Ayurvedic Nail Analysis: What Your Nails Are Pointing to About Your Health
Updated: Oct 1
According to Ayurveda, our fingernail health can indicate underlying issues in our bodies and minds. Their color, texture, and overall strength all point to the state of our bones and overall health. 👉🏽 With Ayurvedic nail analysis, we uncover the important clues hiding at our fingertips. Ready to nail down your doshas?
Explore more on the Saumya Blog, selected top Ayurveda blog and websites.
What Does Ayurveda Say About Nails?
According to Ayurveda, our fingernails can show signs of illness and reveal clues to our overall health. Characteristics like the color and texture of our nails can betray underlying concerns like heart and lung issues, nutrient deficiencies, and doshic imbalances – among many other invisible conditions.
What is Ayurvedic Nail Analysis?
Ayurveda uses a comprehensive multi-point assessment with clients. The tongue, nails (Nakha Pariskha), urine, stool, skin, eyes, hair, voice, and so forth are all external observable qualities that may indicate issues and conditions occurring inside the body and mind.
Ayurvedic nail analysis is part of this multi-point process. Your fingernails provide an indication of your Ayurvedic constitution (prakruti) and your current condition (vikruti). Fingernail health signs give us insight into many potential imbalances, including:
Like all things Ayurveda, Ayurveda nail diagnosis points to different things for different patients. That’s because our doshic composition influences all our physical characteristics, including our fingernails. More on this later – first, let’s explore the bones of the matter.
What's the Connection Between Hair, Nails, and Bones According to Ayurveda?
Hair and nails derive from the same source: bones. As the leftover products of the bone formation process (ashti dhatu), our hair and nails are considered malas, or body waste.
Thinking of your hair as waste? Now that’s something to wrap your head around!
As with all bodily waste, our hair and nails are important indicators of our overall health. The quality and quantity of all wastes like stool, urine, sweat, nails, and hair are all assessed in the Ayurvedic approach to healing.
Using Ayurvedic nail analysis, you can identify and address health issues early on — as opposed to waiting until your symptoms become conditions and diseases.
The fingernails are only one point of the multi-point assessment. A comprehensive Ayurvedic consultation is needed to provide proper guidance on herbal remedies, Ayurvedic diet, and lifestyle choices.
Now, let’s take a look at what our fingernails can tell us about the doshas – and how this ties into our overall health.
Ayurvedic Nail Analysis: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Characteristics
The condition of your nails reflects the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas in your body. Let's explore some typical traits of each dosha as manifested in our fingernails.
Vata Dosha Fingernail Characteristics
Pitta Dosha Fingernail Characteristics
Kapha Dosha Fingernail Characteristics
Ayurveda Nail Analysis: Client Case Report
Pitta and Vata Dosha Imbalances: Ideally the moons are smaller on each respective finger. Large moons indicate excess, high Pitta manifesting as: inflammation, hyperacidity, and loose stools. This client had significant systemic inflammation that at the time of initial consultation, could only eat a few foods and was malnourished.
Vata dosha is also aggravated with the longitudinal lines indicating low agni (digestive fire), poor nutrient absorption (digestive system dryness), compromising digestion. The deeper the lines, the more significant the condition. The white spots indicated malabsorption, mineral deficiencies, digestive tract inflammation, toxins/ama, allergenic foods, loose stools, and parasitic infection.
Related Readings:
Ayurveda Stool Analysis: What Your Poop Says About Your Health
Ayurveda Tongue Diagnosis: What Your Tongue Is Saying About Your Health
Ayurvedic Health Indicators: Urine Analysis
Ayurveda Remedies for Mucus and Congestion
Ayurvedic Nail Analysis Might Point to Health Concerns
Ayurvedic Nail Analysis: How to Assess Your Health
As opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach, Ayurveda recommends assessing your unique constitution (prakruti) and what is currently going for you (vikruti), to nail down what is occurring with your health.
How To Perform Ayurveda Nail Analysis:
Wash your hands and remove any nail polish
Sit down in a well-lit space
Grab reading glasses or a magnifying glass if needed
Slide your index finger over each nail, feeling for lines, ridges, spoons, or pitting
Note the color of the nail bed and the surrounding skin
Compare your assessment to the graphic above
This simple Ayurveda nail diagnosis may help you uncover warning signs your body is sending you. The sooner dosha imbalances of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are addressed – the better.
