Iridology Keri Williams

7/28/2019 Iridology Keri Williams

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Id like to start by explaining what

iridology actually is. This assess-ment tool sets out to discover,through a non-invasive examina-tion of the iris, a number of mark-ings that can be analysed accordingto their location. The analysis ofthe markings provides valuableinformation on the structure andfunction of the body. By definition,according to the 27th edition ofDorlands Illustrated MedicalDictionary, iridology is the studyof the iris, particularly its colour,markings, changes, etc, as associat-

ed with disease.Bernard Jensen, an expert in the

field, compared the iris to the mon-itor of a computer a surface dis-playing the integrity of tissue inother parts of the body. Iridologistsbelieve that the eyes are an out-growth of the brain connected bythe optic nerve. Hence, the eye isconsidered to be a specialised typeof brain tissue and is the only partof the brain that can be observedwithout surgery. Nerve impulsesfrom every organ and system in the

body are processed and respondedto by the brain, and this informa-tion in turn is registered on the iris(transmitted via the optic nerve).In many ways, iridology couldbe regarded as another form of

reflexology, where the reflexesin the iris record signs about thehealth of the associated organs.

The iridology chart (see opposite)The location of these iris signs issignificant. Over time, iridologistshave developed charts that enableone to reference the location of theiris sign and relate it back to thecorresponding organ or body part.

Clockface liver diagramThe chart divides the iris up into12 sectors, and iridologists refer to

various organ zones as if this is aclock face for example, the liveris located at 8 oclock in both the

left and right eye (see diagrambelow). By comparing the iris tothe chart, the whole picture of theinner workings of that individualbecomes apparent. One of themost interesting aspects thatI find with the iridology chart ishow its arrangement correlatesto the anatomy of the body forinstance, the lower limbs are locat-ed at the base of the iris (around6 oclock), the brain structures atthe top of the iris (11 1 oclock),the bowel is the first circle aroundthe pupil on the inside and the skinis represented on the outer edge ofthe pupil.

The iridology examinationBasic iris examinations can takeplace with very little equipment.The suggested starter kit is usuallya lens, a torch with an adjustablebeam and an iridology chart. Thelens is held over the clients eyewhile the focused beam of thetorch is brought in from the out-side edge of the face, thereby illu-

minating the iris.

LimitationsThere is a large amount that iridol-ogy can do which the homeopathcan benefit from understanding.It is a very powerful tool to gleaninformation. However, it is justthat: information. Iridology is nota diagnostic tool rather it is anassessment tool. Only the patientcan confirm the information oneobserves. Sensitivity is requiredwhen asking questions around

what is seen many people getanxious when one discusses inherit-ed weaknesses in major organs. Wedo not want to send them runningto the doctor in a panic, convincedthey have a fatal disease!

FEATURE

Homeopathy in practice Spring 201236

Since qualifying

in 2009 from the

College of Practical

Homeopathy,

Keri has been

practising both

homeopathy and

iridology in

London. After

discovering iridol-

ogy whilst at col-

lege, Keri studied

under Marion and

Peter Joyce and

has received a

diploma in iridolo-

gy from the Guild

of Naturopathic

Iridologists. She

has found iridology

to be an invaluable

asset to her homeo-

pathic practice and

aims to extend this

to a wider audience.

Iridology through thehomeopathic looking glassby Keri Williams LCPH MGNI D.Ir

This two-part article aims to explore some of the links between homeo-pathy and iridology, and how these can be used to enhance homeo-pathic prescribing. Some basic iridology techniques can be employedto provide information on both the physical and mental / emotionallevel. This information can be used to enhance case-taking by askingmore targeted questions, to choose the correct organ support / drainageremedies or to add to ones case notes and decide upon the optimalconstitutional remedy. Part One gives an overview of iridology andtwo techniques the homeopath can adopt to ascertain physical dysfunc-tion, whilst Part Two will focus on the mental / emotional aspects.

