Iridology - The Facts
By Jan Bowers, Naturopathic Practitioner
This article was first published in the June 2009 issue of Fusion.
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Iridology is the science and art of studying of the iris to determine genetic predispositions and weaknesses.
Chronic, acute stress and illness may also be discerned. The shape, color, markings, and fibers of the iris, as well as
the pupil and the sclera (the white part of the eye) are examined to gain a complete picture of a client’s health of
mind, body, and spirit.
The primary goal of iridology is to determine genetic weakness, including physical and emotional
predispositions, and patterns of familial inheritance. With this knowledge, clients can craft effective approaches to
health challenges and tailor preventative measures to fit their highly individualized needs.
The International Iridology Practitioner’s Association puts it best:
“Using the road map or blueprint contained in the iris, you can find out how well you are put together (and how much abuse your body
can handle), where your body will tend to get sick (including which organ systems are at greater risk), what specific underlying reasons
contribute to your symptoms (which may vary from person to person with the same symptoms), and what emotional or behavioral factors
are influencing these patterns. In short, it can show you where you came from, where you are headed, what kind of body you have for a
vehicle, and what type of driver you are.”
The iris does not show bone breaks or injuries, an impending heart attack, or similar. Sadly, our country is
filled with practitioners who claim to be able to “see” these signs in the iris, thus attaching a very negative stigma
to a legitimate tool. Every iris is unique, and shows little change over the course of a lifetime (some changes, such
as a blue eye turning green due to a buildup of mucus in the body, are not changes in the iris itself). This means
that the iris is perfectly suited to reveal powerful and important information about our genetic predispositions and
weaknesses.
An iridology assessment can be conducted in person or from high-resolution digital photographs. If
conducted in person, the iridologist may ask the client to sit still in a darkened room while the eyelid is held open
and the eye examined with a microscope. Or, the iridologist may choose to take the needed digital photographs
and analyze them with the client present, if possible. Photographs may also be submitted electronically or through
mail, in which case discussion follows by phone. I prefer to work from photographs – using this method frees the
client from sitting uncomfortably for long periods of time; provides for easier and more natural discussions about
their health; enables the client to reference the signs I am reading, should they desire; and allows me to continue
working with people and animals who do not live in my town.
Iridology is a diagnostic tool, and so the assessment may include discussion of other healing modalities to
enable the client to put what they learn into practice. For example, if a client’s iris reveals a paternal history of joint
weakness and they express recurrent back pain, recommendations could include essential oils to reduce pain and
inflammation; nutritional modification to reduce sodium intake (which cases water retention and inflammation)
and help maintain a healthy weight; exercises to strengthen supporting muscles; and calming practices to reduce
tension held in the shoulders and mid-back.
Iridology is a particularly powerful diagnostic tool for animals. It can be difficult to hold a wriggling animal,
examine a dominant dog, or to know what health challenges your adopted pet may face. Because iridology
assessments can be undertaken from photographs, iridology is extremely useful in animal care.
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Also in the June 2009 issue of Fusion:
Writing for your Life: How to Begin Healing through Words
Shamanic Healing with Katie Weatherup
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