Iridology: A Natural Health 101 Article

What It Is

Iridology is the art of discovering weaknesses in the body through examination of the iris of the eye. Apparently based on an ancient Egyptian diagnostic method, modern iridology as we know it dates only to the mid-19th century. Today, practitioners photograph a client's eye then compare the photo to one of any number of iridology "charts", looking for signs of weakness in the body. They believe that the fibers and the pigmentation of the eye give clues to inherent weaknesses elsewhere. Practitioners often refer to iris photographs as "roadmaps to the body". But iridology is only a diagnostic tool--it's never a form of treatment.

What It Can Do for You

Iridology practitioners believe that careful, exhaustive examination of the eyeball can give valuable insight into a person's genetic makeup and his chances of developing diseases like cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure. Practitioners admit that they can't actually see the disease-they only see the inherent weakness that allows the disease to manifest. Practitioners will often follow up an iris examination by making corresponding recommendations about lifestyle changes. A few practitioners also go so far as to claim that iridology gives valuable clues to a person's emotional and mental well-being but most iridologists limit their practice to the identification of physical characteristics and natural weaknesses.

Finding a Qualified Practitioner

There is currently no federal agency overseeing the licensing or certification of iridologists and "diploma mill" credentials are common. If you're interested in receiving an iridology assessment, look for a practitioner who belongs to the International Iridology Practitioners Association, the largest iridology organization in the U.S. and the one with the most stringent educational requirements. Be extremely suspicious of a practitioner who follows an examination with a sales pitch for vitamins, herbal supplements or similar therapies.

What The Critics Say

Critics of iridology are quick to point to a lack of scientific evidence and well-publicized schisms within the iridology profession as proof that iridology amounts to little more than folklore. At best, they claim it's a worthless diagnostic tool--at worst, false "diagnoses" cause patients anxious moments while they wait for a physician to disprove the existence of a disease the patient never had in the first place.

My Opinion

My results with iridology have been mixed and I remain respectfully skeptical about its effectiveness. I would never recommend that a client rely solely on iridology to predict disease or diagnose an injury.

Lisa Barger is a traditionally trained naturopath specializing in illness prevention counseling. Ms. Barger holds certification in Ayurveda, Iridology, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and American Herbology. For more information about Ms. Barger's private practice or to take a free online natural health class please see our web site at http://www.LisaBarger.com

---

Toddler Stuttering

Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child... Read More

Herbal Remedies to the Rescue!

Since the dawn of civilization, man has always turned to... Read More

Aromatherapy ? Part I: Essential Oils

a) WHERE DO ESSENTIAL OILS COME FROM ? - Essential... Read More

The Subconscious Mind As Teacher: Why It Can Help You Relieve Your Pain

Many disciplines are designed to program the subconscious. But except... Read More

Bodily Attributes!

The revolution is indeed underway. Money married to desire, imagination... Read More

Natural Remedy for Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a condition defined as the inflammation of the... Read More

Athlete Foot Remedies

Athlete foot is a common skin infection that is caused... Read More

Pa-Kua Feng Shui Basics

FENG SHUI BASICSFeng Shui (literally "Wind and Water" in Chinese),... Read More

Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally ? Cholesterol Through The Mouth

If you have high cholesterol, you should educate yourself about... Read More

Concept of Agni in Ayurveda

Being one of the panchamahabhoota, agni (fire) has the characteristic... Read More

Why Most People Dont Really Want To Heal (Part 1)

I recently attended a metaphysical lecture facilitated by Guy Williams,... Read More

Natural Aromatherapy, Essence of Health

Bringing Home Nature's Forest Correctly and SafelyPreserving Both Essence and... Read More

Martial Arts

Martial arts are currently studied worldwide from a variety of... Read More

Kill Your Stuttering/Stammering Demons

Apparently one percent of British people suffer from the speech... Read More

Why Your Search for Pain Relief Needs a Strategy

If you're like most of us who have known chronic... Read More

A Rose is Not Just a Rose

The rose is perhaps one of the most powerful symbols... Read More

MSM: Enhance Your Overall Beauty, Your Hair, Nails, And Skin While Reducing Allergic Reactions

Welcome to another exciting issue of "The Home Made Medicine... Read More

What Is Herbal Medicine? Is It Safe?

Herbal medicine is the use of plant and herb extracts... Read More

Ayurveda Approach to Genital Herpes

Dosha theory which help in diagnosis of the diseases.According to... Read More

Biofeedback: Applying the Mind to Health

What is biofeedback?In biofeedback you expand self-awareness and practice powerful... Read More

Pros and Cons of Isopropyl Alcohol

Recently, the term "isopropyl alcohol" has been liken to poisonous... Read More

Parasites: The Missing Diagnosis?

Parasites, commonly thought of as only affecting those in developing... Read More

Natural Pain Management!

Life in today's hectic society is going more and more... Read More

Citronnelle

Remember the last Dumpling Festival? Did your mother or grandmother... Read More

Aura and House Clearings - Rid Your Space of Unwanted Energies

Aura and space clearing can be accomplished in a number... Read More

Essential Oils Are Essential For Our Time

What is "it"? Oils-Pure Essential Oils. Frankincense and Myrrh, for... Read More

Snoring: A Common Sleep Disorder

Sleep consumes as much as one-third or more of the... Read More

What Disorders Can Acupuncture Treat and How Does It Work?

How did acupuncture start?The story was met with widespread disbelief.During... Read More

Fitness-related Benefits of Massage

Ask someone their reason for getting a massage and you're... Read More

How To Prevent The Flu

Can you prevent the flu? or is it just luck... Read More

How to Get Rid of Smoking, Drinking, Drugs and Other Bad Habits

These are practices that I do whenever I am trying... Read More

Air Purifiers, Are They Worth The Money?

When you suffer from allergies or asthma, you may think... Read More

As The Primary Care Giver for an Alzheimer?s Patient, How Can I Get a Break?

Taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer's is... Read More