How did iridology begin?
The idea that the eyes are a mirror to the body go much further back than Jensen’s charts from the 1950s: the Greek physician Hippocrates was known to examine patients’ eyes for signs of illness and, from findings in his tomb, there was evidence that the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen used iridology. It wasn’t until 1670, however, that the first actual medical reference to iridology as a diagnostic tool appeared in German physician Phillipus Meyens’ book Chiromatica Medica.
In the late 19th century, Hungarian physician Ignatz von Peczely and Swedish clergyman Nils Liljequist both developed theories that linked the markings of the iris with the state of the body’s health. Both men’s interests stemmed from experiences in their childhood.
As a boy, Peczely accidentally broke the leg of an owl and then noticed a black mark appear in the bird’s iris. Later, in his medical practice, he noted similar marks in the eyes of his human patients who had suffered fractures. For his part, 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 colour. After he later became a homeopath, he found similar reactions in his patients as well.
Of course conventional physicians also routinely examine the eye for evidence of internal disease. Using an ophthalmoscope to look at the retina, a doctor can see how diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure are affecting blood vessels. However iridology takes that concept much further, and can give clues to levels of cholesterol or immune system overload, for instance.
Of course conventional physicians also routinely examine the eye for evidence of internal disease. Using an ophthalmoscope to look at the retina, a doctor can see how diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure are affecting blood vessels. However iridology takes that concept much further, and can give clues to levels of cholesterol or immune system overload, for instance.
What can I expect?
An iridology consultation is completely painless, safe, and non-invasive — a very similar experience to having a normal eye examination.
Dr Vassilieva’s iridology lamp also photographs the iris with a specially designed camera and the enlarged photos are then printed on the examination notes (this can be a rather dramatic sight, allowing you toappreciate the complexity of the iris’s structure with its numerous fibres and colours; each one as unique as a fingerprint.)
The examination and consultation lasts approximately an hour and the extremely comprehensive data includes remarks on everything from tendency towards ulcers, to weak ligaments, hormonal activity and level of toxins. Not surprisingly, my thyroid problem raised its head, as did intoxification of the pancreas and liver (due to my overexposure to the ultra violet rays of the sun, the doctor informed me).
So what happens after your consultation? Unless, like Dr Vassilieva, your iridologist is a physician, you will not be diagnosed with any specific disease. You will, however, be advised about any risk factors and given preventive health-care measures to follow.
One problem with the practise, and indeed many of its associated holistic therapies, according to Dr Vassilieva, is the lack of adequate training among most of the individuals purporting to be iridologists.
Even a quick traw! around the internet produces countless advertisements for courses in iridology, many are little more than a weekend long, culminating in a ‘certification.’ And, even though some licenced chiropractors and naturopaths may practise iridology, their education is often inadequate. So, try to conduct as many checks on your iridologist as you can. Ask to see their licence and evidence of their training and experience.
