Body Twitching Meanings: Eye, Lip, Hand and More

An involuntary twitch of the eyelid, lip or arm is called khamen in Thai, and folk belief says each spot carries a message. Many cultures share this idea: in India and China, too, an eye twitch can foretell good or bad news.

Health note: most twitches come from tiredness, stress or too much caffeine and pass on their own. If a twitch lasts for weeks, spreads, or comes with weakness or drooping, please see a doctor.

Eyes and eyebrows

Left eye: good news or a pleasant surprise is coming. Inner corner of the left eye: take a little extra care for a few days.
Right eye: the Thai tradition reads this as a sign to slow down and avoid arguments.
Outer corner of the right eye: news from abroad. Outer corner of the left eye: take care on the road.
Above the right eye: someone will bring you a gain. Above the left eye: a woman is thinking of you.
Below the left eye: watch out for gossip.
Start of the right eyebrow: rest and look after your health. Start of the left eyebrow: take care of something you treasure.

Face, ears and mouth

Forehead: honour and recognition.
Right cheek: you may meet your soulmate. Left cheek: a love letter or message.
Tip of the chin: beware of being blamed unfairly.
Nose: avoid troublemakers and arguments.
Ears: the two Thai lists disagree. One says right ear = unwelcome news and left ear = a gain within three to seven days; the other says right ear = delightful news and left ear = bad news.
Upper lip: a treat, a feast or an invitation to a party. Lower lip: good news from far away (another list says: be patient with the younger people in your life).
Right side of the mouth: a gain from far away. Left side: avoid quarrels.

Neck and shoulders

Back of the neck: a business contact will get in touch.
Right side of the neck: traditionally, a baby boy in the family; left side: a baby girl.
Right shoulder: a disagreement with a loved one; be patient. Left shoulder: a date or outing with someone you like.

Arms and hands

Right arm: a journey, or support from someone senior. Left arm: good news worth celebrating (another list advises caution).
Right elbow: relatives will visit. Left elbow: you will meet someone you really like.
Right hand: an important responsibility at work. Left hand: someone you love is thinking of you.
Back of the right hand: be careful whom you trust. Back of the left hand: money or valuables are coming.
Thumb: beware of false accusations. Index finger: promotion. Middle finger: an award or prize. Ring finger: you will meet your soulmate. Little finger: take care of something precious.

Body

Chest, with a fluttering heart: be careful and stay safe.
Right side of the chest: an unexpected gain. Left side of the chest: a long journey.
Right armpit: a worry. Left armpit: jewellery or money.
Right side of the body: a pleasing gain (another list advises care). Left side: a gain through a romantic connection.
Right side of the waist: a problem to solve. Left side of the waist: comfort and happiness.
Back: you will meet someone attractive.

Itchy feet

Sole of the right foot: a journey you may not want to make; plan carefully.
Sole of the left foot: a pleasant trip is coming.