IRIDOLOGY

Iridology is the study of the iris in the eyes, it has been used for a century. Iridology is based on the philosophy of treating the person rather than the disease. The iris of the eye is an extension of the brain with many nerve endings that connect to every organ and tissue in the body by way of the nervous system. Each organ, gland, or bone is represented in the irises. Through changes of pigmentation and structure, irises can reveal abnormal conditions in the body.

History of iridology

“The eyes are a mirror to the body” this is an old saying as Hippocrates was known to examine his patients’ eyes for signs of illness. It is Ignaz von Peczely, (1826-1911), a Hungarian physician, who first published a book on the iris of the eye and the first to produce an Iridology chart.

German naturopath Josef Deck published “Differentiation of the Iris Signs and Elements of Iris diagnosis” in the 1930s. In 1997, Dr. Bernard Jensen, a well-known American iridologist wrote on his healing philosophy.

Iridology has been used in Europe more than the United States. Iridology is an alternative therapy that can be used with other medicine.

How does it work?

Iridology doesn’t name the diseases. Nevertheless, using an ophthalmoscope to look at the retina of the eye, a doctor can see how diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure are affecting blood vessels. A close examination of the iris can give information about high cholesterol and certain metabolic ailments.

In Western medicine, physicians also examine the eyes for evidence of internal disease. In Chinese medicine, the pulse and the tongue examinations are included in the diagnostic process. 

In Ayurvedic Medicine, the examination of the eye or “netra pariksha” is as important as the pulse and tongue examination. The size, shape, and contour of the eye provide details on “prakruti and vikruti”. Puffy eyes or dark circles under the eyelids provide information on the kidneys and adrenals. Rings around the sclera or spots on various parts of the eye relate to imbalances with specific organs.

Just like every Alternative Medicine, Iridology can help as it is an interesting assessment technique. It will not offer solutions, but Iridology works when combined with other disciplines such as Nutrition. So far, Iridology can tell you about the susceptibility for a disease, but it cannot diagnose a disease or any other verifiable condition.