Philtrum – what the groove between nose and upper lip reveals about you
- Daniel Neuhaus
- Feb 6
- 13 min read
When you look at a person’s face, you usually perceive the philtrum only subconsciously. This small groove between the tip of the nose and the upper lip forms last of all in the womb and has carried the name “love charm” since antiquity.
In Chinese physiognomy, it is considered the “Palace of Immortality” and the center of life flow.
In this article, we look at the philtrum from two perspectives:
from the perspective of anatomy and medicine
and from the perspective of Face Reading: as a sign of creativity, fertility, humor, closeness, and life energy.
As always, the following applies: Face Reading does not replace a medical diagnosis, but it invites you to perceive yourself more consciously.
Contents at a glance
1. What is the philtrum? (Anatomy & origin)
From an anatomical perspective, this area includes two terms: the pallium describes the distance between the tip of the nose and the upper lip – both in length and horizontally between the two nasolabial folds. Within this area lies the philtrum, the vertical groove bordered by two slightly raised ridges, beginning at the base of the nose and ending at the transition to the upper lip.
In the womb, the philtrum is formed when several facial prominences merge. This fusion process can be disrupted – for example in cases of cleft lip – which explains why the philtrum is an important observation area in medicine.
The name comes from Ancient Greek: “philtron” means “love charm.” In antiquity, this zone was considered an erogenous region; the Romans referred to it as a “love potion.” Some traditions even tell that people used to kiss precisely in this spot.
2. The philtrum in Chinese medicine – Sea of Yin & Palace of Immortality
In the Chinese perspective, the philtrum is associated with the Water element. Water stands for:
life flow and adaptability
fertility and reproductive organs
creativity and deep inner knowledge
The area between the nose and upper lip is described as the “Sea of Yin.” Here, two extraordinary vessels (Ren Mai and Du Mai) meet and symbolically connect:
above: the Qi of heaven, which you take in through breathing
below: the Qi of earth, which enters the body through nourishment
This is why the philtrum is also called the “Palace of Immortality.” What is meant here is less eternal life and more the question:
What remains of you when you are no longer here?
From this perspective, a pronounced philtrum can point to three forms of “immortality”:
Children and descendants – your genes live on
Creative works – books, art, music, projects that outlast you
Spiritual maturity – an inner path through which you inspire and accompany others
3. The philtrum in Face Reading – creativity, fertility, and attraction
In Face Reading, we connect the philtrum with three major themes:
Fertility & reproductive energy
– in the physical sense (children)
– and in the symbolic sense (projects, ideas, life’s work)
Creativity & generative power
– how strongly you feel the inner drive to create something
– whether you direct your energy toward children, art, career, or spirituality
Attraction & charisma
– how magnetically you affect others
– whether your presence energizes others and makes them feel more alive
This is why I like to refer to the philtrum as the “upper décolleté” of the face: an area that concentrates closeness, vitality, and erotic presence – often without the person themselves being consciously aware of it.
4. The philtrum & aesthetic changes – why small interventions can have a strong psychological impact
In Face Reading, we do not view the philtrum merely as an anatomical detail, but as an expression of creativity, vitality, and attraction. Precisely because this area reacts so subtly, every change – natural or aesthetic – becomes more noticeable than many people expect.
In modern aesthetic medicine, the philtrum plays an increasingly important role.
A shortened philtrum is often perceived as a youthful feature, and a lifted Cupid’s bow as more feminine and attractive. Yet every alteration also influences the nonverbal language of your face:
– how you are perceived
– how you come across before you speak
– how much emotionality is visible
– whether your presence appears softer or more determined
If you would like to dive deeper into how aesthetic procedures change not only appearance but also the psychological impact of a face, you will find a more in-depth article here:
👉 Face Reading and cosmetic surgery: psychological impact and new perspectives for doctors and clinics
This article shows why small changes to the lips, philtrum, or Cupid’s bow can have a significant effect on presence, identity, and resonance – and why an understanding of facial expression, personality, and facial architecture is so valuable for medical professionals.
5. Inconspicuous philtrum – quiet attraction, strong talents
An inconspicuous philtrum can be recognized by the following features:
the groove is rather flat
the two ridges hardly stand out
the area visually blends into the upper lip region
People with this feature:
often appear likable, friendly, and “easy”, without being loud
attract others more through their character, talents, or overall presence, not through obvious charisma
can be attractive without others being able to clearly explain why
In Face Reading, the focus here is less on sex appeal and more on inner quality: warmth, reliability, humor, and physical presence – all of this can be gently “balanced” by an inconspicuous philtrum.