Clockface liver diagram Keri Williams

Part One


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One may see signs of an over-taxed organ, yet that patient insiststhey do not experience any symp-toms associated with that particu-lar organ. This is quite commonand indicates the very early stagesof dysfunction and where a condi-tion is likely to manifest in time ifthey do not take steps to improvetheir health. One can then counsel

them on living healthily to ensurethey have the best chance of avoid-ing related illnesses, in additionto providing the appropriatehomeopathic prescription basedon this understanding.

Iris signsThere are a variety of different irissigns that can be observed. Many ofthese signs are present at birth, orform in infancy. The signs present atbirth show where there is an inherit-ed weakness, and one can decipher

from the eye whether this was inher-ited from the mother or fathers sideof the family. It is particularly fasci-nating when a parent and childcome in for an assessment andone can clearly see where identical

hereditary iris signs have beenpassed down the family line. Thiscan give added confirmation ofthe remedies required in the case,particularly on a miasmatic level.

These inherited iris signs canchange slightly with time. Asa person ages and accumulatesmore layers (toxicity, mental and

emotional baggage, physical illness)the inherently weak areas of thebody are usually the first to beimpacted. The colours of the inher-ited iris signs can fluctuate, andthis shows one when the suscepti-ble organ or system weaknesseshave become active. In addition tothis, one is not only able to observewhen the iris sign is active, but also

what stage of decline the organis at. These stages go from acuteinflammation, progressing throughchronic conditions and finally tothe degenerative stage where thereis necrosis and pathology. Hyper orhypo-activity of the organ can alsobe determined, which is particular-ly useful, for example, when check-ing the adrenals or thyroid gland.

Application of iridology forhomeopathsWe know how important it is in

homeopathy to understand onespatient as an individual and, forexample, what makes their experi-ence of a common ailment differentfrom the next persons. Iridologyprovides a tool that allows one to

37Homeopathy in practice Spring 2012

Iridology could be

regarded as another

form of reflexology,

where the reflexes in

the iris record signs

about the health of the

associated organs

FEATURE

Jensen Iridology

Chart

PermissiongrantedbyBernhardJensenInternational


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see what is happening on a physi-cal level underneath these symp-toms. It paves the way into thepatients inner world and provides

us with an uncompensated viewof what is really going on. This isespecially useful when it comes toassessing the timeline and the men-tal / emotional aspects (which I willexpand on in the second part ofthe article).

There are a number of simpleiridology techniques that can beadopted by homeopaths after somebasic training, allowing them toelicit much information, including:

inherited organ weakness andwhich side of the family thiswas inherited from

whether the inherently weakorgans are currently over /under-functioning

at what age physical /emotional traumas occurred(the homeopathic timeline)

if there were any traumas pre-birth, in-utero

personality traits, for exampletendency to depression or anger,

extroversion or introversion

the strength of the personsconstitution

the function of the gastro-intestinal system (includingbowel pockets, protein diges-tion, absorption)

nutritional imbalances presence of candida or

parasites.

Case exampleThe following case illustrationprovides a summary of how I useiridology to determine inheritedorgan weakness and which organsare under-functioning.

Identifying inherited organweaknessThere are a number of iris signswhich show inherently weakenedorgans through iridology. For thepurposes of this article I focus onthe round iris markings (calledlacunas) and darker areas of theiris (which under magnificationshow that fibres in the iris havewider gaps between them).

Lacuna split fibresThe presence of either of these twotypes of markings in the left irisindicates inheritance from thematernal line, while the right eyeshows the paternal line. Often thepatient does not even realise thatthey have these related issues in

FEATURE


Lacuna: split fibres

Keri

Williams


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their family medical history and itis not uncommon for people to goaway and ask their family aboutthis, only to confirm ones findings.

When I examine the iris I notethese signs and compare them withthe iridology chart to see wherein the body a weakness has beeninherited. It is important to con-firm these findings with the patient,so I might ask if there was a histo-ry of disease associated with theindicated organ on their mothersor fathers side of the family.

Next, I note the colours andshades of the signs; these are dis-cussed in the next section.