How Can I Improve My Nail Health with Ayurveda?
Support healthy nails by nourishing bone tissue (asthi dhatu) , balancing the doshas overall, cleansing, Ayurvedic food that's tailored to you, and reclaiming your calm by soothing the nervous system.
How to Treat Brittle Nails in Ayurveda
Soaking your fingertips in olive oil can help treat brittle nails and improve nail appearance. Rest your fingertips in warmed olive oil for about 15 minutes while you do some diaphragmatic breathing. When finished, wash in lukewarm water. Follow treatment with our free guided practices to soothe, balance and restore the nervous system.
What are Ayurvedic herbs for nail growth?
Ayurvedic herbs such as amla, guduchi, guggulu, and bhringaraj are all supportive for fingernail health and growth. Herbs need to fit one’s overall dosha picture, however – a consultation with an experienced Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner can point you in the right direction.
“Veena possesses a wealth of intuitive knowledge about the subtle influences of the natural and psychical forces Ayurveda obtained by years of intensive meditative practice.
She has developed a keen awareness of the healing powers of plants, as both food and medicinal herbs.
This powerful combination of yoga practice and experience allows Veena to provide an effective path of healing tailored especially for you. You are in good hands with Veena.” – Hame Persaud, Executive Vice President, HP Ingredients, Florida
Ayurvedic Relationship Between Calcium and Bone and Nail Health
Ayurveda has long understood the connection between hair, nails, and bone. Ayurvedic nail assessment has been around for thousands of years providing early information about potential health concerns.
Now, modern research is catching up – and beginning to take a closer look at the connection between calcium and nail and bone health.
According to Medical News Today, "In one 2018 review Trusted Source, researchers looked at the relationship between nail health and bone density. Nails have a different substance to that of bones, but poor nail health could be an indirect way of assessing the risk of bone conditions."
Calcium plays several important roles, including healthy nails and bones as well as nerves and cardiac function.
What are the White Spots on My Nails According to Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, white spots on the fingernails indicate malabsorption, which means your body is not properly digesting nutrients from your food. White spots also suggest deficiencies in minerals essential to bone health – particularly calcium, zinc, and magnesium.
Can Lack of Calcium Cause Nail Problems?
Calcium deficiencies may cause brittle nails and bones. This may result from low intake or poor absorption of this critical nutrient. Likewise, too much calcium may also lead to health issues. It is always important to check with your licensed healthcare provider.
Other deficiencies or conditions may also be the cause. According to Medical News Today, "people with severe calcium deficiencies may develop symptoms that affect the nails first. For example, the nails can become weak, brittle, and grow more slowly than usual."
Dry, brittle nails are not a major health concern. However, they may indicate nutrient deficiencies or other underlying issues. Ayurveda nail analysis can help identify these potential concerns earlier on.
Deficiencies such as calcium have no immediate set of symptoms, making it challenging to detect any issues. The lens of Ayurvedic nail analysis may help us detect concerns and support bone, nail, and hair health.
Including liver supportive herbs can help with calcium absorption, plus the benefits of the (correct) herbs.
Ayurvedic Foods Rich in Calcium
If your Ayurveda fingernail diagnosis suggests you're low on calcium, it's important not to worry. Relax and do what you can – like eating tasty, calcium-rich Ayurvedic foods!
This includes:
Sesame Seeds: At least take one tablespoon of sesame seeds daily morning with water, as it is the best source of calcium for the bones.
Almonds: Eat five to 10 soaked almonds every day. Soak them overnight and peel off the skin. Add them to your oatmeal, as a snack, or make and enjoy Saumya Ayurveda's Rejuvenation Latte at Home.
Spinach and Dandelion Greens: Spinach has loads of calcium, add one cup of cooked spinach cooked any way that is tasty to you and consistent with your Ayurveda food program.
Figs: Soak one cup of dried fig overnight and then make a spread or a smoothie and have it with warm milk the next morning.
Turmeric: Taken as part of your Saumya Savory Spice Mix, turmeric milk, or as part of your herbal protocol.
