The iris is the only living tissue in the vertebrate body, which can be easily seen, in ambient light. Based on this unique position of the iris, iridologists maintain that it is also linked to the rest of the body through the sympathetic nervous system, and that the general conditions of the body, its organs and systems and their performance are reflected in the changing patterns of the iris. There is a lucrative veterinary branch, known mainly as equine iridology.

Origin:

The Greek physician Hippocrates was known to examine patients' eyes for signs of illness. In 1670, however, the first actual medical reference to iridology as a diagnostic tool appeared in German physician Phillipus Meyens' book Chiromatica Medica.

Hungary is known to be the country to develop iridology. In the 1800's, a young Hungarian boy, Ignatz Von Peczely, happened to catch an owl in his garden. The boy clearly saw a black line rising in the owl's eye after accidentally breaking its leg during the struggle. He kept the bird until it had regained its health and then observed the appearance of crocked white lines across the black area in the owl's eye. Von Peczely later became a physician and had the opportunity to study the irises of many patients. He grew certain that there existed a reflex relationship between tissue changes in the body and iris markings and developed the first iris chart, which has been continually researched and revised over the years.

Another young Swedish boy Nils Liljequist contracted malaria in his teens and was treated with quinine and iodine. As the drugs accumulated in his system, he noticed that his blue eyes were turning a darker color. After he later became a homeopath, he found similar reactions in his patients as well.

Later these two Ignatz von Peczely and Nils Liljequist independently advanced theories connecting the markings of the iris with tendencies toward specific ailments. Both men's interests stemmed from experiences in their childhoods.

How does it work? The basis of iridology is a holistic concept that when examined correctly, each part of the body contains information about other parts of the body. Conventional physicians also routinely examine the eye for evidence of internal disease. A complete iris analysis shows whether a person exhibits a generally good constitution or a poor one, depending upon the density of the iris fibers, the patterns, structures, colors and degrees of lightness and darkness in the iris it tells if an area of the body is inherently strong or weak. It also reveals the relative site of over-activity, irritation, injury or degeneration of the tissues and organs. Toxic accumulation levels can he observed as well as nutritional and chemical imbalances. Iridologists point out that the iris itself is one of the most complex organs in the human body that can show a view of an ultra fine membrane of connective tissue that shows signs of degenerative diseases well before their presence is manifested in larger organs.

any continue to maintain that the iris is connected to the brain and acts as a control panel, giving readouts on conditions in the various parts of the body. Because thousands of nerve endings make up the iris, they contend, the eye can indeed provide a system of connections to the rest of the body.

An iris chart made after years of clinical observation and intensive research represents the basic placement of body organs and tissues similar to a map. This shows the complex iris is composed of hundreds of thousands of nerve endings, which are connected by impulses to every tissue of the body through the brain and nervous system. The nerve fibers, or trabecula, respond specifically to tissue and organ conditions with a corresponding physiological reflex manifested in the iris as lesions and color variations. An accurate iris analysis is possible by superimposing the chart over an iris image projection, allowing detailed observation of the valuable and reliable data recorded there.

However there are people who debate on this as they point to the lack of evidence for any anatomical correspondence between sections of the iris and specific body parts.

However it should be remembered that Iridology will not show or name a specific disease but provides information about the body tissues, which indicate tendencies toward conditions of "disease", often before symptoms appear.

• Iridology will not reveal surgery performed under anesthesia as nerve impulses are discontinued.
• It cannot locate parasites, gallstones, or germ life, but will indicate the presence of inflammation and toxic conditions, which are a refuge for their development.
• It will not show pregnancy, as that is a normal function of the female body.

Treatment: Iridology is a safe, non-invasive and inexpensive method of analysis that can be integrated into both orthodox and complementary medicine. The iridologist will examine the irises of your eyes using either a slit lamp or just a penlight and magnifying glass. Many iridologists will also obtain photographs of your iris with a specially designed camera, then considerably enlarge the photos so that the iris appears about the size of a dinner plate. While examining your irises, both in-person, and later when reviewing the photographs, the iridologist will look for subtle signs of developing illness, such as symptoms of stress or a build-up of toxins. Depending on the practitioner's training, and whether he accepts of the concept of "mapping," eye charts may be consulted to determine problems in corresponding internal organs.

The examination and consultation typically will last about an hour. Unless your iridologist is a licensed physician, you will not be diagnosed with any specific disease. You will, however, be told about any risk factors and given preventive health-care measures to follow.

Many iridologists practitioners are trained in another complementary medical specialty, frequently chiropractic, homeopathy, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, orthodox medicine, nutrition, or naturopathy who will be able to give a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Consultants:

Before you decide to visit an Iridologist you should find out from friends who is the best and then visit. Remember that Iridologists are rarely medical doctors; though many training centers exist, but iridology is neither taught in mainstream medical schools, nor acknowledged by official medical organizations as a valid medical technique. However there are few countries in Europe who are encouraging to practice iridology. Consult your doctor before you try to start seeing an iridologist.

Iris and its Colors:

The eyes color alone reveals a great deal of positive information. There are only three basic iris colors: blue, brown and mixed (a mixture of the two). All irises can be placed in one of these color groups.

Blue Iris : called Lymphatic has a random iris structure, appearing bluer towards the outer edge. Young people with blue eyes tend to have sinus, throat and breathing problems, such as asthma. In later life rheumatism and arthritis are frequent. The lymph system of the body is often overloaded and this is a good reason why lymph drainage massage works well for people with blue eyes. The kidneys can be sluggish and this may lead to water retention.

Brown Iris : called Haematogenic, is very densely pigmented and on close inspection resembles a velvet carpet. Very few individual fibres can be seen, viewing through a bio-microscope makes it easier. People with deep brown eyes usually need more vitamins and minerals in their diet. This genetically low mineral status often leads to glandular disturbances. Blood and circulation disorders are associated with this iris type and may cause problems such as anemia.

Mixed Iris : called Biliary may appear as hazel or green eyes. This category is a genetic mix of both blue and brown, over many generations. The iris may appear with patches of blue and brown in its fibres. This group often suffers from digestive disorders, particularly connected to the liver and gall bladder function. Fluctuations in blood sugars may cause hypoglycaemia, with its symptoms of sudden, extreme tiredness, chocolate cravings and mood swings, among others.

Tests proved on variables taken into account such as gender, age, etc that the darker the iris, the faster your reflexes like brown-eyed people have a faster reflex than those with blue eyes. Though from color alone, the iris reveals much information. But the eye is a complex structure, a web of delicate fibres forming a unique pattern of lacuna, defects, pigment spots and other iris markings. It is this individual pattern that is studied by an iridologist. Not only the particular type of structure marking is noted, but also its location on the iris chart is important to establish the iris/body connection.