A Report on the Iridology Symposium - 25 and 26 March 2006

by Kim Blake

I attended the annual Iridology Symposium on 25 and 26 March 2006, which is a weekend of lectures on iridology and related subjects organised by the Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists (International).  The lectures were given by various luminaries both in the field of iridology and in complementary healthcare.

Dr Harald Gaier opened with updates on legislation from the European Federation of Naturopaths, and then followed talks from such experts as the Australian Catherine Chan-Bongaards (infertility), the German father and son team Klaus and Ernst Mika (the differences rheumatism and gout), Marion Baartz (documenting changes in the iris) and Christopher Menzies-Trull (organ function and capability using iridology).  John Andrews (British) and Dr Daniele Lo Roto (Italian),who work closely together in research, both gave fascinating talks about how both time and embryological development can be read in the iris.  There truly is international involvement and it is wonderful how iridologists the world over are sharing their knowledge, research and investigations in order that we may all "pick up the baton" so to speak and move the field and knowledge onwards.

Not all the talks were about iridology, though - Jan de Vries of Bioforce/A Vogel gave two very inspiring talks about "Nutrition and Mental Behaviour" and "How to Balance Energy", and Dietmar Heimes of Rayonex gave a fascinating talk on bioresonance, electrosmog and how to detect and solve health problems caused by geopathic and electromagnetic stress.  (Apparently there will be an article about Rayonex in the May 2006 edition of the CAM magazine.)

In addition to the talks, there was also a small exhibition with stands such as Tigon, Biocare, Bioforce, Nutricentre, Kiki and Revital and, for a small cost, there was the opportunity to have an assessment on a Vega machine, and/or have a foot detox.  There was a lot for us to spend our money on, and we certainly took great advantage of that!  We were also given a great goody bag with lots of free samples in, together with being provided with a hot lunch on both days.

The AGM for the Guild took place on the Saturday, and Jackie Day was made a Fellow of the Guild, which is a great honour reserved for eminent practitioners.

It was a very tiring weekend as there was so much to take in, but it was great for motivation and inspiration, learning, meeting other iridologists, consolidating information, and it was also very easy to have a few words with the speakers if there was a point you wanted to clarify, which isn't easy to do at the larger events such as the Natural Trade Show.  It is very interesting to see the different approaches that are taken by the various iridologists in practice, and how they all integrate and interrelate.  It is also wonderful to see how many different therapies can also be complemented and enhanced by the use of iridology - reflexology, aromatherapy, herbs, nutrition, massage, acupuncture, homeopathy … it seems that it can be used with most therapies, actually.

The Kevala Iridology course is one of the few which qualifies for Guild membership on completion, and the Symposium helps towards the attendance hours you need to gain full membership.

(Kim Blake has completed Level 1 and Level 2 (Clinical Practice) in Nutritional Therapy, the Iridology Diploma and is currently studying the Certificate in Herbal Studies, all through The Kevala Centre.)