Cow Dairy: A2 milk is a good source of calcium and can be used in so many ways such as our Calming Night Milk or Rejuvenation Latte.
Cow yogurt, whole
Coconut milk
Walnuts
Kale
Chard
Asparagus: Revitalize Your Body with This Ayurvedic Asparagus Lemon Cleansing Recipe.
"What we don't consume is as important as what we do."
-- Veena, Saumya Ayurveda
Limit or eliminate tea, coffee, and soda - as they may contribute to bone loss.
Consumption of alcohol and cigarettes offers nothing beneficial to our health and according to Harvard Medical School, is an important part of osteoporosis prevention.
Helpful Tips:
Spend less time indoors.
Get sufficient sunshine each day (and not through a window).
Maintain an optimal vitamin D level year-round
Perform weight-bearing exercise such as a brisk walk every day. Packed schedule? Park further away from the door. Those extra steps add up.
Implementing these lifestyle tools is simple and rewarding!
What Causes Nail Fungus?
From an Ayurvedic perspective, fungal infections are due to internal and external problems, or both.
Internal Causes: May include chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic digestion issues as ama (toxins), or imbalanced agni (digestive fire) is produced for sub-optimal digestive process.
"When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.”
-- Ayurvedic proverb
According the Cleveland Clinic, the following may lead to nail fungal infections:
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
Hyperhidrosis (a disorder that makes you sweat a lot)
A nail injury
Poor blood circulation due to peripheral vascular disease.
Psoriasis
Weakened immune system, such as from an autoimmune disorder or HIV
How common is nail fungus? The Cleveland Clinic reports, "Toenail fungus is very common, especially as people start to age. Medical experts estimate that onychomycosis affects 1 in 10 people overall. That number jumps to 1 in 2 (50%) for people older than 70."
External Causes: Unhygienic condition, chemical applications, nail injury, skin injury around the nail, moist fingers or toes, wearing closed-toe shoes, swimming in a pool, wearing artificial nails, and more.
How common is nail fungus? The Cleveland Clinic reports, "Toenail fungus is very common, especially as people start to age. Medical experts estimate that onychomycosis affects 1 in 10 people overall. That number jumps to 1 in 2 (50%) for people older than 70."
How To Know If a Nail Fungus Is Afoot?
Signs include discoloration, detaching from the nail bed, thickened, brittle, ragged, crumbly, and an unpleasant or even foul smell.
According the Mayo Clinic, you should see your doctor if:
"Diabetes and think you're developing nail fungus
Bleeding around the nails
Swelling or pain around the nails
Difficulty walking"
Check with your doctor for a diagnosis. Different infections can mimic fungal infections.
Nail Fungus Among Us? Try an Ayurvedic Treatment.
It happens, we get busy and sometimes can't pay attention to our nails, or sometimes we get run down and deeply out of balance and fungal (and other) infections make their move. It's possible for ama ("toxins" or undigested, unassimilated food debris) to build up and for the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha to go out of balance.
Whether the doshas are out of balance, Vata has been aggravated for an extended period leading to depletion, and/or, ama is present, a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach is the treatment. Partnering with an experienced Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner who will develop a plan that fits you and will be woven into your daily life naturally.
Ayurvedic Nail Analysis and Adrenal Health
What Are the Adrenal Glands?
There was a time, not too long ago, when people did not talk about their adrenal glands. Today, many folks are both interested in and concerned about these small but mighty organs.
Why the sudden interest? People are tired, exhausted, and at the end of their tether. They feel older than they are, flat as a pancake, and at a loss as to what happened to their enthusiasm, motivation, and vitality.
In a nutshell: they’re suffering from chronic stress.
The main purpose of the adrenal glands is to protect us from stress. These powerhouses, in addition to regulating blood pressure and blood sugar, regulate the reproductive hormones and stress hormones that influence our flight-fight-freeze response.
Today, we have a good understanding of adrenal glands and often discuss adrenal fatigue informally. This reflects the significant impact of stress and anxiety in our modern lives, which can result in depletion, fatigue, and burnout.
Learn how to shift from the flight-fight to rest-relax mode of your nervous system with our free daily guided practices.
