Iridology – a Brief Introduction

Definition

One very simple definition of this therapy is that it is able to show the health of the human body through the iris of the eye.  The constitutional or genetic information obtained via this therapy contributes enormously to the use of preventative medicine to affect change in the client.

Its traditions

Modern iridology dates back to the 17th century but its roots are earlier and the skill was used by Hippocrates and the Ancient Babylonians (latter left iris markings on stone 1000BC).  Inatz von Peczely was fundamental in the resurgence of iridology.  He was Hungarian and as a child noticed the change in the iris markings of an owl.  He had inadvertently broken its wing and sort to heal it!  He qualified as a doctor in Vienna in1867.  He established an iris chart.  Other notable names include Nils Liljequist, Josef Deck, Henry Edward Lane and Henry Lindlahr (Dr Bernard Jensen was a student of the latter).  Iridology is part of the curriculum in medical schools in Moscow; the University of Paris Nord as well as Egyptian and Greek medical facilities.

Function of the therapist

The therapist studies the irides (plural of iris) to determine the strength and weaknesses of organs and body systems; the level of inflammation and toxicity.  The therapist uses a torch and lope for the examination and a digital camera can be used but this only gives a 2D representation.  A therapist would need to be qualified in homeopathy, Nutritional Therapy or Herbalism etc before they could train to become an iridologist. The iridologist needs an excellent understanding of Anatomy and Physiology, pathology and the pathways of disease.  Iridology can be used to pin point an immediate answer.  A skin condition could be caused by different factors – it could be due to toxicity of the intestine peculating into the blood stream or perhaps congestion of the lymphatic system.  Iridology provides you with the constitutional tendencies and how the client’s body progresses along the disease pathway.  (You do not however describe a complementary diagnosis in allopathic terms).  An iris chart shows the relationship of bodily systems and organs to specific areas of the irides.  The iris provides a complete picture of the health of the body.

How it relates to the brain

At the embryonic stage the iris was part of the brain and the edge of the iris (the papillary) is an extension of the Central Nervous System.  The iris is the only brain tissue to meet the outside world!  It shows us the end result of the nerve transmission to the brain for all organs and systems of the body.

Colour of Eyes

There are three main eye colours: blue, grey and brown.  The iris colour is due to the distribution of the melanin and the way it reflects light.  The colour of the irides genetically stems from brown and blue.  Brown eyes are historically associated with hot countries and are known as the Haematogenic iris.  Blue eyes are associated with Northern European countries and are termed Lymphatic Iris.  A Mixed or Biliary Iris is a blue eye with a degree of brown pigment.

Any metabolic overloading (origin here can be medicinal, nutritional or digestive) will leave their imprint on the iris in the form of colours or pigments.

Constitutions

Inherited traits or miasms can be detected – TB, Syphilis, gonorrhoea or psora.  A miasm is the inherited trait from disease processes experienced by an ancestor.  Although the inherent weaknesses are apparent in an iris there is no reason why a genetic predisposition needs to manifest.  Life style and diet are the prime factors that determine a susceptibility to disease.  It is thought that about 80% of characteristics seen in the iris are genetically derived while the remaining 20% are acquired.

Basic Characteristics of the Lymphatic Iris

A blue or grey eye has a Lymphatic disposition and inherited predispositions can include disorders of the lymphatic systems; low immunity; respiratory infections, urinary tract infections; skin complaints; impaired digestive ability; allergic tendencies and discharge of mucosal membrane.  Disease tendencies can include enlargement of glands; hay fever; arthritis; water retention due to ineffective kidney function and skin disorders.  Personality tends to be one of intuition and hardworking with a dominance of the Sympathetic Nervous System; hyperactive mentally and physically and can be “addicted” to stress.  Recommendations would include reduce mucous forming foods (flour, white rice, pasta, eggs.  Regular exercise; herbs to cleanse and tone the lymphatic system; to balance acid and alkaline foods; detoxification of the digestive tract and regular skin brushing.

Markings

These are varied.  Pathological polchromia (tonic flecks, psoric spots) are one type of markings- these are irregular pigment markings and caused as the result of foreign substances.  These are usually chemicals, iron or mercury formed from medications of the past which cause an enzyme or chemical change and imbalance.  They can be found in any organ and can be located any where in the iris. They can be black, red or yellow.

Exercise- try this now!

Identify your own markings and constitution and see how it relates to you on an emotional and physical level.  Look in a mirror.  What type are you?  Identify the colour spots on the iris.  Are they yellow, orange, reddish brown or black?  These are your toxic flecks.  A darkening of the outside edge of the iris (the scurf ring) is associated with the skin.  Any darkening may represent skin that has been over burdened by medication or chemicals in the body and connected with blood pressure.

It is worth having a consultation with a qualified iridologist.  It usually only takes one or two visits to find an underlying cause and eradicate the problem with herbs, homeopathy or diet.  Alternatively if you have a qualification in Nutritional Therapy, homeopathy or Herbalism why not enquire about our Iridology Diploma.