6. Strongly pronounced philtrum – the magic of love and magnetic presence
A strongly pronounced philtrum is:
deeply grooved
clearly bordered by two visible ridges
often broad and harmoniously shaped
People with such a philtrum usually bring some of the following qualities:
strong attraction – others feel more awake and alive in their presence
charismatic presence in a room – they stand out, even when they say nothing
high need for physical contact – closeness, touch, and sexuality play a major role in their lives
passion in love – emotions are experienced intensely and often expressed impulsively
persistence & determination – a deep philtrum is associated with constitution and goal-driven strength
The broader and deeper the philtrum, the stronger usually are:
the sex drive
the need for physical closeness
and the ability to gather energy and bring it onto the stage – whether literally (acting, speaking, performing) or metaphorically (inspiring people, driving projects forward).
An interesting study has shown in this context that what we perceive in Face Reading as an expression of vitality, need for closeness, and magnetic presence also leaves scientific traces. The study “The Attractive Lip” by Penna et al. (2015)examined at the University Medical Center Freiburg how different lip shapes affect others. A total of 176 men and women were surveyed. The result was clear: size, shape, and color of the lips all played a role. Particularly attractive was a clearly pronounced philtrum with a strongly curved Cupid’s bow that gives the upper lip its heart-shaped form – in women as well as in men.
It becomes even more interesting when the second study is added. The study “Vaginal orgasm is more prevalent among women with a prominent tubercle of the upper lip” by Brody & Costa (2011) found that women with a more pronounced Cupid’s bow had a higher probability of experiencing vaginal orgasms. The researchers suspect that similar neuronal processes during embryonic development influence both the shape of the Cupid’s bow and aspects of sexuality.
For Face Reading, this means: the signature we see in the philtrum – sex drive, the need for physical closeness, and the ability to gather energy and bring it outward – also resonates on a scientific level. It describes people who do not hide in encounters. Who work with their presence, consciously or unconsciously. And who often unfold a natural, almost magnetic presence that others feel even before they consciously register it.
The other side:
A very striking philtrum can lead to a person being strongly reduced to their outer impact. Not everything this person feels or thinks is perceived – often what remains is: “Wow, what a presence.”
7. Long philtrum – dry humor, emotional resilience, and a strong leadership drive
A long philtrum is present when the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip is noticeably greater than average.
People with this feature are often associated with:
dry humor – rough jokes, irony, sarcasm; many things are not taken personally
thick skin – criticism is perceived more factually, not as a personal attack
leadership drive – the desire to take responsibility and steer things
flexible problem-solving – a strong ability to see different solution paths
People with a very long philtrum often have:
a desire for competition, responsibility, and shaping things
a tendency to underestimate the sensitivity of others: what does not hurt them should be fine for others as well – and this is exactly where friction can arise
In a positive sense, these are people who:
are willing to “take the heat” for others
absorb teasing and stress
and still keep their sense of humor.
8. Short philtrum – sensitivity, vulnerability & perfectionism
A short philtrum appears as if the nose and upper lip are closer together.
In Face Reading, this feature indicates:
a person with very high sensitivity
a sensitive, vulnerable nature
a tendency to avoid conflict rather than jump right into it
strong adaptation tendencies – “I try to appear appropriate and not be a burden to anyone.”
Typical patterns:
statements are easily taken personally
rough jokes often hit right at the core
criticism can lead to emotional crashes
outwardly, great importance is placed on a “coherent outer appearance” – clothing, demeanor, way of speaking
From this, perfectionism can develop:
“I have to do everything right, otherwise something is wrong with me.”
This can cost an enormous amount of energy.
That is why, in a reading, it is important to me to offer support here and extend the following invitation:
to be mindful of the body and health
to stop constantly bending oneself
and to consciously give one’s own life meaning.
A short philtrum is an indication of a nervous system that vibrates more finely and therefore needs more protection, loyalty, and loving feedback.
9. Flat philtrum – when the groove is barely visible or not visible at all
Sometimes the philtrum is so weakly developed that:
the groove is hardly recognizable
the ridges are missing
the area appears almost smooth
In Face Reading, I interpret this very carefully, because several layers often come together here.
Possible themes:
Charisma is not “given,” but developed – through performance, competence, and skill
the feeling of having started life more with “hunger” and having had to acquire many things on one’s own
a strong focus on material security or functionality
emotional opening can feel more difficult; closeness is often created more through action than through feeling
In some traditional sources, a missing or very flat philtrum is associated with stress during the mother’s pregnancy (e.g. alcohol, drugs, severe stress).
It is interesting that modern medicine also takes a closer look at this area. A strongly flattened or barely visible philtrum is considered a typical indicator in pediatrics for certain developmental disorders – for example in the context of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or other rare genetic syndromes. This area is also often clearly altered in cases of cleft lip and palate. What is important is this: the philtrum alone never constitutes a diagnosis. It is always assessed within the overall picture, together with other features, the child’s development, and the mother’s medical history – and therefore clearly belongs in the hands of medical professionals.
As a Face Reader, I am less interested in pathology when it comes to a barely visible philtrum, and more in the question: Where might this person have had to pull themselves together or develop control very early in life, instead of simply flowing and being alive? Medical clarification remains the responsibility of doctors – my work begins with the inner story behind the face.
