Iridology

Iridology (also known as iridodiagnosis) is a simple, painless and non-invasive technique whereby patterns, textures, markings, colors, and other unique characteristics of the iris can be examined to determine information about a patient's health. Practitioners match their observations to iris charts which divide the iris into zones which they correspond to specific parts of the human body. As with the hands and feet in Reflexology, the eyes are seen as mirrors of the body's state of health.

Iridologists use the corresponding charts to highlight certain systems and organs in the body as healthy and others as overactive, inflamed, or distressed. This information may be used to demonstrate a patient's inherited strengths and weaknesses and general state of well-being together with susceptibility towards certain illnesses, to reflect past medical problems, or to predict health problems which may be developing.

Each part of the Iris relates to a particular area or system in the body, and the genetic markings which have been passed from parents to children make it easy for the Iridologist to assess the constitution of the individual, and, although Iris Analysis is not used to directly diagnose specific diseases, it does help in the identification of potential weaknesses often years before symptoms become apparent. Together with other information gained during a consultation some signs within the iris help in the assessment of the efficiency of various organs and body systems. This can be an extremely important aspect of Iridology because many illnesses occur because of an organ or body system imbalance - for instance headaches can be the result of liver dysfunction - and Iridology can reveal such causes. This makes Iridology invaluable in helping to decide the best course of action to take, and also in the planning of preventative treatment.

Iris analysis falls broadly into two categories:
• An Iris assessment only.
• An Iris assessment as part of therapeutic treatment.

Whichever category is relevant, ideally, iris examination should involve the client and the practitioner working together in a meaningful way, having first ascertained the requirements of the patient. The object is that the client leaves the consultation knowing themselves better, with choices, choices about the factors which are likely to hinder or help their progress towards better health.

The old maxim ‘Stop hitting yourself on the head and you will stop getting the headaches’ is very true. In other words stop doing what is harming you, and start doing that which will help you, and you cannot fail to benefit in health terms, and Iridology can help to identify what needs to be done to optimize your chances of better health.

Iris examination involves the practitioner examining the iris in each eye using illuminated lenses. Often digital photographs of the eyes are taken so that the findings can be clearly shown on a computer screen and explained to the patient.

Although considered a diagnostic technique, Iridology is not supposed to be used to diagnose. Instead it should be used as one of the methods to help assess the patient in order to come up with a more accurate diagnosis. As it is not a method of treatment, its practitioners often study other branches of alternative medicine, such as Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Herbalism and Nutritional Therapy. It is also frequently used by bodywork therapists.