Observing Nails As Indicators Of Health Imbalances

The The human body is a mystery that is vast and deep. Traditional Chinese TCM medicine believes that finger- and toenails can be connected to the viscera via the meridians. This allows for monitoring their condition to help interpret health signals and provide relief from physical illnesses. 

Jonathan Liu, a TCM practitioner. Chinese medicine at Georgian College, Canada, explained the secrets to nail observation in the “Health 1+1” program.

In TCM, it’s believed that nails are the extension of sinews, These sinews are the closest to the outside. Sinews In Chinese Medicine includes fascia, ligaments and muscles, as well as tendons. They are controlled by the liver. 

Therefore, the condition of the sinews can reflect the physiological function of the liver, and vice versa—problems with the liver system are often manifested in the nails.

The The junction of 12 meridians of our human body also occurs at the fingertips, and the toes. For For example, the big foot is the junction of the stomach, liver, and stomach meridians. The thumb is where the lung meridians and the large intestinal meridians meet. 

ThereforeWe can determine the physical condition of the body by looking at the color, texture and degree of cleavage of nails.

Long TCM discovered that the body had a regenerative ability. “meridian” system, 12 main meridians that correspond to the 12 viscera. These circulate further to the hands and feet, and then to the head and face for transporting. “qi” And “blood” To the whole body. 

Qi Blood and blood are interdependent. They circulate throughout the body, nourish various tissues, organs, and support vital activities. When If one of the viscera is damaged, all acupuncture point on the corresponding meridians will experience discomfort.

Nail Color

Liu Normal nails should look shiny and light-colored. If If the nails have any of these unusual colors it is a sign that there are physical problems.

1. Pale
   Paleness More likely to occur in patients with anemia, qi deficiency, and blood disorders.
2. Red
   Red This is a sign of excessive red blood cells. It can manifest as headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, heart disease, or other symptoms.
3. Black
   The Hypoxic nails may be caused by poor circulation, small artery blockage or excessive fatigue.
4. Yellow
   Yellow Nails are more common in patients with liver or gallbladder diseases such as jaundice.
5. Blue
   Blue Nails are a sign of poor blood circulation and local blood stagnation.
6. Green
   Green Nails can be indicative of a pseudomonas-aeruginosa infection. This is a rare condition.

Nail Texture

Liu It was also pointed out that the seven patterns of nails can reveal the health status and condition of the body.

1. White Spots
   White Spots are a sign that the nails have been damaged and that the person has zinc deficiency allergies. In Adults may experience it as a sign of intestinal disease, liver disease, or even diarrhea.
2. Black Lines and plaques
   Black lines indicate poor local blood circulation—a possible cause of kidney failure, which may result in the accumulation of toxins in the body, manifested as darkening of the skin or nails, especially in uremic patients. Black Lines may indicate severe cramps or endocrine disorders in women.
3. Beau’s line
   This This means that your nails are cracked and have horizontal lines at their front. This could indicate that you may be suffering from serious diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, or long-term chronic conditions. In Additionally, severe stress and severe zinc deficiency can also cause symptoms.
4. Horizontal Stripes
   These People who are stressed and overworked are more likely to experience these symptoms.
5. Vertical Stripes
   Those Chronic neurasthenia is a condition that causes insomnia and makes it difficult to fall asleep at night.
6. Brittle Nails
   The Nails may break easily due to thyroid problems, chronic iron deficiency, impaired kidney function, and poor blood circulation. The blood is unable to supply enough oxygen and nutrients to the nails.
7. Broken Nails
   Excessive drinking can cause liver damage, which can cause nails to break.

Nail Shape

Liu Also, it was suggested that besides the color and texture, observing the shape and texture of your nails can reveal potential health issues.

1. Eagle Beak shape
   An Stasis in local blood circulation is characterized by stagnation of liver Qi due to stress, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or other conditions.
2. Spoon-shaped (nail curled).
   SpponNail problems such as swollen nails are usually caused by insufficient Yang Qi. This is often accompanied with insomnia.
3. Nails Too small
   Those Small nails can indicate a delayed development. This is called blood deficiency. Chinese medicine.

Half-moOn Marks on Nails

 Half-moon marks on the nails can also provide a glimpse into one’s health. Liu The half-moon mark on the nails is usually less than one-third. If If the half moon mark is too small, or too large, it means that you are in an unhealthy state.

1. The Half-moon marks are too large (more that one-third of the nail).
   TCM believes this is a deficiency in qi or blood, which can cause symptoms like headache, dizziness and high blood pressure. Or a deficiency in kidney qi which may lead to inability to become pregnant in women and infertility for men.
2. The Half-moon marks are now black or blue
   Normal White should be used for half-moon marks If They can turn black or dark blue as a result of chronic pain, severe hypolipidemia, arteriosclerosis and other similar conditions.
3. No half-moon marks
   Liu It is recommended that 8 out of 10 nails should have half-moon markings, but it is not unusual for baby fingers to have none. If If the nails don’t have half-moon marks on them, then the person is considered to have a “cold body” in TCM. This means that they consume a lot of Yang Energy is important and can lead to serious diseases.

Chinese medicine believes that people’s constitutions are different, and the two common constitutions are cold and hot. People People with a cold constitution are more susceptible to wintry weather. They are more likely to have cold hands, feet and tongues. People People with a hot constitution are more sensitive to heat, more prone to dryness, constipation, redness of the tongue, and more susceptible. 

Moreover, Chinese Medicine has discovered that all phenomena in the natural world have the same characteristics. “yin” And “yang.” For For example, earth and sky, heat and cold. The The two energies of yin & yang are interdependent. If People will feel balanced when yin is balanced with yang, they will be energetic and healthy, and everything will be well coordinated.

As These are the reasons some people don’t have half-moon nails. Liu He shared his observations over the years from his practice and believes it is mostly due to modern-day lifestyle habits.

1. Excessive desire
   Being Too competitive at work and too strong a sexual desire can cause damage to the body and reduce vitality.
2. Eating Too much cold food
   Cold Cold air can be transmitted from food to the lower abdomen. This can lead to symptoms such as stomach pain or menstrual cramps. TCM believes that food can have different attributes, such as being cold, cool, and warm. Eating too much cold and cool food for a prolonged period can deplete the body’s yang qi causing loss of energy.
3. Being You will be easily excited
   When Emotionally excited, energy and Yang Qi will be consumed.

As For solutions to the problem  “no half-moon marks,” Liu suggested one keep a peaceful and calm mind and try to avoid eating cold food. In You can also apply pressure or moxibustion to the area. Zusanli And Shenque acupoints.

Amber Yang For years, I was a marketing manager of natural skin care products. I also worked as a reporter and editor on health and beauty issues for ten year. She She is also the host, producer, and co-producer of the YouTube shows “Amber Running Green” And “Amber Health Interview.”