I would never pass on such statements to clients word for word, but would rather work with a question:
“How easy is it for you to simply show yourself without having to perform?”
Because this is usually where the deeper potential for growth lies.
10. Color and changes – sensitive signals, no diagnoses
In Chinese medicine, the philtrum is also considered a reflex zone for:
uterus and ovaries in women
prostate and testicles in men
Traditionally, attention is paid to:
reddening – may indicate inflammation or hormonal activity
light pink tones – e.g. around ovulation
darker coloration or swelling – seen as signs of stagnation or overload
very pale coloration – associated with a “cold womb,” fear of pregnancy, or energetic exhaustion
What is important to me here is this clear statement:
No facial feature replaces a medical examination.
If something about your philtrum worries you (color, swelling, sudden change), seeing a doctor is always the first step.
Face Reading can help to recognize connections, understand motives, and make lifestyle themes visible – but it does not provide diagnoses.
11. Philtrum, Cupid’s bow, and attractiveness
The connection between the philtrum and the Cupid’s bow – the curved line along the edge of the upper lip – is particularly interesting.
As already mentioned above, studies show:
A clearly pronounced philtrum in combination with a strongly curved Cupid’s bow is perceived by many people as especially attractive.
In a study conducted at the University Medical Center Freiburg, the size, shape, and color of lips were analyzed. A pronounced Cupid’s bow with a clearly defined philtrum groove was among the features rated as attractive.
Another study found a correlation between a pronounced Cupid’s bow and the likelihood of experiencing vaginal orgasms – presumably because similar developmental processes in the nervous system are involved.
If you would like to dive deeper:
Article on heart-shaped lips: about attraction, sexuality, and closeness.
Article on lips and lip shapes: here you will find the language of your lips and the seven most common lip shapes explained in detail.
12. Conclusion – the philtrum as a line between heaven, earth, and your own path
At first glance, the philtrum is just a small groove in the face.
When you look more closely, it connects:
heaven and earth (breathing and nourishment)
physical fertility and creative generative power
charisma and vulnerability
lifetime and sense of life
Whether your philtrum is long, short, strongly pronounced, or rather inconspicuous:
It does not tell something final about you, but shows where your energy currently has its focus.
Are you more oriented toward stage and impact?
Do you live more in your head, in your body, or in feeling?
Where do you long for more closeness, creativity, or meaning?
If you ask these questions not only in your mind, but in the mirror of your own face, true Face Reading begins:
You start to see yourself more consciously – exactly as you are.
13. FAQ about the philtrum
What is the philtrum?
The philtrum is the small groove between the nose and the upper lip. In medicine, it is used to assess certain developmental characteristics; in Face Reading, it stands for creativity, vitality, and closeness behavior.
Why do we have a philtrum?
Anatomically, the philtrum forms during embryonic development when different parts of the face merge. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this region is considered a connection point of Yin and Yang and reflects life energy.
What does a pronounced philtrum mean?
A deep, clear groove is associated in Face Reading with strong life energy, robust sexuality, creativity, and presence. People with a pronounced philtrum often appear charismatic and energetic.
What does a flat or barely visible philtrum indicate?
A very weak or flat philtrum can point in Face Reading to sensitivity, lower resilience, or a cautious nature. Medically, it can occur in certain syndromes or prenatal stresses.
Can the philtrum change over the course of life?
Yes. Its shape and depth can change through aging processes, hormonal shifts, or habitual facial expression. In Chinese physiognomy, it is also seen as an area that responds to lifestyle and vitality.
Not sure which philtrum you have?
Our lips reflect much more than facial expression alone. If you would like to discover how they shape the way you feel, speak, and live relationships, you will find an accessible introduction to this nonverbal language here.
The shape of your lips says a great deal about how you feel, communicate, and live closeness. Whether full, thin, elongated, or softly drawn: each lip shape carries its own message. In this article, you will learn which type fits you and what it reveals about personality, relationships, and expression.
The Cupid’s bow is a subtle detail – and at the same time one of the strongest indicators of resonance, sensitivity, and presence. In this article, you will learn how to recognize your Cupid’s bow and what different forms reveal about emotional depth and closeness behavior.
If you would like to not only classify your philtrum but understand it within the full picture of your personality, you can book a personal Face Reading here. Your entire face is taken into account.
Video: A conversation about personality, empathy, and what faces reveal
In this episode of FlowGrade – For Life, I talk with Max Gotzler about what Face Reading can truly offer today. We go through the foundations – physiognomy, facial expression, body language – and discuss how personality shows itself in the face, where the limits lie, and why empathy is the core of this work.
At the end, I read a few facets of Max’s personality from his face – in the form of a small speed reading, in a live analysis.
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If you would like to find out which face shape you have and what clues it offers about character, behavior, and expression, this article guides you systematically through all shapes.
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