 IRIDOLOGY |
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Eyes Have It! The eyes say it all. . . A serious look at Iridology, an alternative healthcare modality practiced for more than 2,000 years, 're-discovered' in Europe in the late 1800's and currently making a resurgence in Complementary/ Alternative (C/A) healthcare. Most of us agree that a quick glance at someone's eyes can suggest how s/he feels toward us, or how they may feel physically and emotionally about a situation, without their ever saying a word. Assessing physical characteristics of someone's eyes may tell us much more - possibly suggest a “blueprint” of a person's physical vitality. Iridology is an assessment tool used in holistic C/A healthcare, which is founded on the belief in natural healing capabilities. C/A holistic professionals respect everyone's inherent recuperative powers and believe that health can be improved by working naturally with the mind/body connection and that this approach is key to long-term healing. A C/A professional helps a person to assess their current health status and naturally support optimum health. Most C/A professionals are willing to work with clients' conventional medical doctors and expect clients to assume personal responsibility to improve/maintain their own good health. Iridology (iris analysis) was pioneered in the 1800's by Ignatz van Peczeley, an Hungarian doctor. Based on years of experience and documentation, Iridologists examine pigmentation, texture and patterns of the iris to help assess someone's overall constitutional resiliency. Iridologists believe different areas of the eyes are neurologically linked (share information) with different body organs and systems. Markings in particular parts of the iris are believed to provide information about associated organs and systems. In conjunction with the client interview, the practitioner considers physical conditions of the iris (collected visually) to determine areas in greatest need of support - which can be provided through supplements, herbs and vitamins, hypnotherapy, exercise, breathing/relaxation, chiropractic, etc. Iridology helps people to choose beneficial supplements/procedures (i.e. cleansing) and is often used in conjunction with chiropractic care to identify specific areas that may need attention to balance a person's system. Traditionally, the Iridologist examines irises using magnification and a small light directed into different areas of the eye. The latest technology now allows the Iridologist to take high quality digital-images, enlarge and view them with the client on a computer screen. Sophisticated software makes information more assessable. A printed report, including photographs and healthcare suggestions can be provided. A comprehensive Iridology examination includes a client history, a non-invasive physical (digital, if available) iris exam and analysis. The assessment is discussed and positive actions are suggested, often including supplemental support, exercises, etc. Information collected includes markings, shapes and densities seen on the iris. For example, shapes of the collarette (a ring around the pupil) may suggest ineffectiveness of the digestive system. Difficulty in breaking down foods properly and absorbing necessary nutrients may become a focus for beginning a breathing, exercise and/or supplemental program. The client's diet and lifestyle is discussed to determine whether to build or cleanse first. Re-evaluation may be scheduled to discuss the effectiveness of the newly initiated program. Often people are confused when choosing supplements. Which work synergistically and/or are best taken on a long/short term basis, etc.? Iridology helps eliminate guesswork. For example, when building and strengthening the digestive system supplements may not be optimally effective if the colon is sluggish, burdened with residue, inhibiting proper absorption. (An Iridology assessment can help determine this.) It would be most effective to cleanse first. Or, while no current symptoms suggest problem areas, while discussing an assessment, a person may recall, for example, occasional low-back tenderness felt for no apparent reason. The assessment may suggest a lack of resiliency in the kidney area, and a periodic kidney-supporting supplement can be included to the diet. (This potential kidney irritation is information to share with your physician.) Iridology is a tool to help determine how to holistically build, support, heal and maintain our minds and bodies. Iridology is not limited to adults. It is a friendly, non-invasive approach to C/A healthcare for children. For example, many children today suffer from asthma and/or allergies. Symptoms may actually result from varieties of environmental, dietary and/or stress factors. Naturally supporting the immune and lymph systems with, for example, supplemental Echinacea, lymph node massage, breathing exercises, and/or relaxation techniques (taught to children through hypnosis), may help improve or eliminate allergic symptoms. A child may require less medications and suffer less physical and emotional stress typically associated with allergies and asthma - and enjoy the examination and learn to be a long term pro-active participant in his or her own good health. Holistic healing relies upon personal desire to work toward improved health. This is an important and positive approach to healing. It is personally empowering. Iridology offers a complementary approach to health assessment, not meant to diagnose, or be used in lieu of medical diagnosis, but rather in conjunction with it. (Changes in current medical conditions or care should be discussed with your physician.) Iridology is a tool to help assess a person's physical pre-dispositions and determine how to best naturally support the mind and body. Jeanne
Driscoll-Dunn CMH, CACH, |