Identifying inherited organweakness: CaseIn this case example there aremany round lacuna markings(giving a somewhat loopy appear-ance around the iris). Overall, thisindicates inherited glandular weak-ness (cancer miasm). The rubricGLANDS, weak is useful inthese cases.

These patients usually have a his-tory of glandular fever, often withpost-viral fatigue, so it is importantto enquire about this in the case-taking. Homeopathically, Carcino-

sin and the Glandular fever nosodeare the top remedies to considerfor ailments from glandular fever;however, Calcarea carbonicum,Gelsemium or Mercurius may alsobe well indicated.

On an individual organ level,I have picked out some of the moreimportant markings to discuss inthis case (see photo at the top ofthis page).

Right eye, inherited weaknessesfrom father:1 Small round lacuna in heart area

(9 oclock) and heart / bronchusarea (3 oclock) with yellow

toxicity settled around the lungs(8.30) and white inflammation;confirmed family history herfather died of pulmonary heartdisease.

2 Several round lacuna markings

joined, around throat area(2.30); confirmed family history her father had serious throatproblems before she was bornfor which he nearly had to havesurgery. No other details known.Patient was susceptible to tonsil-litis, glandular swelling and sorethroats, which move to the chest.

3 Darker area (separated fibres)with white / yellow colouringover thyroid area (3.15); patientcould not confirm family historyof diagnosed thyroid issues butdid have difficulty expressing herinner emotions.

Left eye, inherited from mother:4 Round lacuna marking at the

thyroid area (9.15) with a dark-ened appearance showing hypo-activity and yellow toxic settle-ment. Patient is quite calc-carby in appearance and con-firms that she finds it difficultto lose weight. Patients motheralso carried a little extra weightbut did not have a diagnosedthyroid issue.

5 Round lacuna marking at kidneyarea (6.15) with darkened colourand separated fibres indicating

inherited weakness with hypo-function. The family historyconfirms this marking as thepatients mother had high bloodpressure associated with kidneyunder-function. The darkenedcolour shows a hypo-state ofkidney functioning which is con-firmed by the yellow settlementsseen generally around the eye(discussed in depth later).

6 Round lacuna marking at liverarea (8 oclock) with darker area(separated fibres) and yellow

toxic deposits around show toxi-city held in the liver along withan inherited weakness in thearea. Patient did not recall anydiagnosed liver condition on hermothers side of the family.

Putting it all togetherAlready with those pieces of infor-mation, one has a considerableamount of information on the phys-ical workings of this individual. Itis important to use case-taking asthe tool to gather information,assess what the most significantdysfunction is and prescribe forwhat is most pressing.

In this case, the heart, lungs, kid-ney and thyroid potentially needaddressing. On a mental and emo-tional level, there was some fear,timidity and confidence issuesalong with a history of recurringear infections. In the Chinese fiveelements philosophy, these are all

FEATURE


Loopy lacuna presentation: inherited

weak glands

Case example:

inherited

It is important to

use case-taking as

the tool to gather

information and assess

the most significant

dysfunction

KeriWilliams

KeriWilliams


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linked to the energy of the kidneys,so I felt through my analysis of allinformation that the kidneys neededsupporting the most.

I would also be concerned aboutthe weakened heart inherited fromher fathers side of the family thatwas showing signs of yellow toxicdeposits. If there are no symptomsassociated with the heart, or anydiagnosed condition, I usually giveCrataegus in either mother tinctureor x potency. This acts as a tonic tosupport and strengthen the heart.

Clearly the thyroid and liver wouldneed addressing in due course if theyare still causing issues after the kid-ney function has improved.

Assessing organ functionwith colourColours are an easy way to identifyorgan dysfunction within the iris.Colours that are found in a blue irishave a different presentation within

FEATURE


Colours are an

easy way to

identify organ

dysfunction

within the iris

COLOUR INDICATIONS SUGGESTED REMEDIES

White First stage of acute inflammation. Widespread white in a blue eye shows systemic

acidity and a system overloaded with uric acid.Patient is susceptible to arthritis and gout.

