A guide to iridology

Iridology is the study of the iris under magnification, which can diagnose certain health problems.

Iridology is a method of diagnosis in which health problems are recognised through changes in the eyes. Iridologists believe that each part of the iris – the coloured part of the eye – relates to a particular area of the body, and is as unique to every individual as their fingerprint.

Studying the iris under magnification allows inherited genetic weaknesses and strengths to be detected, along with tendencies towards certain organ/system dysfunctions. Each iris is divided into six segmented rings that relate to different parts of your body - for example, the inner ring of the iris relates to the stomach. In general, white marks are linked with inflammation and stress, while dark markings are said to indicate a problem in the part of the body to which that part of the iris is linked.

The structure of the iris contains around 28,000 nerve endings, all of which are connected to the brain. Iridologists believe the markings of the iris are modified by nerve messages returning to the brain from other organs and glands in the body. This is thought to produce the patchy changes and patterns that are used to predict nutritional deficiencies, inherent weaknesses, under-activity or over-activity in certain tissues, a build-up of toxins, or inflammation, poor circulation and congestion.

Inherited markings
Some iris markings (eg, liver deposits known as psora) are genetic and give an overall picture of your constitution and tendency to develop certain problems - often several years before any symptoms become apparent. Three constitutional types are recognised, based on the inherited colour of your eyes:

Lymphatic: blue, blue-green, grey Mixed biliary: hazel, light brown Haematogenic: dark brown

Lifestyle and health markings
Other iris markings are believed to develop because of changes in your lifestyle or the way your organs are working. Iridology can reveal, for example, how your digestive system is functioning, whether nutrients are being properly absorbed, or if you are having problems with detoxification.

Iridology pays particular diagnostic attention to the organs of elimination: the liver, skin, kidneys, bladder, lungs and lymphatic system. Examining the irises can therefore detect toxicity in the form of metal deposits, excess acidity, congestion or a build-up of sulphur, sodium or cholesterol in the body. When following a detox programme the colour of the irises may change as health improves. It usually takes years for this to occur, but sometimes iris colour becomes lighter and brighter after only a few months of following a healthier diet and lifestyle. Iridologists also look for the presence of nerve rings, which indicate excess tension and stress.

Pupil size
Changes can also occur in the pupil as a result of faulty nerve impulses stemming from the brain or spinal cord. A skilled iridologist is able, by examining the pupil, to determine the area of the spine affected. For example, poor joint alignment (subluxation) in the lumbar vertebrae 3 and 4 can result in uterine, bladder and urinary problems, lower back ache and knee-joint problems. Lumbar 5 subluxation can lead to poor leg circulation and swelling of the extremities. Subluxation in the sacral vertebrae (1 to 5) leads to poor bowel elimination, pelvic misalignment and impaired lymphatic drainage.

Clinical trials
Many people find iridology helpful, but clinical trials in which photographs of irises were used did not find it useful in diagnosing potentially serious conditions such as chronic renal failure or gall-bladder disease.

These trials are not accepted by iridologists, however, as patients were not seen in the flesh and photographs (which are only two-dimensional) of just one eye were provided. To do iridology properly, the iris must be examined in real life with a microscope, the shape, colour and texture of the pupil must be studied, and markings on the sclera (white of the eye) and in the lens should also be taken into account.

To obtain details of a professional practitioner, contact the Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists, Tel: 020 7821 0255.

Share this Print this