If you’ve been following my blog, you probably know by now that I really like to have as many tools as I can in my practice toolbox. I might be doing a Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, but I definitely don’t focus only on this type of medicine. One of my “tools” for diagnosis in my future practice will be Iridology.

What is Iridology and how did it start?

By definition, Iridology is the science where the practitioner can tell the reflex condition of various organs of the body from the markings in the iris of the eye. “It can determine acute, sub-acute, chronic, and destructive stages in the affected organs of the body through their corresponding areas in the iris.” – Dr. Bernard Jensen, DC

History says that Iridology was discovered by Dr. Ignatz von Peczely of Egervar (Hungary) quite by accident when he was about 10 years old. While playing with an owl, he happened to break one of its legs. He also happened to notice the appearance of a dark stripe in the lower region of the bird’s iris. Eventually, while the bird was healing, the stripe became a tiny black spot, around which were white lines and shading. As a child he didn’t pay too much attention to all those discoveries, but later on as a doctor, he remembered what he saw in the iris, started researching more into the subject, and published a book in 1866.

Nowadays, lots of practitioners use Iridology. Some of them are so passionate about it that they only focus on this part and just read the eye. Then they give you two beautiful iris photos and a report. and then it’s your job to decide what you want to do and with whom you want to work on all those findings.

I am definitely not an expert in Iridology, but I can decently read the main issues. I’m also lucky that I can use cheat sheets, software, and even a very small and chic camera that attaches to my iPhone and allows me to take better pictures of the eyes.

If you are interested in learning more about Iridology, check out Dr. Bernard Jensen’s books. He was a pioneer in the field, and I love that all his case studies come with a ton of pictures.

Now back to my papers and midterms!