that the visibility of the sclera can vary from person to person based on facial structure, eye shape, and natural variations in anatomy. Sanpaku should not be used as a definitive indicator of health or personality.