Iridology is a scientific study of the iris, the colored portion of the eye. In reflexology, there are different parts and different markings on the foot that are related to different organs of the body. Iridology is similar to this modality in that certain zones and markings correspond with certain areas of the body.
While iridology involves looking at the characteristics of the iris and pupil, iridologists also analyze the sclera to get a more complete assessment of health. The sclera is the white part of the eye, and this area can reveal much about a person’s lifestyle and what is affecting them in the present.1
Analyzing all these areas of the eye can help us figure out what is at the root of a health issue, and also allows us to provide more personalized treatment plans. Read on to learn about 5 areas specifically that iridology can help with.
Physical ailments
Iridology is believed to be discovered and practiced by the ancient Egyptians around 1,000 BC. But a full description of iridology wasn’t published until the 17th century. This is when Ignaz von Peczely, known as the father of iridology, discovered that certain characteristics of the eye change based on physical states of health.
As the story goes, von Peczely found an owl in his backyard that had broken its leg and noticed a marking was visible in its iris. He actually mended the leg, and when it had healed the marking in the owl’s iris disappeared. After this experience, von Peczely started charting different irises and made the first iris chart.
Just like with the owl, an assessment of the human eye can reveal potential issues with our structural health, as well as our intestinal health, immune system health, and much more.
Emotional problems
![depressed woman with head down at sunset](https://zytolive.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/depressed-woman-with-head-down-at-sunset.jpg)
In addition to physical issues, iridology can also reveal emotional problems that we are suffering from. I had a patient come to me who was clinically depressed. Interestingly enough, his eye showed a flattening on the outside of the pupil. This indicates depression that people can be suffering because they have a compaction happening in the spinal cord. I referred him to an osteopath to do some adjustments, and it did him a world of good. It basically freed that area up, which helps to bring the blood supply back up to the brain as well.
Diet guidance
The characteristics of the eye can also tell us which foods we should avoid. For instance, those with blue or blue-green eyes (lymphatic type) should avoid dairy because they have a tendency to get mucous congestion. Those with brown eyes (hematogenic type) tend to be prone to liver and digestion issues, so they should eat bitter foods and other foods that help them with digestion. And then those that are the mixed-biliary type, which is a combination of lymphatic and hematogenic, should try to avoid fatty foods because they tend to have issues with the liver and gallbladder.
Along with the 3 main constitutional iris types above, there are iris subtypes that can provide diet guidance as well. A connective tissue subtype, for example, is more likely to get parasites or yeast infections or fungus or bacteria, so it’s recommended for this subtype to eat small meals throughout the day.
Inherited genetic traits
![dna strand graphic](https://zytolive.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/genetic-structure-graphic.jpg)
Similar to DNA testing, iridology can help us discover variations in our genes. For example, I have a shoe lacuna in the part of the eye that corresponds with the kidney area, so what that means is that I always have to make sure I’m drinking enough water.
Variations in the eye pigment can be passed down from generation to generation, and these characteristics go back as far as 3 generations. A pigment may be passed down from generation to generation, but the color of an inherited pigment can become darker due to poor lifestyle choices or other issues.
Personality insight
In addition to giving you insight into the state of your health, iridology can also provide insight into your personality type. Those who are categorized as a neurogenic subtype, for example, tend to be time checkers who are always looking at their clock. They are basically live wires who are always on the go.
Additionally, those in this category who have a collarette around the pupil, which is a constricted coloring, tend to be people who hold on to things as well and have trouble letting things go. And because of this constriction, they are more likely to suffer from constipation. So little things like this can tell us a lot about someone’s personality, which can in turn help us provide guidance for simple lifestyle changes they can make.
About Sandra O’Connell
Sandra O’Connell is a certified iridologist who has assessed more than 20,000 eyes in the last 15 years. She treats her clients with a combination of iridology, naturopathy, herbal medicine, and flower essences. Currently, Sandra consults clients online from her practice in Ireland and also conducts Iridology courses. To learn more, visit her website at sandraoconnellnaturopath.com.
Sources:
1. “The Sclera.” Integrated Iridology. Iridologyonline.com.