Iridology
Iridologists near you
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:
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.