Iridology is a study of how the health of the body and its organs is reflected in the iris of the eye. Iridologists claim to identify diseases by examination of the iris of the eye, and then treat them with proper food, physical exercise, and living according to the laws of nature.

Development of Iridology

Also known as Iris diagnosis or Iridiagnosis, iridology has always had an informal existence: people have habitually looked into each other’s eyes to determine the latter’s feelings and state of the mind and body. The Chiromatica Medica, a 17th century book, states that the condition of the heart and spleen can be perceived in the left iris, and the liver in the right.

The end of the nineteenth century saw Dr Henry Lahn bring the practice of iridology to the USA. Bernard Jensen, a naturopath and chiropractor, is responsible for setting up a research centre in America currently, comprising a computerised eye bank, in which the irises of heart and kidney patients are being studied.

How Iridology Works

Iridology practitioners study the iris of the eye for any indications of genetic and functional weaknesses in the body. Fibre patterns, changes in colour, and abnormal markings provide indications of the body’s tissue condition and psycho-emotional behaviour patterns. The iridologist analyses his readings of these determinants to ascertain the patient’s state.

Along with other methods of diagnosis, a thorough eye examination can provide a satisfactory profile of a
patient’s health care needs.

Iridology studies the shape, colour, and quality of the eye tissue, along with the structure, flecks of pigment, and any changes to identify an individual’s constitutional type. Each gland and organ has its place on the eye map. Dark spots suggest insufficient activity and may also show the beginning of inflammatory disease. Clarity or a ‘clear-eyed person’ indicates healthiness. Eye colouring provides clues to whether medications have affected blood and lymph circulation. Density and the grain of the iris structure give information on the firmness, vitality, or general tone of body tissues. While all iridologists emphasize the colour of the iris, their interpretations may vary.

Treatment

The iridologist generally begins a session by taking a photograph of the patient’s eye and printing what he can analyse from it. He may record his findings on a chart. Advice consists of preventive or supportive health practices through nutrition or herbs. Nervous disorders, clogged organs, and underactive or overactive glands can be identified.

Books on iridiagnosis list characteristics or features of the eye that indicate and are linked to specific conditions, such as a stressed liver, kidneys, and adrenals. These books also deal with injury, heart conditions, and anaemia, and elaborate on the clues that the iris gives about circulatory problems, colon disorders, and possible stages of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Precautions and Prospects

Iridology is more useful for preventive measures and health-building, rather than as a cure. Those who plan to analyse their own irises are cautioned about the brightness and duration of the light used as their eyes are an extremely sensitive part of their bodies.

Now You Know

Essentially a diagnostic system, there is no scientific proof about the diagnosis of health through examination of the iris of the eye. However iridologists claim that fibre patterns, colour changes, and abnormal markings indicate a person’s physiological and psychological state and deficiencies. Variance in interpretations has prevented standardisation and proper documentation of diagnosis.

Iridology offers no treatment: the latter comprises change in food habits, exercise, and lifestyle. The paucity of practitioners too, limits its usage. Obviously therefore, this diagnostic procedure needs further research and documentary evidence.