Iridology - Your Unique Body Map
By Samantha A Flower
The majority of my new clients are intrigued by my diagnostic tool: Iridology. The idea that a person’s constitution can be evaluated by simple examination of their iris holds many people’s fascination. It would seem unlikely that the tiny iris could hold so much information regarding a person’s health status. But the fact is, it does. I must own up to my own initial skepticism surrounding this subject. It was only at the insistence of my then-tutor that I embarked on studies within this field. I’m certainly glad that I did. Thanks to my profound regard for this knowledgeable woman I found myself propelled into an exciting new world of diagnostic discovery. Here prevention became a very real option over cure. Today my use of iridology continues to support and enhance the successful nutritional treatment of my clients. So what exactly is iridology and how does it work?
A Brief History of Iridology
The recorded practice of iris analysis dates back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. But it was not until the 19th Century that the practice of Iridology as it is known today, was established.
The story goes that a Hungarian boy named Ignatz von Peczely (1826-1911) was playing with an owl in his garden. The owl became trapped in shrubbery and as von Peczely tried to free it, the owl suffered a broken leg. Whilst nursing the bird back to health, von Peczely noticed a dark marking appear in the owl's iris. He continued to observe this unusual marking over the course of time. During this time he noticed how the dark marking began to lighten, eventually becoming pale and almost unnoticeable. Today, this type of marking is recognised as showing the process of healing in the area of the eye in which it originated.
Ignatz von Peczely went on to become a successful physician. During the course of his time as a practitioner he continued to observe the irides (plural of iris) of many of his patients. He developed one of the first truly accurate iridology charts. Crude in design, it is still used as the model upon which all modern iris charts are based today. An iris chart shows the location of the various organs and body parts in the eye. Much in the way that reflexology maps out the various body parts on the base of the foot, the iridologist can plot organ weakness; inflammation, congestion and toxicity by looking at the various areas of the iris.
Whilst von Peczely was developing his theory of iridology, a young Swedish man, Nils Liljequist (1851-1936), was carrying out his own research in the field. During a bout of ill health, Liljequist was given a fair amount of medication to treat his declining condition. Liljequist observed as his once-blue eyes, turned progressively greener in colour. He also monitored the gradual development of red spots in his irides. He noted that the changes began to take place with the increased use of quinine and iodine medication. Over time he also noticed his eyes gradually coming back to their original colour only after cessation of medication. Liljequist was among the first to record such iris changes due to toxic build-up from drug use.
Since these early days in the history of Iridology there have been many noted pioneers in this fascinating field. Among them are the German, Joseph Deck (1914-1990) who founded the famed iridology research institute in Ettlingen, Germany, the American medical doctor Henry Lahn (circa early 20th Century), his student Dr Henry Lindlahr (circa early 20th Century) who was both a medical doctor and osteopath and more recently, the late Dr Bernard Jensen (1908-2002), the acclaimed naturopathic practitioner who established the modern, American school of iridology.
Iridology in Practice
Each iris is completely unique. It provides the genetic blueprint to a person’s body. People can often acquire inherited physical weaknesses that may have affected previous family members. These can be detected through iridology. By examining the iris (the coloured part of the eye), the iridologist is able to determine a person’s overall state of health and well-being at that point in time. Iris diagnosis can reveal levels of toxicity and any degree of inflammation/irritation in the various bodily parts. Examination can also reveal which conditions a person has the potential to develop, if they neglect their health or follow lifestyle patterns that are damaging to a particular organ. In this sense, iridology is a useful preventative tool.
During an iridology consultation, a torch and magnifier or iridoscope is used to carry out the analysis. Iris analysis is a completely safe, hygienic and non-invasive process. For this reason it is the perfect diagnostic method for people who may be anxious about undertaking invasive diagnostic tests. By simply examining the eye, the iridologist is able to assess a client’s health status and any inherited weaknesses. To date I have found it to be the most useful form of diagnosis over other types of testing, such as allergy tests etc. This is because it tells me exactly what that person's genetic pattern is. Working with a person’s genetic inheritance offers far greater accuracy in treatment than looking at random responses to foods for example, which can change from day to day.
As each body is unique, every person I see has different dietary requirements. By exposing a person's weaker organs, iridology allows me to make dietary and/or supplementary suggestions that will help support those particular areas of the body. As such, I have found that iridology provides me with a useful diagnostic tool in the prevention of potential onset of future health problems.
Today, Iridology forms part of the curriculum in the medical schools in Moscow, the Bobigy Faculty of Medicine at the University of Paris Nord, and various Egyptian and Greek medical schools. It is a highly regarded technique used by many naturopathic practitioners worldwide and most notably, in Germany. In the UK the leading organisation involved in the regulation of iridology practice, The Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists, International, continues to make new and exciting discoveries in their continuing research. As with nutritional medicine, iridology is a constantly-evolving field of learning. In addition to its effectiveness, this factor is what sustains my enthusiasm for the subject. If you want to learn more about your body’s inherent strengths and weaknesses, iridology will provide a good overview. For the skeptics out there, I say give it a go! You are likely to be amazed by the results.
If you want to learn more about this fascinating method of diagnosis you can contact The Kevala Centre, Hunsdon Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1QB. Tel: 01803 215 678
http://www.kevala.co.uk
The Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists International, 94 Grosvenor Road, London, SW1V 3LF Tel: 020 7821 0255.
http://www.gni-international.org
Samantha Flower is a qualified nutritional therapist and iridologist living in London. She is also a qualified tutor at The Kevala Centre holistic health college based in Torquay, Devon where she lectures in nutritional therapy, detoxification and integrated health management. She is currently practising at the Haelan Centre in Crouch End. You can contact her on 07745 578 347 or 020 8888 3869 for appointments. Website: www.samanthaflower.co.uk
This article was posted by Carl Munson
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