Elaine Stavert

Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist, NT.Dip, Dip.N.Adv, AMNNA, RAAHT, MFNTP

Iridology

Iridology is the study of the colour and structure of the iris of the eye (the coloured part) as they relate to the organs, glands and tissues of the body. It is used as an assessment tool in Naturopathic Nutrition to help understand our genetic resilience and constitution.

In iridology, the iris is mapped into segments, like reflexology, with the brain and head areas at the top of the iris, and the lower parts of the body at the bottom.

Iridology may indicate genetic tendencies or potential for: -

Nutrient malabsorption in the body
Through colour and genetic patterns, foods a person may have difficulty digesting
Nervous system imbalances / how resilient a person may be to stress
Connective tissue weakness
Organ or glandular weakness
High uric acid, serum cholesterol levels, lymphatic congestion
Various syndromes or pathologies such as gastrointestinal disorders, hypoglycaemia, blood anomalies.
Iridology may indicate from the pupil border, areas in the spine that may have subluxation.

There are three main colours of eye, which are the Primary Constitutions.

Brown (Haematogenic), Blue (Lymphatic), Mixed (Biliary)

We then look at Structural Sub-types, the Accumulation Type, and other markings. We also look at the pupil shapes, and if visible from the pictures, the red lines in the whites of the eye (Sclerology), which gives more current information.

How to take a picture of your irides.

Watch this VIDEO which shows you how to take a picture (camera is best however)

* Get someone to take the picture for you

* Ideally put a camera or phone on a tripod to keep it still

* Use a macro lens or feature – a good camera is best

* Camera+ is a good AP for the phone that has a macro feature

* Take a picture in a room without windows with overhead lights

* Alternatively sit side-on to windows or cover head with a scarf to avoid glare

* Turn off the flash

* If comfortable, use a pen light - it takes a much clearer picture - at an angle to the eye (Costs a few £ on Amazon such as this one PENLIGHT

* Hold the eyelids open so the whole of the eye can be seen

* Take a picture of the whole eye including whites.

* Look at the forehead between the eyes of the person taking the picture

* Label the image which eye is which when sending pictures

Iridology has been used in many cultures for assessing potential health strengths and weaknesses for centuries, and was brought to the fore more recently by Bernard Jensen in the US in the late 20th Century. Jensonian Iridology was a wonderful foundation of iridology, but has been updated by modern iridologists who use Constitutional Iridology, which has evolved to look more at the genetic constitution and predispositions of a person.

Iris patterns are unique to each individual and remain constant throughout the lifetime of a person. The structures are so set in fact, that Iris recognition (an automated method of biometric identification) is used at airport security for identification purposes.

Taking your Iris Pictures

The clearer the picture of your eye, the more I will be able to advise you. Ideally I need to see the fibres (the tiny thin lines) of the iris.

We all have genetic predispositions and just because you may be genetically predisposed to a condition, does not mean you will develop a genetic trait. What you eat, where you live, who you interact with, the chemicals you use in your home or on your body, quality of sleep, how you exercise, how your body detoxifies, may contribute to chemical modifications around the genes that may turn those genes on or off over time.

How we choose to live our lives plays a huge part in whether our genetic tendencies are turned on our off - this is called epigenetics. Knowing our genetic predispositions or tendencies, means we can pay particlar attention to nurturing those areas. Click HERE for more info on Epigenetics.

Iridology does not diagnose, or show specific conditions or diseases, only genetic predispositions and tendencies which may need nurturing.