What is Iridology?

Iridology (pronounced eye-ri-dology) is the art and science of analyzing the color and structure of the iris to determine tissue integrity throughout the body, thereby gaining valuable health information regarding strengths and weaknesses. Iridologists study the iris, particularly the color, markings, changes and other aspects, as they are associated with tissue degeneration. Iridology is one form of analysis that is non-invasive to the body…requiring to cutting, x-raying or use of any other invasive technique to complete the analysis.

What can you tell from Iridology

A qualified iridologist, by assessing the iris of both eyes, can obtain information about all parts of the body simultaneously. The iris reveals our inherited health disposition, our tendency towards, health concerns or problems. It helps us understand our potential risk factors if we don’t take care of ourselves. This is powerful knowledge and can help us care for our bodies so these tendencies do not become reality. Early detection of health imbalances and prompt correction is vitally important. Iridology is an excellent tool of assessment for current conditions and for preventive healthcare.

Client symptoms may indicate that something is not right in the body, but not necessarily reveal why. When one understands that symptoms are an end result of many influences and processes taking place in the body, it becomes clear how important it is to identify these contributing factors. Iridology can often help in this regard by identifying the underlying process or foundation of these symptoms. In this way, Iridology is great for preventive healthcare.

Lymphatic As seen by the naked eye, various shades of blue, blue gray, green or hazel distinguish the Lymphatic iris constitutional type. Under strong magnification the lymphatic iris type will appear predominantly blue or it will have pigment of various color that causes the eye to appear green or even hazel. (Click on the image to the right, to see more examples of this iris type.)
Biliary This iris constitutional type has an overlay of brown or sometimes orange pigment with fibers from the underlying stroma showing through. To the naked eye, sometimes a darker Biliary iris will appear brown, but under stronger magnification it is clear the fibers beneath the pigment are showing through. This distinguishes it from being a hematogenic (brown) iris. (Click on the image to the right, to see more examples of this iris type.)
Hematogenic Dark, medium, or lighter brown describe the Hematogenic iris constitution. The dense pigment of various thicknesses overlays and completely covers the iris fibers that are otherwise seen in the Blue or Biliary constitutional types. The structural markings, however, are visible as in the Blue and Biliary constitutional types. (Click on the image to the right, to see more examples of this iris type.)

There are three basic constitutional types of irises by color: Lymphatic (or blue), Biliary (or mixed) and Hematogenic (or brown). The constitutional type alone provides much information to a trained iridologist about the inherent strengths and weaknesses (or deficiencies) of a person’s body (organs, glands and tissues). The structure, and the markings seen in the iris, give further information based on their location, shape and a variety of other factors. This helps a trained iridologist to determine how best to help an individual.

How is Iridology performed?

A practitioner skilled in iris analysis uses either a hand held light source and a small magnifying lens, or for more extensive analysis a specialized digital (or slide or print) camera allowing the practitioner the ability to study the iris, sclera and pupils in the analysis. Dr. Cheryl Matschek utilizes, in her practice, a specialized camera for iridology to take digital photographs for the iris analysis.

How long does a consultation take?

When an iris analysis is completed as part of a comprehensive health evaluation, the appointment time is normally about two hours. If an individual wants only an iris analysis without a comprehensive health consultation, the appointment is normally one hour.

Will this harm my eyes?

Absolutely not. You should have no adverse effects from the iris photography. This is not an invasive process.

Is Iridology commonly used in health?

While Iridology is still considered somewhat controversial because of the struggle for acceptance by contemporary allopathic medicine as a valid tool for analysis, many medical doctors in European countries use iridology as a regular part of diagnosis. It is part of a larger family of the numerous branches of the natural healing arts. Its partner is the art and science of nutrition.

Why haven’t I heard more about Iridology?

Although the science of Iridology is at least 3,000 years old and is used worldwide, it is still essentially a “sleeping giant” in the United States, but it is growing in recognition and acceptance quite rapidly. The oldest discovered records to date have shown that a form of iris interpretation was used in ancient China as far back as 3,000 years ago, or 1,000 B.C. Two men “rediscovered” the idea of iris analysis in the nineteenth century and are both held to be the modern day “Fathers of Iridology.” These were Dr. Ignatz von Peczely of Germany, and Nils Liljequst, a Swedish clergyman. Throughout the years others have contributed greatly to the research and development of understanding the iris. The “Father of Iridology” in the United States is Dr. Bernard Jensen. Prior to his death in 2001 (at the age of 92), he wrote numerous books on Iridology, nutrition and health; and spent countless hours lecturing and teaching.

Today, many people have “heard of” iridology and calls are frequently received for appointments because a friend, colleague or other person has referred an individual for an iris evaluation. More and more people are becoming aware of the validity of iridology and the great role it can play in health assessment.

Iridology and Natural Health

As a natural health practitioner, Cheryl takes into account the whole person. She looks beyond a “disease” or condition or symptom to the whole person. We must remember that diseases do not create us, we create disease. And we must also remember that we don’t “catch” diseases. We create disease and disorder by breaking down our natural defenses by the way we eat, drink, think, feel and the lifestyle we live. The emphasis on healing must include the whole person, not just the disease. Iridology helps us look at the “whole person” and determine levels of health throughout the body.

Analysis, Not Diagnosis

Early day iridologists referred to iris “diagnosis,” and in fact in other countries it is sometimes still referred to as “iris diagnosis.” Today we refer to the art and science as “analysis.” In the United States, making a “diagnosis” implies that you are a doctor duly licensed to diagnose. The term “analysis” is accurate when referring to iridology.

If you are interested in finding out more about iridology, please visit the International Iridology Practitioners Association (IIPA) website.