The Science of Iridology 

Iridology, also known as iris diagnosis or iridiagnosis, is defined as a science that identifies pathological and functional changes within organs via assessing the iris for aberrant lines, spots and discolourations. The practice of iridology is expanding rapidly as it is becoming known as a valuable tool for preventive healthcare. The iris is connected to every organ and tissue of the body by way of the brain and nervous system. It is in direct contact with the bioenergetic, bio-chemical, structural, hormonal, and metabolic processes of the body via the nerves, blood vessels, muscle fibers, and lymph. Holistically it is used to accurately assess the physical, mental, emotional, and psyce patterns for valuable health analysis. It is completely painless, non-invasive, and economically viable while providing constructive information for restorative and preventive health care.

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Research in all areas of iridology is on a rapid rise, particularly due to the advancement in technology which allows clarity through magnification and digital imaging. According to Edzard Ernst, it is punted as the most invaluable naturopathic tool in the United States of America, and in Germany, 80% of the alternative health practitioners or Heilpraktiker use it (which includes homeopaths). The Homeopathic profession is frequently associated with iridology and in a recent survey by Rostovsky et al.

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The iris serves as an early warning system for emerging serious health issues. By assessing the iris and understanding the underlying stressors, appropriate corrective actions can be taken. Essentially, the eye acts as a highly informed 'informant' regarding the causes of bodily stress and weaknesses. Iridologists, trained to interpret these eye indicators, hold a central vantage point compared to other diagnostic methods like blood, hair, tongue, or urine analyses, which may not provide a comprehensive view of the body's state. Just as the brain coordinates the activities of both hands simultaneously, the eye provides a complete overview of the body's condition. Combining iridology and sclerology with proper nutritional guidance enables individuals to proactively manage their health, reduce stress, and enhance their overall well-being."

 

In the realm of iridology, Hungarian pioneer Ignatz von Peczely made significant contributions with his 1881 publication, "Discoveries in the Field of Natural Science and Medicine: Instruction in the Study of Diagnosis from the Eye." This work introduced a detailed topographical map of the iris, correlating specific areas of the eye with different body parts. Today, there are more than 80 distinct areas mapped on the iris charts, with variations arising from different theoretical perspectives. The principles of iridology are now an integral part of complementary and integrative medicine practices.​​

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According to Jensen (1989), iridology can be defined as the science of identifying the acute, sub-acute, chronic, and destructive conditions of affected organs by examining their corresponding areas in the iris. The iris is connected to every organ and tissue of the body by way of the brain and nervous system. The nerve fibers receive their impulses by way of their connections to the optic nerve, optic thalami and spinal cord. They are formed embryologically from mesoderm and neuroectoderm tissues. Both sympathetic and parasympathic nervous systems are present in the iris.

 

"In this way, nature has provided us with a miniature television screen showing the most remote portions of the body by way of nerve reflex responses. We are discovering that the eye works two ways; not only does it enable us to bring images of the outside world within, it also shows images of what is within to the outside." 

 

Nerve fibers in the iris respond to changes in body tissues by manifesting a reflex physiology that corresponds to specific tissue changes and locations.

Benefits and Costs of Iridology

1. It is non-invasive and safe
2. It is cost effective
3. Iris signs manifest before gross pathology does, thus iridology may provide information on vital processes before symptoms manifest - therefore it is particularly useful in preventative care
4. It provides a valuable framework for assessing future limitations and potentials of a patient's health (ISA, 2011).

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The Theory of Iridology​

Parameters to increase the quality of iridology studies: A scoping review

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According to theory, the iris is connected to all organs through the brain and nervous system, forming a kind of iris homunculus - thus changes or derangements are relayed by a reflex physiology by nerve fibers to its corresponding segment on the iris (Jensen, 1986).

The Five Central Principles

The five central principles of iridology according to Snyman (2002) are:

1. Abnormalities in tissues are indicated by changes in the iris's pigmentation and structure.
2. Every organ, gland and tissue is reflexively represented in an exact locus in the left or right iris, or both. Organs and tissues on the left side of the body are expressed in the left iris while those on the right side are expressed in the right iris. Organs and tissues in the centre of the body, as well as bilateral organs, appear in both irises.
4. The physiological change in the iris mirrors the specific pathological changes in the corresponding organ or tissue.
5. Inherent weaknesses (crypts and separations in trabeculae), inherent strengths (dense trabeculae), and the degree of nervous system sensitivity (concentric cramp rings) are shown in the iris.
 

Iris Geography

The iris is divided into seven equal concentric zones, from the pupil outward (Bamer, 1996).

1. Gastric mucosa
2. Complete intestinal tract (small and large)
3. Heart, pancreas, pituitary gland, adrenals, aorta, gall bladder, solar plexis, parathyroid, uterus, prostate, pineal gland Bronchial tubes
5. Brain and reproductive organs
6. Spleen, thyroid, liver, kidneys and spine
7. Superior (sweat glands and skin), inferior (lymphatics, circulatory, motor and sensory nerves) (Bamer, 1996).
 

The iris is also divided into 2 more divisions: radial - into minutes, hours or degrees, as on the face of a clock; and sectoral - from quadrants to eighths to sixteenths (Kriege & Priest, 1977). These divisions help to pinpoint exact organ locations.

 

Textures and Lesions

There are several textures and lesions that can occur in the iris. (Jenks, 1981)

A. Tightly-knit trabeculae indicating strong recuperative ability
B. Loose trabeculae indicative of poor recuperative ability
C. Lesions within an open lesion
D. Closed lesion, with white outline (blue or brown inside indicates an inherited weakness)
E. Closed lesion, with white outline and sunken (indicates an inherently weak area, and now degenerated (black), because of continuing abuse)
F. Open lesion 
 

Acute (white) indicates over-activity, acute inflammation or mucous. A degenerative (black) lesion indicates major toxic build-up and degeneration, and the other two lesions, sub-acute (light-grey) and chronic (dark-grey), fall between these other two (Bamer, 1996).

 

Surgery

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Past surgeries on organs do not permanently leave their mark on the iris, as the organ heals and the iris subsequently displays the usual signs of healing. However, in cases where an organ is completely removed, the iris reflects the condition of the organ before anesthesia was administered. Anesthesia interferes with the nerve signals to the iris, and since the nerves are severed during the surgery, the pre-surgical state of the iris effectively becomes frozen in time. This results in a permanent lesion in the specific area of the iris corresponding to the removed organ (Jensen, 1986).

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