Iridology

An iris-based diagnostic tool for prevention against illness and disease

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How can iridology nourish you?

The eye may be described as one the most intricate and captivating structures in the body. Iridology is the study of the iris,[1] the coloured part of the eye, which is believed to reflect information about the health of the body and integrity of the organs, nerves and lymphatic systems.

Iridology has been used as a diagnostic tool for over a century. The Hungarian physician, Dr Ignatz von Peczely,[2] published the first Iridology chart in the 1800s. Building on this work, Dr Bernard Jensen[3] assembled one of the first modern charts in 1950. 

Rather than a treatment, iridology is considered to be more of a diagnostic tool that is useful in evaluating a person’s health.[4] Marks, signs and discolouration of the iris are said to reflect changing conditions of the body, revealing areas of strength or deficiency in specific areas or organ systems. Iridology therefore can assist in recognising signs of disease in their early stages. 

Iridology is complementary to many other natural therapies.[5] While some certified iridologists may only practice Iridology, other health care professionals such as naturopaths may incorporate Iridology into their practice.

The International Iridology Practitioners Association (IIPA)[6] is the leading accreditation body for iridology across the globe. Certified iridologists who are members of this professional organisation demonstrate they have made a professional and ethical commitment to the practice of iridology and meet the IIPA’s professional standards.  

Benefits of iridology

Iridology is used in many alternative and complementary practices as a useful indicator to pinpoint early signs of weakness and potential health problems. This information is beneficial for further diagnostic testing and/or therapeutic intervention.[7]

A recent study that used iridology and Traditional Chinese Medicine principles regarding internal balance and health concluded that iridology was helpful in helping practitioners to accurately categorise a person’s health and organ dysfunction based on iris images.

There is also evidence to suggest that iris-based medical analysis may be effective and reliable in disease diagnosis. In particular, studies have shown efficacy in diagnoses related to gastrointestinal disease,[9] as well as in metabolic conditions such as diabetes.[10]

While more clinical research is needed, there is some evidence to suggest that Iridology may be able to detect. 

Iridology may assist in relieving symptoms related to: 

Detoxing and cleansing Diabetes Digestive and gastrointestinal issues Inflammation and swelling Lymphoedema Mood imbalances

What to expect from an iridology session

A session with an iridologist will typically last one hour, and is considered to be a simple, non-invasive and safe[11] consultation. 

During your appointment, the iridologist will examine your eye using a penlight or magnifying glass.[12] A camera and microscope may also be used to take photographs of the iris. These will be examined for irregular patterns and colours and compared to iris charts. Iris charts divide the iris into different zones that represent the different parts of the body.

An iridologist is not trained to diagnose a specific condition but may inform you of potential health risks. You may receive recommendations for preventative measures you can take to avoid developing an illness or disease. 

Keep in mind that it is always advisable to consult a medical professional before commencing any wellness journey. If you have an injury or an underlying health issue, speak to your iridologist, who will be happy to address these concerns and personalise the therapy session to your individual requirements. 

References

1. Iridology Workshop. AIHFE; [cited on 2024 Dec 4].

2. The History of Iridology. Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists International; [cited on 2024 Dec 4].

3. 10 Conditions That Iridology Can Detect. Better Living Wellness Clinic; [cited on 2024 Dec 4].

4. Certificate in Iridology. Nature Care; [cited on 2024 Dec 4].

5. Holistic Iridology Certificate. Health and Harmony; [cited on 2024 Dec 4].

6. Info. International Iridology Practitioners Association; [cited on 2024 Dec 4].

7. Iridology. Felke Institut; [cited on 2024 Dec 4].

8. Notice of Retraction: Iris-Based Medical Analysis by Geometric Deformation Features. IEEE; 2013.

9. Notice of Retraction: Iris-Based Medical Analysis by Geometric Deformation Features. IEEE; 2013.

10. Samant P, Agarwal R. Machine learning techniques for medical diagnosis of diabetes using iris images. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine; 2018.

11. About Iridology. Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists International; [cited on 2024 Dec 4].

12. What to Expect from an Iridologist. Natural Therapy Pages; 2020.


Frequently asked questions

Iridology is the study of the iris, the coloured part of the eye, which is believed to reflect information about the health of the body and the condition of organs, nerves, and lymphatic systems. It works as a diagnostic tool by examining markings, signs, and discolorations in the iris that are thought to indicate various health conditions.

Iridology has roots dating back to the 1800s, with the pioneering work of Hungarian physician Dr Ignatz von Peczely. He published the first iridology chart, laying the foundation for this diagnostic practice. Dr Bernard Jensen later contributed to the modernization of iridology charts in 1950.

Iridology differs from conventional diagnostic methods as it does not involve medical tests or imaging. Instead, it relies on examining patterns, colors, and other features in the iris to assess the condition of different organs and systems in the body.

Iridology is not a treatment itself but is considered a diagnostic tool. It is used in healthcare to evaluate a person's health by analyzing the iris for signs of imbalance or dysfunction in specific organ systems. Iridologists may work independently, or their findings can be integrated into a broader healthcare plan by professionals like naturopaths.

Iridology is believed to assist in recognizing signs of diseases in their early stages by identifying changes and conditions reflected in the iris. Early detection may allow for proactive measures to address potential health issues.

Yes, iridology is considered complementary to many other natural therapies. While some practitioners specialize in iridology, it is often integrated into the practices of healthcare professionals, such as naturopaths, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a person's health.

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