The fingernail itself is called the nail plate.  Underneath the nail plate lies the nail bed.  This is the visible pink tissue under the nail.  The area of the nail closest to the hand is called the germinal matrix.  This is where the nail plate originates.  The exposed white moon-shaped area is clled the lunula.

The majority of the germinal matrix is not visible and is located under the proximal nail fold.  THe cells of the dorsal roof are responsible for placing the shine on your nail plate.  The hyponychium is a specialized structure at the end of the nail, its purpose is to help prevent dirt and bacteria from entering under the nail into the nail bed.  It is backed by specialize capillaries and lymphatic fluid which help prevent invasion of bacteria or fungus under the nail plate.

The fingertip is also an organ of temperature regulation: if you are hot, special valves open up to allow increased blood flow to your fingertips.  If you are cold, these valves shut off (this explains why your fingertips get so cold in cold weather!)

Charastics of Fingernails

• Fingernails never finish their growth cycle
• The nail takes 4-6 months to grow out
• Fingernails reflect chronic issues in the body.
• Fingernail markers are slow to appear and disappear
• According to Chinese medical history, nails are the transfer points for nutrients in the body.  Blood will run through these specific meridian points of the nail body.
• The appearance of the nails allows asscessment of physical deficiencies.
• Nails should be similar and not deviate from one another very much
• Nails should be proportional to finger size: Obviously small nails – possible heart issues; Obviously overly long nails – possible respiratory issues
• Healthy nails: translucent in color; show a pink hue with a white moon (except pinkie) smooth face with slight shine; should be somewhat elastic but sturdy
• Soft nails: poor nutrition; sensitive nerves; possible calicum deficiency
• Brittle nails – sometimes with large cracks: malnutrition; poor nutrition; adrenal or thyroid issues
• Thin or Shriveled nails:  malnourishment

Individual Fingernails
v  Thumb – Kidneys, brain, possibly reproductive organs
v  Index – Liver/gallbladder
v  Middle – Heart, circulation
v  Ring – Reproductive organs
v  Pinkie – Digestive system

Lunale (nail ‘moon’)
§  Represents cellular oxygen levels
§  Oxygen saturation in tissue
§  Represents a persons “chi” body energy or inner strength
§  Should be on all fingers except pinkies
§  Decrease in size from thumb to ring finger
§  Should not take up more than 1/4 of nail
§  No lunalae or just thumbs – possible anemia, depression, low blood pressure, poor intracellular oxygen levels
§  Faint lunalae: lack of color contrast, poor cirulation, anemic conditions
§  Color reversed – red lunula and white nails: heart or circulation issues; prone to coughing; possible lung issues