Iridology: The eyes are the window to your health

Iridology is the study of the iris, one of the most intricate and captivating tissue structures within the human body. Just like markings on a map, the iris can reveal one’s current health state along with strengths and potential challenges of certain organ systems, and even personality traits. The iris has an infinite range of structural possibilities and an amazing assortment of colours that can identify each person’s individuality. In fact, there are no two irises exactly alike – much like a fingerprint.

The eyes are formed during the second week of gestation when tiny buds of neural tissue extend laterally from the sides of the forebrain. As the foetus continues to develop, the eyes separate and move forward, and connect to the brain via the optic nerve, a collection of retinal nerve fibres that act as an electrical cable to the brain.

Imagine the eye as a screen on which the central and autonomic nervous systems project information about what is happening all over the body. The colour and pattern of your eyes is a reflection of your genetic inheritance from the past three generations behind you. Whether you develop your dispositions to the best or worst case scenario depends on the way you eat, drink, think, live and love.

Iridology is not new. The first recorded sources of iris analysis extends as far back as ancient Babylon! However, it was in the late 20th century that doctors and scientists, primarily from the United States, Europe and Australia, brought Iridology into worldwide recognition. Iridology has been founded on over 300 years of observation and documentation of patterns (empirical evidence).

Unfortunately, Iridology is very difficult to study within scientific parameters, which means the evidence is currently somewhat limited. However, in my experience, it is a study that proves itself once you learn the language, and observe a range of different eyes in relation to the individual’s symptoms and disease.

Below are the three primary constitutional types:

• Blue eyes = Lymphatic
• Mixed/hazel eyes = Mixed biliary
• Brown eyes = Hematogenic

As a Naturopath, Iridology enables me to assess the colour and fibre structure variations within my client’s irises, which helps inform the constitutional strength of their body, along with aspects of their personality and emotional patterns. Though it should never be used as a stand-alone diagnostic technique, it is an incredibly useful screening tool to use alongside thorough case-taking to detect inherent individual predispositions and potential health vulnerabilities in their earliest stages. This enables greater refinement in treatment direction, and provides the client the opportunity to prevent illness and maintain optimum wellness – which is the ultimate goal!

Resources:

1. Miller, T 2008. The Integrated Iridology Textbook.
2. Sharan, F 1989. Iridology: a complete guide to diagnosing through the iris and to related forms of treatment.

Jenna is a qualified Naturopath who is passionate about preventative medicine and believes in the power of an individualised, holistic approach to optimising health. Prior to the path she is currently on, Jenna was a professional ballerina traveling and performing around the world. However, it was during recovery from a major injury that ended her career at 21 years old, where she became fascinated with how the right foods and nutrients were the ultimate source of healing for mind, body and spirit. Jenna has co-authored articles for the Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society, and upon graduating in 2019, received ATMS Natural Medicine Student of the Year Award.