Just like with our hair, healthy nails come from within. This is closely related to our absorption of minerals, especially silicon, magnesium, zinc, calcium, selenium, B vitamins, essential fatty acids and protein. It is also affected by the amount of stress in our lives, if we sleep well, get enough exercise and generally our joy of life. If you take care of yourself and your nails you will see the results within three to four weeks.
Diagnosis and analysis of the nails is used far more in oriental medicine. Many acupuncture practitioners include it as a part of the diagnosis when they asses a patient’s state of health. Nail diagnosis has its limits, but the nails can easily tell something specific about a person’s state of health. Of course, if you are wearing nail polish, it does not work.
Some examples of nail diagnosis
- Pale nails - may be caused by anaemia, for example because of iron or vitamin B12.
- Pale and broken nails - may be caused by poor circulation.
- Discoloured, flaky and broken nails - may be caused both by a protein deficiency and a fungal infection.
- Nails with white spots or white stripes - may be caused by a zinc deficiency or a low metabolism.
- Yellow nails - may be caused by a vitamin E deficiency.
- Blue nails - May be caused by a lack of oxygen in the body.
- Porcelain-like nails with pinkish edges may be an indication of an ulcer.
- Nails with longitudinal grooves - especially on the thumb nail - may be caused by an overburdened colon or too slow intestinal peristaltic movements.
A fingernail, however, only grows approximately 0.1 mm. every 24 hours. This means it takes about 100 days for a one-centimetre nail to renew itself.
Some good advice: If your nails are brittle silicium is important. Drink two to three cups of tea made from Common Horse Tail (Equisetum arvense linne) and eat plenty of onion, sea weed, broccoli and fish.
A little reminder: If you use nail polish every day, it is a good idea to give the nails some air and light at least once a week. Nail polish and nails polish remover contain some very poisonous chemicals. Remember only to apply them in a well-ventilated room.
External care and maintenance is justified, and before the results of the internal care can be seen you should treat yourself to a good manicure - an incentive, which we must assume, is genetically inherent in all women.
Below is a step-by-step guide to elegant nails
- First, file the nails, use either a good sapphire nail file or a wood file. Metal files are too rough on the nails. Use the file in one direction only and only from the side of the nail towards the middle. The nails should not be pointed, rather a little square and rounded at the edges.
- Then, soak the nails in soft, warm water, buttermilk or watered down apple vinegar for about ten minutes.
- Apply an almond or nut oil to the edges of the nails.
- The manicure should not include removal of skin, all you have to do is soften it and push it down gently, since this skin serves to protect the nail.
- Then dry the hands completely. Use a pumice stone to file and even out irregularities. Use a fine and soft nail file to make the nails shiny.
- Massage your hands with a good nourishing cream or oil. Almond oil with lanoline, for example, is good for massaging the nails.
