Iridology
The French say, Les yeux sont le miroir de l'dme - The eyes are the mirror of the soul
Imago Iridis - Imago Hominis - The Iris is the Man (Joseph Deck)
Such are the eyes, such is the body (Hippocrates)
Imago Iridis - Imago Hominis - The Iris is the Man (Joseph Deck)
Such are the eyes, such is the body (Hippocrates)
In a garden in Hungary 10 year old Ignatz von Peczely found himself in an effort to free an owl that had become entangled. As the struggle ensued Peczely became entwined with the owl’s talons and inadvertently broke his leg. As they were face to face, eyes locked in the instant the leg broke Peczely observed a black streak marking the iris of the owl. Peczely bandaged the owl’s leg, nursed him back to health, and set him free. The owl returned to his garden regularly and Peczely had the opportunity to see his eye again, noting the black streak became a tiny black spot, around which were white lines and shading. This encounter made a lasting impression on Peczely, who later became known as one of the world's "Fathers of Iridology."
Iridology, the study of the iris of the eye, has been traced as far back as 400 BC and was practiced by Hippocrates and Philostratus and was taught at the Medical School of Salerno. The Chaldeans of Babylonia, in 1000 B.C., left records of iris markings with the relevant anatomical reflexes painted on stone slabs.
The first explicit description of iridological principles such as homolaterality are found in Chiromatica Medica, a famous work published in 1665 by Philippus Meyeus.
In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, writings and works on iris markings and their meanings were recorded, mainly by medical practitioners.
The first explicit description of iridological principles such as homolaterality are found in Chiromatica Medica, a famous work published in 1665 by Philippus Meyeus.
In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, writings and works on iris markings and their meanings were recorded, mainly by medical practitioners.
Within the iris a story unfolds: areas of strength and fragility, our lives and the footsteps of our ancestors are reflected in the iris. The iris offers insight into the conditions of the cells, tissues, organs, systems and glands, providing information such as genetic predispositions, tissue inflammation, toxicity and areas of tissue stress; used as a diagnostic tool used in conjunction with natural health modalities. Often the treatment consists of an herbal protocol, detoxification program, and other natural healing methods including massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture.
In the embryonic stage of development the iris was part of the brain. The iris shows the end result of nerve transmissions to the brain from all organs and systems of the body. The fibers in the eyes are exposed nerve endings and as such the eyes are the only brain tissue to meet the outside world.
The iris represents a communication system that handles large quantities of information. It is the most complex external structure of the human anatomy. The iris is connected to every organ and tissue of the body by way of the nervous system. Through the optic nerves, which are attached to the eyes, vision data is sent to the brain. But the eye works both ways - the nerves also relate back information about what is going on in the body.
The iris contains hundreds of thousands of nerve endings which are attached to the optic nerve, the base of the brain, and all of the tissues of the body. Therefore, the neural circuitry of the eye is able to express the continuity of the body, an integrated unit composed of various cells which all communicate with the irides about their overall wellness.
In the embryonic stage of development the iris was part of the brain. The iris shows the end result of nerve transmissions to the brain from all organs and systems of the body. The fibers in the eyes are exposed nerve endings and as such the eyes are the only brain tissue to meet the outside world.
The iris represents a communication system that handles large quantities of information. It is the most complex external structure of the human anatomy. The iris is connected to every organ and tissue of the body by way of the nervous system. Through the optic nerves, which are attached to the eyes, vision data is sent to the brain. But the eye works both ways - the nerves also relate back information about what is going on in the body.
The iris contains hundreds of thousands of nerve endings which are attached to the optic nerve, the base of the brain, and all of the tissues of the body. Therefore, the neural circuitry of the eye is able to express the continuity of the body, an integrated unit composed of various cells which all communicate with the irides about their overall wellness.
Years after his encounter with the owl Ignatz von Peczely qualified in medicine at the Vienna Medical College in 1867. He had ample opportunity to study the irides of patients before and after surgery, systematically recording, correlating and publishing his research in the book ‘Discoveries in the Realms of Nature and Art of Healing’. His ‘Iris Chart’ was established in 1880.
Around the same time period, in the 1860’s, a young Swedish boy, Nils Liljequist became ill as the consequence of a vaccination, followed by doses of quinine and iodine. He noticed the changes in color of his formerly blue eyes, as the drug spots appeared.
In 1870, he published a paper describing his experiences, ‘Quinine and Iodine change the Colour of the Iris’, and in 1893 published ‘Om Oegendiagnosen’, which included his Iris Chart.
As Bernard Jensen, considered the father of Western iridology, wrote: “It is interesting to note that although these men lived many miles apart and did not know each other, they wrote similar books at the same time, even writing alike word for word in many instances.” (Jensen, 1952)
Around the same time period, in the 1860’s, a young Swedish boy, Nils Liljequist became ill as the consequence of a vaccination, followed by doses of quinine and iodine. He noticed the changes in color of his formerly blue eyes, as the drug spots appeared.
In 1870, he published a paper describing his experiences, ‘Quinine and Iodine change the Colour of the Iris’, and in 1893 published ‘Om Oegendiagnosen’, which included his Iris Chart.
As Bernard Jensen, considered the father of Western iridology, wrote: “It is interesting to note that although these men lived many miles apart and did not know each other, they wrote similar books at the same time, even writing alike word for word in many instances.” (Jensen, 1952)
Over time these early discoveries were refined by an unbroken line of practitioners following the precepts of Peczely and Liljequist. By the turn of the century, Iridology had reached the United States through the work of Henry Edward Lane, MD. One of Lane’s students was Henry Lindlahr, an MD, as well as an osteopathic physician. Dr. Linlahr continued with the pioneering efforts that established the science of Iridology in this country. During the years from 1922-24 a young Bernard Jenson, known today as the Father of Iridology in the West, began visiting with and receiving instruction in iridology from Dr. Lindlahr. Jensen spent the many remaining years of his life studying, practicing, and perfecting the art of Iridology. He left a legacy of research material; thousands of photographs documenting cases, and an abundance of publications. A teacher and mentor to thousands, Jensen's pioneering work in Iridology will continue to be shared and even expanded upon in the years to come. My teacher, Dr Robert Morse, ND, studied and practiced with Dr. Jenson for many years, mentored and inspired by this friendship, and currently teaches Regenerative Detoxification and Iridology at his school in Florida.
Recommended Resources
The following texts have become my Iridology bibles*: Iridology: The Science and Practice in the Healing Arts, Volumes 1 and 2 by Dr. Bernard Jensen; Iridology, A Complete Guide, by Farida Sharan. Dr. Jensen also published Visions of Health - Understanding Iridology, which is excellent as an introduction to Iridology, as well as Iridology Simplified which is more of a pamphlet size intro to Iridology, also excellent.
*Sadly, Bernard Jensen's Iridology Volume 2 is out of print and somewhat difficult to obtain.
*Sadly, Bernard Jensen's Iridology Volume 2 is out of print and somewhat difficult to obtain.
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