What do Half Moons on Nails Mean in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, the small half moons on our nailbeds (called lunula) are reflective our agni, or digestive fire. If you notice tiny or non-existent lunula, this indicates a weak digestive fire (agni). An experienced Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner can help get your digestive system back on track through Ayurveda food as medicine, herbs, and Ayurveda lifestyle practices.
Ayurveda Fingernail Health Signs and Adrenal Health
We've talked about nail biting as a sign, acute or chronic, of high Vata dosha – of stress, anxiety, worry, and fear. This fingernail health sign hints at a troubling cycle: our anxiety affects our adrenal glands and, in turn, our adrenal glands affect our anxiety. Yikes!
This cycle needs to be rebalanced. How do we begin to shift from being in a near constant state of fight- flight-freeze into a rest, restore, and relax state? In a word: breath, or pranayama.
There is a saying, "The mind is more in the body, than the body is in the mind." The Saumya 3 step meditation process shifts us from fight-flight-freeze mode, to rest-restore-relax mode. Give it a try for forty days and observe the changes. The more grounded and relaxed we are, the smoother life flows.
"The breath is the connection between the mind and body, so by training the breath, we become calm, focused, and grounded, we slow down the aging process by decreasing stress. These practices are so simple and easy to have as part of our daily life. We actually feel and look younger."
- Veena, Saumya Ayurveda
1. Learn Diaphragmatic Breathing and Change Your Life. When we re-learn to breath diaphragmatically, we move from the flight-fight-freeze mode, to rest, restore, relaxation mode from where we want and need to live.
2. Free Daily Guided Practices: 11 minutes in the morning and in the evening, as anchors of your daily Ayurveda routine.
3. Ayurveda Daily Routines: Ayurvedic Morning Routine | 6 Rituals for a Calm and Centered Day
"Choose a couple of practices from the Ayurveda routines that provide you with the greatest support. Perform them while applying our two minute meditation technique and your mundane tasks, just transformed into a mellifluous meditation. This is meditation applied to daily life." - Veena, Saumya Ayurveda
"Veena was able to help me regain my energy in just a few months and I’m feeling like my “young” self again! I love the food plan she designed for me, and all the supporting practices (am/pm routines, breathing techniques, herbs, and spice mixes) are so enjoyable to incorporate into my day. I highly recommend Saumya Ayurveda if you want to feel better and have more vitality.”
-Molly Rossini, Minnesota
Explore More: Ayurveda Breathwork Pranayama
How to Perform Legs Up on the Wall | Viparita Karani
Try this yog-asana to reduce stress, ground, and balance vata dosha. Imbalanced vata disrupts apana vayu which governs the downward energy such as elimination, urination, and birthing.
When Vata is out of whack, apana vata may reverse and flows upward. It does a complete reversal and that is how constipation and anxiety tend to occur together. So, when the energy is flowing up, put yourself upside down to restore pranas direction. Yes, inverted yog-asana, and specifically legs up on the wall (viparita karani).
Sit on the floor near a wall. Use a yoga mat or blanket on the floor if needed. Swivel your body to face the wall and raise your legs slowly with awareness. How close your butt will be to the wall depends on your flexibility. There is no award for being closer, so go within your comfortable capacity.
Now, lie down on the floor. Use any support you need for your back so that you are comfortable. Settle into the pose surrendering the body to the support of the floor. Place your arms with the elbows slightly bent and allow your chest and heart region to open. Close your eyes. Hang out here as long as you are comfortable.
Dosha Balancing Yoga Routines: 7 Grounding Poses for Vata Top Yoga Tips for Pitta Dosha
During an Ayurvedic consultation, we not only assess fingernail health – we assess the nails themselves. Each finger corresponds to one of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether).
Learn more about Ayurveda principles: What is Ayurveda? A Beginner's Guide and Beyond
Take a close look at your ring fingers. They correspond to the element of water, which naturally relates to the kidneys. No surprise there, right? Think of urination and the adrenal glands that sit atop the kidneys.
What do you notice about the nails on the ring fingers? Look at them compared to the other nails – are there lines, ridges, or white spots? Does that finger move more than the others?
If you see differences, it may mean your adrenal glands are working too hard, and it is time to take care of yourself with a comprehensive, customized Ayurveda plan that weaves naturally into your daily life.
