Introduction to Cheirology

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Cheirology: (kee-ro'-lo-jee' Cheiro="the hand" ology="a science or branch of learning") Also, chirology. HumanHand.com began in July, 1998 as a source of information on the Human Hands. All content is by Kenneth A. Lagerstrom. Basics of the Hands Definitions of Terms The Structure of The Hands The Bones of the Hands The Muscles of the Hands The Meridians of the Hands Ethics of Cheirology The Criminal Code of Canada Professional Applications Definitions of Terms 18 Daoist Palms (or 18 Taoist Palms) - A kung fu system that focusses on moving internal energy through the hands. Cheirognomy - Interpreting the shape and structure of the hands. Cheirology - ("Cheiro"=Hand, "ology"=a science, or branch of learning) The study of all subjects dealing with the hands. Cheiromancy - Divination from the lines on the palms. Chirokinesics - The analysis of hand movements, positions, and gestures. Dermatoglyphics - "Skin Carvings" - The fine lines appearing across the palms, but best known as the fingerprints. D.N.A. - Deoxyribonucleic Acid - A complex compound present in the nucleus of every living cell, consisting of units whose sequence in a spiral configuration determines the unique genetic make-up of the organism. - (Webster's) Iron Palm - A martial arts technique in which the hands are conditioned to project both physical and inner strength together for a powerful blow. Also, Burning Palm, Fire Palm, Spongey Palm, Springy Palm, and Shattering Palm. Kanjis - Japanese symbols - Many Kanjis have corresponding hand positions and movements in Ninjitsu meditations for inner strength. Knife Hand - A martial arts hand strike. Also, Spear Hand, Willow Palm, Back Knuckle, Back Fist, Phoenix Fist, Palm Strike, Floating Hands, One Finger, Two Finger, and Push Hands. Laying of Hands - A healing practice in which bio-electric energies are transferred between healer and patient. Sometimes referred to as "Healing Hands". Meridians - The pathways of the body through which healing energy flows. Mounts - Areas of the hands which are viewed for elevation and other characteristics. Onichognomy - Interpreting the shape and structure of the fingernails. Palmistry - The art of reading the past life or future of a person by the lines and marks in the palm of the hand. PalmTherapy - A system created by Moshe Zwang to rapidly relieve emotional suffering and accelerate human potential through the hand/brain/mind connection. Phalanges - The bones of the fingers and toes. (plural of phalanx). Psychodiagnostic Cheirology (PDC) - The Holtzman Method. A technique of evaluating mental function and abnormalities from the characteristics of the hands. Top of Page The Bones of the Hands There are 27 bones in each hand, divided into 8 Carpal bones (wrist), 5 Metacarpal bones (palm), and 14 Phalanges (fingers). The Carpal bones are arranged in two rows of four. The row nearest the forearm is called the Proximal Row. The row nearest the palm is called the Distal Row. The carpal bones are small, cube-shaped, and each has six sides (except for the Pisiform, which has five sides). The Metacarpal bones are the five long bones of the palm. They are named the first, second, third, fourth and fifth Metacarpal, the first being the one leading to the thumb. The Phalanges are the bones of the fingers. Each finger contains three, while the thumb has two. See also: Different Names for the Fingers and Knuckles. Top of Page Muscles of the Hands The twelve muscles of the hand are divided into three groups. Those of the thumb form the Thenar Eminence. Those of the baby finger are called the Hypothenar Eminence. The rest are in the middle of the palm and between the fingers. Also controlling hand movements are the 20 muscles of the forearm. The Flexors origin is from the inner condyle of the humerus, and the insertion is in the anterior surfaces of the bones of the hand and wrist. They flex the wrist and fingers. The Extensors are found on the outer and posterior portion of the forearm. The origin is the outer condyle of the humerus, and the insertion is the posterior surfaces of the bones of the hand and wrist. They extend the wrist and fingers. The Supinators are found on the outer side of the forearm. The origin is the external condyle of the humerus, and the insertion is in the radius. They turn the palm foreward. The Pronators origin is the anterior surface of the ulna and the insertion is in the radius. They turn the palm backwards. Top of Page Meridians of the Hands There are 14 major systems within the body which regulate the body's ability to heal itself. These pathways are called