Iridology: the windows to the body, mind, and soul.

Nature has provided us with an invaluable insight into the vital status of the health of any individual through the sciences of Iridology and Sclerology. Analyzing the eyes enables us to ascertain a person's genetic predisposition to health and disease, their general constitution, the state of each individual organ, levels of toxic accumulations, as well as organ and gland influence on other bodily systems. Personality tendencies, thought and emotional patterns, and deeper soul-level issues can also be recognized, making the eyes truly the windows to not only the body, but the mind, and soul as well.

Iridology is the science and practice of analyzing the iris, the most complex external structure of the human anatomy. The practice of Iridology is expanding rapidly as it is becoming known as a valuable tool for preventive healthcare. The iris is connected to every organ and tissue of the body by way of the brain and nervous system. It is in direct contact with the bio-energetic, biochemical, structural, hormonal, and metabolic processes of the body via the nerves, blood vessels, muscle fibers, and lymph. Holistically, it can be used to accurately assess the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual patterns and weaknesses for a complete health analysis. It is completely painless, non-invasive, and economic while providing valuable information for restorative and preventive health care.

Sclerology is the study of the whites of the eyes, or sclera, interpreting the red lines, colorations, and markings in the sclera as they relate to a person's health. This science is not new, but several thousand years old. The Chinese view of the sclera was based on the twelve meridians and the yin and yang aspect of each meridian. The Chinese saw the lines in the sclera as a reflection of the lymphatic fluid, which bathes every cell. Imbalances in the meridian energy register in the sclera. Traditionally, some Native American Indians also analyzed the eyes to get a better understanding of the stresses affecting a person's health. Iridology has progressed tremendously since the mid 1800s. Numerous doctors and scientists have researched iridology on humans over the past 125 years, and it has become a respected practice, used by many medical doctors and naturopaths worldwide. (1) Dr. Bernard Jensen, renowned Iridologist and Nutritionist, pioneered the science of Iridology here in the U.S. Dr. David J. Pesek has continued and expanded upon his work developing one of the most comprehensive iris charts used today, integrating the thought and emotional patterns with the physical health and improving the understanding of the 'brain flare' areas.

With today's technology and the use of microscopes and fine digital imaging, many medical doctors, naturopaths, and psychologists from England, Germany, Italy, France, United States, Australia, Canada, and Russia have been advancing the field of iris analysis over the past twenty years and have documented seemingly unlimited potential. The brain areas have been defined further and emotional and spiritual health have been incorporated more into the work. Research projects being done by the American College of Iridology, to be completed later this year, will help iridology to become an integral part of the preventive health care system. More practitioners and patients will appreciate its help in increasing understanding of genetic influences and instructing how to properly care for the body to avoid approaching diseases.

John Andrews, a top Iridologist and researcher from the United Kingdom publishes the Advanced Iridology Research Journal quarterly, including many works from Dr. Danielle LoRito, MD from Italy, Dr. Mikhail Dailakis, MD from Greece, Dr. Vincent Di Spazio from Italy, Dr. David Borow, an oncologist and medical Iridologist from Austria, Prof. Javier Griso Salome from Spain, Prof. Serge Jurasunas from Portugal, anti many others. These include topics such as profiling aging through iridology, multiple sclerosis and iridology, hypoglycemia, dysbiosis /intestinal immunology, biophysics and quantitative and qualitative biochemistry, and iridology's potential in medicine.

The iris can alert us to the early signs of approaching "disease." As the evaluations are made and the stress conditions understood, proper corrective measures can be applied. The body can then more easily adjust and alleviate the abnormal stress, resulting in a greater degree of health and enabling a person to prevent potential health problems.

Each eye gives us different information. The left eye correlates with the left side of the body and the right side of the brain, which is the feminine, creative, conceptual, intuitive side, relating to our emotional selves. The right eye correlates to the right side of the body and the left side of the brain, which is the analytical, practical, linear, masculine side, and relates to our work and logical self.

Thus the eye is the very aware "informant" about the cause of body stresses. People trained in interpreting the indications portrayed in the eye have the advantage of occupying "command central" rather than a peripheral monitor such as blood, hair, tongue, or urine analysis.

Although these diagnostic systems provide specific valuable information, they do not have full access to all the body's information. Practically speaking, the right hand may not know what the left hand is doing, but the brain centers know what both hands are doing simultaneously and the eye is privy to that information.

Knowing the various stressors on the body can be essential in preventive health care. These stressors may be simple, moderate, or severe and can represent conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, poor circulation, congestion, fatigue, pH imbalance, infections (bacterial, viral, parasitic), nerve stress, toxic accumulations, and abnormal cellular activity. Patterns may register an abnormal stress development long before any serious effects are experienced. With the stress conditions understood, proper corrective measures can be applied by addressing the causes with natural therapies (nutrition, herbology, enzyme therapy, homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, counseling, etc.), leading to a greater degree of health.

Iridology and Sclerology, combined with sound nutritional and naturopathic knowledge and wise application, provides people with the ability to consciously support their health and longevity, overcome and alleviate stress, and live a more healthful life. Some doctors understand the value in such an iridology analysis and will-refer clients for an Iridology Report so they may proceed with proper care or order the correct tests, often reducing the discomfort, costs, and time involved for the patient.

As healing progresses, iridology can also show us the cleansing and healing signs as the body adjusts to a more optimum state of health. All we need are the keys to understanding the symbols. We have the information to help in disease prevention and healing, by looking right into our eyes!

(1) Holistic Iridology, by Dr. David J. Pesek, The International Institute of Iridology, and Insights in the Eyes, An Introduction to Sclerology, by Dr. Jack Tipps, ND., PhD., The International Sclerology Institute.

Dr. Jane Smolnik is a Naturopathic Doctor, board certified in Holistic Iridology, the vice president of the American College of Iridology, and is a graduate and associate teacher at The International Institute of Iridology with Dr. David Pesek. Also a graduate of the Stillpoint Institute of Advanced Energy Healing and a certified Intuitive Healer, Jane has a private practice in Asheville, NC and can be reached at 828-645-9593 or www.ultimatehealing.com.