What each finger and corresponding nail is attributed to:To analyze, look for abnormalities in the lunulae, color, texture and markings, shape, and pliability.
|Middle finger - nail cuticle showing yeast challenge|
(Lunula, singular; lunulae, plural) The lunulae are those little white moon things at the base of the nail. There should be 8 of these. The lunulae on the little fingers should be missing according to Eastern Medicine Philosophy. The one on the thumb nail should be 25% or less than the total length of the nail from base to flesh line at the top.
If the thumb lunula is too large the heart and circulation is working overtime and eventually this overworks the heart. The person may be exhibiting high blood pressure. Other signs that the heart is working overtime would be the presence of “heart line” on the ear lobe (a line just above the lobe itself) and a pointed tongue. If the tongue is red at the tip, there is a more serious involvement of the heart.
Lunulae on the little fingers also is a sign that the circulation is working overtime (especially in the digestive area). High blood pressure may be the cause as well.
Fewer than 8 lunulae: Many rule-outs here such as poor circulation, anemia, fatigue, not enough oxygenation or exercise, heart disease, imbalanced nervous system, numbness, protein deficiency, Vitamin A deficiency or being weak-spirited (low life force or “chi”). Yes, taking deep breaths is important, for more read the Basics of Breathing handout and/or practice some meditation.
Lunulae are red or blue or there is a reddish or bluish tinge just above the lunulae but not on the rest of the nail: Heart disease, heavy metal poisoning or lung disease.
Shoot-like things emanating from the border of the lunulae: This not very good sign can mean thyroid problems or cancer; many men with this on their thumb nail have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or have had their prostate removed due to cancer. It is reversible with proper treatment. PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test and a Thyroid panel can be taken to verify any of these abnormalities.
An interesting note: You can tell often if a person is right-handed or left handed because the lunulae will be larger (or there may be more of them) on the hand that is used more often.
Nail color can be grouped into black, blue, brown/copper, green, blue-green, gray, yellow, pale, purple or red groups. Each color means something different and there are many rule-outs for each color.
Look for the color in general. Nails should be pink. When pressing down on the nail, the circulation should return within one second. This is called Capillary Refill Time. A change in nail color from trauma is not to greatly concerned about, but when nails without trauma look different, then some concern is in order.
- Black: anemia, B-12 deficiency, bacterial infection, chronic kidney disease, adrenal gland problems, liver disease, cancer or melanomas, silver deposits (heavy metals), trauma
- Blue: atherosclerosis, blood is too thick, liver disease, COPD (lung disease), copper or silver poisoning, decreased hemoglobin, drug reactions, gas poisoning, heart disease, hepatitis, high platelet counts, increased cholesterol, inflammation, kidneys with clogged arteries, lupus, prior strokes, rheumatoid arthritis, blood clots
- Green: allergies to cleaning agents, bacillus infection, localized fungal infection, serious emphysema
- Brown or Copper: arsenic or copper poisoning, fungal infections.
- Grey: arthritis, edema, malnutrition, post-operative effects, glaucoma, lung problems, emphysema, cardio-pulmonary disease
- Yellow: bleeding, diabetes, digestive problems, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, too much carrot juice, lymphatic problems, nail fungus, poor circulation, respiratory problems, vitamin E deficiency, fluid retention in the lymphatic system
- Pale or White: anemia, candida (yeast), low life force, overall mineral deficiency, heart or lung problems, hemorrhage, hookworm infestation, kidney disease, liver disease, malnutrition, ulcers
- Purple: oxygen deprivation, circulatory problems, congenital problems
- Red: brain hemorrhage, heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, stroke, carbon monoxide poisoning
The most common are vertical ridges and split nails, horizontal dips, red bands at the tips, yellow tips and white spots. There are others, however.
|Fingernail red lines at the tips|
Yellow Tips: liver problems, melanoma, poor digestion, smoker
White Spots: kidney or hormone imbalances, zinc deficiency, calcium deficiency, Vitamin A deficiency, excessive chemical or drug use of drugs processed through the kidneys, prostate or impotence problems, genital diseases such as chlamydia or syphilis
The most common problems seen at NHT are short small beds, wide clubbed beds (clubbed means that the nails curve downward), and clubbed nails.
Short Small Beds: heart disease - for this NHT recommends Standard Process Cardio-Plus (a protomorphogen) to rebuild the heart
Wide Clubbed Nails: asbestos exposure, emphysema, lung disease - NHT treats this with Pneumotrophin (a protomorphogen) for 1-2 years to rebuild the lung tissue
Clubbed: Heart disease, liver disease, lung disease
Brittle or cracked nails: Calcium deficiency, impaired kidney function, iron deficiency, malnutrition, protein deficiency, thyroid problems, Vitamin A deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency
Soft and Thin nails: adrenal gland problems, can be associated with leg cramps, poor nutrition, protein deficiency, Vitamin C deficiency