See What Your Manicurist Sees When Looking at Your Fingernails!
The manicurist might not recognize the symptoms your fingernails portray. However, some practitioners of Eastern and Western Medicine or of Holistic Healing Modalities can identify health problems by looking at your fingernails before you cover them up with nail polish. 
Here are some resources before we continue. They help define our terms of Eastern, Western, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM / holistic healing). They also provide more pictures and links than I can include in this blog.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) compares Eastern and Western approaches to medicine and health.
An easier way to understand it may be found in the blog of a person who has practiced “all of the above.” Dr. Emili Kim describes his findings.
I
am neither a physician nor a practitioner of Eastern Medicine. However, I am certified in a number of holistic healing (CAM) methods. I can share what they know and what I know as you stare at your fingernails.
East Meets West with Holistic Healing in the Center
Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, alternative medicine, and now Western medicine often agree on the value of “reading” fingernails (and toenails), eyes, ears, and tongues in the diagnostic process.
That’s why the American doctor has you stick out your tongue and say “Aaa-aaaa-ah.”
It is how reflexologists can help you by manipulating points on your ears! Of course, that implies you can help yourself by massaging your own ears (hands, feet, etc.)!
That’s also how Louise Hay (a world-renown holistic healer) could correlate physical symptoms with emotional symptoms as the underlying causes and effects of “dis-eases.”
Louise Hay’s books, “Heal Your Body” and “You Can Heal Your Life” include a list of most body parts and the associations of psychological or emotional issues with symptoms. Those indicators occur when the body is communicating with you about issues to which you need to pay attention. Louise then offers affirmations for each condition. They can help you change your thinking and heal your body in the process. Although she passed away, her work goes on, and you can learn from her and her followers.
Today, we’re going to concentrate on fingernails analysis. We’ll see what relationships exist between physical organs and fingernail appearances. Then, we’ll look at the psychological states relating to those appearances. More about that in a minute.
Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies
Briefly, my favorite little book about Ayurvedic science is by Dr. Vasant Lad. It is called, Ayurveda, the Science of Self-Healing.
- Ayurveda (a form of East Indian medicine) means ‘the science of life.’
- Lad also authored The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Remedies, available through Amazon and elsewhere. To learn more about Ayurveda, Click Here.
- This link to the Deepak Chopra’s healing center will give you much more insight and information about it.
Understanding Disease Conditions
Below are some examples of disease conditions related to the visible state of your fingernails. I’ve included links for Dr. Lad, The Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists International, Natural Health Techniques Fingernail Analysis, and WebMD. They have articles about fingernails and health. Here’s another one about health and beauty. https://www.health.com/beauty/nail-health.
Fingernail Analyses
What to Look For in Medicine and Alternative Medicine Viewpoints
These fingers (or “digits”) reflect conditions in various organs and body systems, as follows.
- Thumb: brain, excretory system and reproductive organs.
- Index Finger: liver, gallbladder, and the nervous system.
- Middle Finger: heart and circulation.
- Ring Finger: reproductive organs and the hormonal system.
- Little Finger: digestive system.
Now, let’s match that up with Louise Hay’s list of what each finger signifies. She says fingers represent the “details of life.” She offers affirmations to help you address these issues as relates to your own life.
- Thumb: intellect and worry
- Index Finger: ego and fear
- Middle Finger: Anger and sexuality
- Ring Finger: unions and grief
- Little Finger: family and pretending
Let’s use just one example for the sake of relative brevity. (We could have many classes on this subject.)
“Vertical Ridges and Split Nails
There are lots of conditions which may be indicated by this symptom. You and your healthcare provider will have to determine which ones are applicable to you. Here are some possibilities.
Adrenal gland problems
arthritic tendencies
asthma
broken heart
bronchitis
calcium deficiency
constant fatigue
chronic inflammation
continual stress
depression
emotional trauma
excretory system conditions
hyperactivity or overexertion
iron deficiency
kidney problems
laryngitis
nervous problems
poor digestion/absorption in the small intestine
chemicals from food, dieting
protein deficiency
respiratory problems
unhappiness
Vitamin A deficiency
yeast and other fungi
lupus, chemo or radiation side effect
drugs or prescription use.
You can see that many of these conditions are related to one another. For example, we all know there are several consequences simply to having “a broken heart.”
Nails Protect You and Also Need Protection
Nails, according to Louise Hay, relate to “protection.” Physically, they protect the fingers which we use to reach out in life and to do work. Even the cuticle of the nails provides protection against disease and infection. That, by the way, is why your manicurist should “push back” the cuticles gently, NOT cut them!
What Is The Point of Talking About Fingernails?
The objective is to remind you that your body “talks to you.” It provides many clues about issues you must address while they’re still small. Body, mind, emotions, and soul are connected. They constantly strive for good health and balance. We must help achieve that. Don’t just “cross your fingers” and hope for the best! Take action.
I cannot and do not diagnose or claim to cure any physical or medical condition. I recommend you contact your healthcare provider(s) for good advice.
Let’s Get Well, Stay Well, Live Well and Change Our Lives Together Now!