If you see differences in the nails, feel stressed, exhausted, burnt out, experience poor sleep, digestive issues, and just don't feel like yourself anymore, read and watch our client stories and see how you may benefit from a consultation with Saumya Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Healthy Nails and Bones
Through Ayurvedic nail analysis, we are able to identify fingernail health signs that reveal insight into our body and mind. In Ayurveda, remedies support the whole you--nails, bones, and a state of overall wellbeing.
Ayurvedic food as medicine, herbal remedies, diaphragmatic breathing, Ayurvedic cleanses, and guided practices go a long way to balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha and to help us feel balanced, vital, calm, grounded, and focused.
Ayurvedic Dandelion Greens with Sunflower Seeds
Here's a recipe that is cooling to Pitta, clears up the liver, and promotes strong healthy nails. Visit Saumya Ayurveda's online recipe box.
Rejuvenate Your Adrenals with Saumya Lattes
At Saumya Ayurveda, the three pillars of treatment are herbs, Ayurvedic lifestyle tools (such as guided practices), and food used as medicine.
Experience the healing power of this herbal beverage at home and replace your usual caffeine fix. Indulge in this creamy, slightly sweet drink. Promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality with our Rejuvenation Latte, a great addition to your nighttime routine.
In today's stress-filled world, with demanding jobs and worrisome situations, it's easy for our anxiety levels to soar.
Chronic stress can adversely affect the adrenal glands, trapping us in a perpetual state of fight or flight, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. This harmful cycle manifests in our physical appearance and disrupts our inner peace.
During an Ayurvedic nail analysis, consider the interconnection between bone, hair, and nail health. Brittle nails and thinning hair could be indicative of weakened bones. By examining nails, which are a reflection of bone tissue, we can gain valuable insights into our overall health.
“I feel so lucky to have found Veena. Her care and diligence have really made a positive difference in my wellbeing in ways that I never even expected. She is careful to not cause overwhelm when prescribing lifestyle changes and I’ve found that even the simple changes make a difference. Her excitement about Ayurveda is infectious and I’m excited to continue my healing with her as a guide.”
--Sophia Keller, USA
“All is well here thanks to Veena and my Saumya Ayurveda plan which has been gently integrated in my daily routines. I love to start my day with cooked apples, detox tea and herbs. Your 2-Minute Meditation throughout the day helps a lot as well. Being gentle with myself is such a great help.”
-E.A., North Carolina
“Veena is a treasure of wisdom, support, and encouragement. I have made such progress since working with Veena. Her advice is transformational. In every single conversation and email I learned such valuable information and gained tools that are helping me be my best and healthiest self. I am so grateful I discovered Veena and took the leap to work with her.”
-Jenny Hubbard, New Jersey
“It is with great pleasure that I write this review! Working with Veena has remarkably changed my life – even in the places I was unaware that it demanded to be changed! Throughout the course of four months, Veena’s gentle and succinct approach allowed me to easily refine my routines into a more structured foundation that left me feeling more in graceful governance with myself – emotionally and physically.
Not only had she brought forth awareness in how I prepare/relate to the food I eat, but she also prescribed me wonderful herbs to help calm my anxiety, detox my liver, and heal the ugly night sweats I’ve been experiencing due to hormonal imbalances.
Lastly, her guided meditations are a great grounding force, and I have since continued to explore the euphoric benefits of Yoga Nidra.
Veena is a well of divine knowledge, and her humor and light will be eternally appreciated!”
--Rachel Monson, Wisconsin
“I have been so fortunate to have been introduced to Veena by an amazing friend, and I absolutely want to share her information with you. I don't share a lot of people, but this woman is so dedicated to one’s health that it feels amazing to have her on my side.
he's truly a beautiful soul. She is helping me navigate all of my issues with perimenopause and I am so glad, as the herbs she has given me have not only boosted my immune system greatly, but have chilled my nervous system out and I'm sleeping again."
– S.J., Saudi Arabia
Ayurvedic Nail Analysis: What Your Nails Are Pointing to About Your Health
Discover how personalized Ayurvedic treatment can change your life
Book a free consultation with Veena from Saumya Ayurveda