In brown eyes this could look like a lighter shadeor yellow.

Hyperactivity of associated organ (for example whitefibres in the thyroid area suggest hyperthyroid state,

or a susceptibility to this).

Acute inflammatory state of associated organ. Searchfor rubrics in the chapter associated with the specific

organ. Look for rubrics along the lines of hyper-

activity, over-function or inflammation.

Yellow On an overall level, the kidneys are under-functioningand need support to eliminate toxicity.

Yellow spots localised to organs indicate sub-acutestates inflammation is becoming more chronic and

toxicity is settling in associated area.

The kidneys need to be employed to remove the toxici-ty and long-term organ support may be required to

do this.

The organ area with yellow colouring may also bene-fit from specific remedies while the kidneys are being

supported.

Search for rubrics in the chapter associated with thespecific organ. Look for rubrics along the lines of

weak, congestion, under-function or hypo-activity.

It is worth cross-checking to the KIDNEY, general or

KIDNEY, weak rubrics.

Orange Pancreas and blood sugar support is required. A deeper stage than sub-acute, heading toward

chronic. Even more toxicity settling in organ.

Organs are moving further into hypo-function.

Pancreas is weak; there is a tendency toward hypo-glycaemia. Patient is likely to experience sugar cravings. The organ area with orange colouring may also bene-

fit from specific remedies while the pancreas is being

supported.


weak, congestion, under-functioning or hypo-activity.

It is worth cross-checking to the GLANDS, pancreas,

general rubric.

Brown Liver is weakened and needs support in eliminatingtoxicity.

Chronic state, toxicity well settled in tissue and willrequire longer-term detoxification to remove (naturo-

pathic detoxification techniques can help a lot in

these cases alongside homeopathy).

Patient moving toward pathology and tissue change. The organ area with brown colouring may also bene-

fit from specific remedies while the liver is being

supported.


weak, congestion, under-functioning or hypo-activity.

It is worth cross-checking to LIVER, congestion or

LIVER, weak rubric.

Black Pathology, degeneration and necrosis. Usually only occurs in small parts of the iris and is

associated with one area.

Patient requires a lot of organ support for bodilyfunctions associated with degenerating body tissue.

Check if there are any diagnosed conditions associat-ed with that organ, if not it is worth sensitively refer-ring the patient to a doctor for a check-up.

Widespread white inflammation (sys-

temic acidity):

Top general support remedies Natrumphos or Natrum bicarbonicum

Nervy and anxious people Arsenicum,

Argentum nitricum

Skin and digestive issues Gaertneror

Sycotic co.

Miasmatically Carcinosin is indicated.

Top general support remedy

Berberis vulgaris

Blood cleanser and general kidney tonic

Sarsaparilla

History of trauma Aconite or

StramoniumFemale cases with uterine difficulties

Helonios dioica

Digestive, respiratory and liver issues

Zingiber

Emaciated and malnourished patients

Alfalfa

Active or history of urinary tract infec-

tions Terebinthina, Apis, Benzoic acid,

Serum anguillaeor Sarsaparilla.

Top general support remedies

Pancreatinum, Syzygium and Iris

Constitutionally remedies to consider

Lycopodium, Phosphorus, the Kalis or

CalcsHeadaches with hunger Ignatia,

Lycopodium, Nux vomica, Phosphorus

Weakness from hunger Iodum,

Lycopodium, Mercurius, Phosphorus,

Sepia, Spigelia.

Top general support remedies

Chelidonium, Carduus marianus,

Berberis

Constitutional remedies to consider

Lycopodium, Conium, Sepia or Kali carb

Liver congestion with medication or

recreational drug history Morgan, Nuxvomicaor Gelsemium

Irritability with liver congestion

Chamomilla, Bryonia, Nux vomica,

Podophyllum, Lachesis, China,

Chelidonium.

This can indicate serious pathology and

should be repertorised and prescribed

upon according to the condition and

the patients presenting complaints.

