Objective To analyse the reflection spectrum samples of three primaries（blue

red and yellow

dominating life and death） in TCM complexional inspection

and investigate the difference between life complexion and death complexion to improve the objective and systematic development of TCM complexional inspection.Methods The analysis of reflection spectrum was carried out to compare kingfisher feather

dry grass-blade

cockscomb

coagulated blood

crab abdomen

Zhishi（Fructus Aurantii Immaturus）

and the apex of nose and forehead of normal person

i.e.the complexion was recorded and the characteristics were analysed by using the method of spectrum.Results The results showed that the spectrum analysis on blue（kingfisher feather）

red（cockscomb） and yellow（crab abdomen）

which dominated life

had unitary wave crest in reflection spectrum and vivid complexion.The spectrum analysis on blue（dry grass-blade）

red（coagulated blood） and yellow（Zhishi）

which dominated death

showed that the reflection spectrum was composed of multiple types of complexion（composite complexion） and the complexion was dark and gloomy.The complexion of normal person manifested faint redn and yellow

and sufficiency of qi and blood.Conclusion The correct analysis on TCM complexional inspection and identification of vivid or gloomy complexion can reflect the difference between the types of complexion dominating life and death

and improve the objective development of TCM complexional inspection.