 Iridology, or iris diagnosis, is the study of the body's state of health through the observation of changes in the iris - the coloured part of the eye- which records the physical state of health of each organ and system. The iris pattern continually changes - rapidly, as in the case of a broken arm, almost imperceptibly, as in the case of cell changes that may result in cancer. References to the observation of changes in the iris date back to ancient Greece and the time of Hippocrates, known as 'the father of medicine'. However, the mapping of the iris chart generally is attributed to the work of Hungary's Dr Ignatz von Peczely, who published his first book on iridology in 1866. Since then, many people have contributed to the development of iridology as a scientific and diagnostic tool. The iris is composed of the same tissue as the brain, and it is believed, as an extension of the brain, that it records all the information relating to our bodies. Although iridology went out of favour as modern science developed mor precise methods of analysing the body, it can still be seen as a valuable tool. As with a number of alternative or complementary therapies, iris diagnosis should be seen as a preventative measure. Our irises are a unique map, just like our fingerprints, and from them the life story of our health can be told. PHILOSOPHY  The right and left irises reflect the right and left sides of the body, so both eyes need to be studied. A range of features will be looked at when examining the eyes. The colour is significant, as well as variations such as brown spots on blue eyes. The structure of the iris' fibres is very important as it can indicate weaknesses in particular organs. Inherited characteristics may be seen, and any changes to the structure that may indicate potential problems. The structure of the fibres also indicates a number of personality aspects which can determine whether a person will respond easily to treatment or not. The state of the nervous system may be interpreted from the iris examination. For instance, it is interesting to discover how a person sees stress in their life and then to look at the iris and see the real picture. Some people may tell stories of tremendous stress and hardship, and yet their iris shows that they are coping well and not damaging their system. Other people appear to have very little stress in their life, yet their irises are etched with anxiety. When a person has been under stress for a long time,the changes in the body are reflected in the iris as it tenses into concentric circles known as nerve rings. People store stress in different parts of the body, and this may be responsible for anything from their headaches to their digestive complaints. Some conditions are mainly physical in nature, such as a sluggish bowel that needs more fibre in the diet. Other conditions are due to emotional states and traumas held in the body for a long time. It is the experience and skill of the iridologist, that determines whether a condition is physical or emotional, or both, so that a treatment may best be prescribed. In this way, iris diagnosis is really a tool to find out why the body is behaving as it is. HOW IS IRIDOLOGY USED ?  An iridologist examines the iris of the eye with a special instrument, known as an iris torch, which provides both magnification and illumination. It is a completely painless procedure. In some cases a photograph may be taken. The iridologist usually asks a series of questions in order to fine tune the diagnosis. For example, it is important to know of any medication a person may be taking, as certain drugs will affect the eyes, perhaps by dilating the pupils. Specific operations a person has had also are relevant, because once an organ has been removed and healing has occurred, the iris will record it as normal. Immediately after an operation, a diamond-shaped 'incision' may be seen in the specific part of the iris related to that part of the body. Once the fibres and nerve endings heal, however, no sign is visible in the iris. If healing does not occur properly, such as with the formation of scar tissue or adhesions, these will be seen in the iris over the affected area. Even something as simple as a tooth extraction may be evident, although it takes a good eye to see the signs. Most practitioners use iridology as a means to ascertain the state of health of their client, either on its own, or as one of a number of other diagnostic procedures. A method of treatment may then be adopted that will be appropriate to the condition. Jennifer Chalmers is a Herbalist specialising in Iridology at the Phoenix Holistic Centre. For more information or to make an appointment please call 02-93861225 or email phoenixholistic@bigpond.com |