Some possible necrotic remedies for

consideration:

Syphilinum could be indicated ona miasmatic level

Septic and malignant conditions

Lachesisor Crotalus horridus

Enlarged glands or anaemia Mercurius

Low vitality and chronic fatigue X-ray.


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a brown iris due to the higher levelof pigmentation. In a brown eye, itis important to perceive the differencein contrast between the shades ofbrown and yellow and use ones case-taking to confirm what one is seeing.

When examining the iris, thecolours are noted along with theirlocation, which are again com-pared to the iridology chart. Asalways, information needs to beconfirmed by the patient, so I askquestions around symptoms thatcould be produced according to thecolour and organ. For example, ifthere is a brown mark around theliver area, I ask questions aroundhistory of medication and toxicity,

as well as whether they experienceheadaches, tiredness in the morn-ings or general irritability.

I then analyse the informationand prescribe for the weakest,most chronic states first. (See tableopposite for the colours, indica-tions and possible remedies.)

Case: Assessing organ functionwith colour(see photo above)Both irises show much white andyellow colouring. The widespreadwhite indicates that she is generally

quite acidic on a systemic level.However, as there is much yellowsettling amongst this (highlighted inblack on the photograph), I can seethat the acute inflammatory state isgoing deeper and moving towardsa sub-acute state toxicity is begin-ning to settle in the tissue. I would,therefore, focus on the yellow colourfirst which is the deeper issue.

On an organ level, yellowdemonstrates that the kidneys areunder-functioning and that theyshould be supported to enhance the

elimination process. This leads meto ask further questions such as:

Have you noticed changes inbladder function?

Is your urine an unusual colouror smell?

Do you have any pain or dis-comfort around the back orkidneys?

Do you have pain or difficultyurinating?

Putting this together with my previ-ous assessment on inherited organweakness confirms that the inheritedweakened kidneys from her mothersside of the family are now in anactive state of under-functioning. It

FEATURE


also provides additional confirma-tion of those findings that thekidneys are indeed weak.

So, when formulating the homeo-

pathic prescription I want to sup-port the kidneys for an extendedperiod of time with well-indicateddrainage remedies, and I would con-sider constitutional remedies whichhave an affinity for the kidneys.

ConclusionFrom this overview of just twotools in the iridology toolbox, it iseasy to see how much informationcan be gleaned from the iris. Thesetwo tools provide an insight intothe patients susceptibilities andalso the active dysfunction withintheir body. The iridologists art isin deciding what needs to be curednow just like homeopathy. Com-bining iridology and homeopathyhas been an invaluable asset tomy practice, and I hope this articleinspires the reader to look into thismodality further.

Part Two of this article will high-light the methods used for identify-ing the timeline within the eye, andalso some of the personality traitswhich can be read from the iris.

REFERENCES

Dorlands Illustrated MedicalDictionary, 27th edn (1985).SaundersHall D (1980) Iridology: How theEyes Reveal Your Health and YourPersonality. Keats Publishing Inc.

Joyce M & Joyce P (2009) StudyGuide. Self-published.

Jensen B, Jensen B & Donald V(1992) Visions of Health, 1st edn.Avery Publishing, Penguin PutnamInc.Kramer E (2003) Chinese Five

Elements. College of PracticalHomeopathy handoutMurphy R (2005) HomeopathicClinical Repertory, 3rd edn. LotusHealth Institute.Murphy R (2000) HomeopathicRemedy Guide, 2nd edn. H.A.N.A.Press.Sharan F (1992) Iridology: a com-

plete guide to diagnosing throughthe iris and to related forms oftreatment, revised edn. School ofNatural Medicine.Vermeulen F (2004) Prisma. The

Arcana of Materia MedicaIlluminated, 3rd edn. EmryssPublishers.

Keri Williams can be contacted [email protected].

Iridology provides

a tool that allows one

to see what is happening

on a physical level

underneath these symp-

toms. It paves the way

into the patients inner

world and provides

us with an uncompen-

sated view of what is

really going on

Case example:

colours

KeriWilliams

Documents

Iridology Keri Williams