Meridians. Of the 14 meridians, 6 run directly through the hands as follows: Lung - Inside of Thumb Large Intestine - Back of Index Finger Stomach - Seperate from Hands Spleen - Seperate from Hands Heart - Inside of Baby Finger Small Intestine - Back of Baby Finger Bladder - Seperate from Hands Kidney - Seperate from Hands Circulation-Sex - Inside of Middle Finger Triple Warmer - Back of Ring Finger Gall Blader - Seperate from Hands Liver - Seperate from Hands Central - Seperate from Hands Governing - Seperate from Hands When applying Reflexology treatments to the hands, the strongest effect is on the 6 related meridians. Top of Page Ethics of Cheirology Rather than preach about the proper ethics of hand analysis, here are three quotes that explain it perfectly. "There is no chance, no destiny, no fate Can circumvent, or hinder, or control The firm resolve of a determined soul. Gifts count for nothing; will alone is great; All things give way before it soon or late. What obstacle can stay the mighty force Of the sea-seeking river in its course, Or cause the ascending orb of day to wait? Each well-born soul must win what it deserves. Let the fool prate of luck. The fortunate Is he whose earnest purpose never swerves, Whose slightest action or inaction serves The one great aim. Why, even Death stands still And waits an hour sometimes for such a will." - Ella Wheeler Wilcox "As palmists we are bound to study humanity as we find it, and not as we might wish it." - William G. Benham "Thus he that Nature rightly understands, May from each Line imprinted in his Hands, His future Fate and Fortune come to know, And what path it is his feet shall go: His secret Inclinations he may see, And to what Vice he shall addicted be: To th' End that when he looks into his Hand, He may upon his Guard the better stand; And turn his wandering Steps another way, Whene'er he finds he does from Virtue stray." - Aristotle Top of Page The Criminal Code of Canada Part VII - Section 323 - Pretending to practice Witchcraft, Etc. 323. Every one who fraudulently (a) pretends to exercise or to use any kind of witchcraft, sorcery, enchantment or conjuration, (b) undertakes, for a consideration, to tell fortunes, or (c) pretends from his skill in or knowledge of an occult or crafty science to discover where or in what manner anything that is supposed to have been stolen or lost may be found, is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction. 1953-54, c.51, s.308. The mere telling of a fortune is not per se illegal, as the Crown must also prove an intent to delude or defraud: R.v. DAZENBROOK (1975), 23 C.C.C. (2d) 252 (Ont. Prov. Ct.). The trial Judge could properly find the offense under para. (b) was made out upon evidence that the accused, who was given $10, represented she could predict events from reading lines on the customer's hands and that she was an expert and had taken special courses in Europe: R.v. CORBEIL (1981), 65 C.C.C. (2d) 570 (Que. C.A.). Top of Page Just some of the modern professional applications Chiropractor Part Viewed: Fingernails Information Revealed: Condition of Spine Physician Part Viewed: Fingernails Information Revealed: Health information including heart and lung conditions Gambler Part Viewed: Finger movements Information Revealed: Opponents' positions and strategies Psychologist Part Viewed: Hand positions Information Revealed: Patient's state of mind Midwife Part Viewed: The Thumb Information Revealed: Infant's intellect and strength of will Pediatrician Part Viewed: Dermatoglyphics Information Revealed: Birth defects and genetic abnormalities Salesperson Part Viewed: Fingers Information Revealed: Client's readiness to purchase Reflexologist Part Viewed: Pressure points Information Revealed: Health conditions of the body Law Enforcement Part Viewed: Fingerprints / Handprints Information Revealed: Identification of criminals, security checks Politician Part Viewed: Hand movements Information Revealed: Most politicians are well-trained in the use of hand positions and movements for public speaking Top of Page Home - About/Contact - Ask a Question - Introduction - Layman's Guide - Handy Secrets - Articles & Reviews - eBooks - Holistic Cheirology™ - Private Readings - Corporate Events - Directory of Professionals - Handy Links - Web Awards - Advertisers - Privacy Articles: Baby Sign Language - Dispensation of Dermatoglyphic Whorls - Finger and Knuckle Names - Fingernail Problems - The Forer Effect - Free Palm Readings - Hand Transplant Options - Healing Hands - How to Find a Qualified Palm Reader - Making Fingerprints - Palmistry Myths - The Phoenix Logo - PalmTherapy - Simian Line - more....