In the days before computerized medical diagnosis, doctors used their intuition, tasted a patient’s urine, looked into their eyes, inspected their tongue, and examined their hands to diagnose illness. Dozens of illnesses can be diagnosed from fingernails alone, which are considered windows to a person’s health. Some health problems which can be seen in a person’s nails are: anemia, malnutrition, thyroid disease, diseases of the liver, heart, lungs, and colon, chronic respiratory disease, lymphatic problems, diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, Raynaud’s disease, high blood pressure, psoriasis, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, sickle cell anemia, and Hodgkin’s disease. Some stress related diseases and cancers can be detected in the fingerprints and skin ridge patterns (dermatoglyphics). Lines in the hands can indicate conditions of the heart, brain, kidneys, liver, stomach, and sexual systems.

I always ask female clients before coming for a consultation to remove their nail polish so that I can observe the color and texture of their nails, which protect the delicate nerve centers in their fingertips. When nerve centers are operating in a healthy way, nails appear smooth textured, pink, and clear. When nerve centers are impaired, this leaves an impression on the nail texture and color that must be read accordingly. A very fine and healthy person will tend to have fine and healthy nails, while a coarse person will have coarse or fluted (vertical ridges) nails. The more the nails appear to be fluted, the more the nervous system is affected. Fluting naturally occurs more with aging. People with Type A personalities tend to have large moons. Small moons are normal, while No moons often correspond to low blood pressure or a slower metabolism.  If I see a serious potential health problem, I’m always careful not to alarm my client. I suggest that they consult their doctor.

Stress depletes calcium in the body, which shows up in the form of white flecks in the nails. Wherever you see flecks, apply both a time and stress factor to the meaning of that particular finger. A nail takes approximately six months to grow out.  If you see white flecks in the middle of the nail on a person’s middle finger, it’s likely that three months ago they may have experienced a stressful situation in their career or work. If the white fleck is on the very tip of the index finger, then about six months ago, they may have experienced a blow to their self-esteem.

Many health problems are natural predispositions of specific character types. Understand the type and you will understand the corresponding potential health challenges. People with square palms and long fingers (Thinking types) have potential problems with their nervous system, bronchial system, and thyroid gland, as well as issues with memory loss, headaches, speech impediments, and respiratory difficulties. Those with square palms and short fingers (Sensation types) can have trouble with skin, teeth, knees, ligaments, deafness, rheumatism, gout, paralysis, hardening of the arteries, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Individuals with rectangular palms and short fingers (Intuitive types) are generally healthy types, but prone to blood disorders, liver trouble, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure, and problems with hips, thighs, throat, and head injuries. Some of their greatest challenges result from overindulging in food and drink. Folks with rectangular palms and long fingers (Feeling types) may have stomach and colon problems, reproductive issues, venereal diseases, challenges with bodily fluids, and foot problems. Health will be covered in more depth in future blog entries as we delve into the twelve specific character types.