Iridology and Practice

Iridology is not a complete therapy in itself, but is a very effective diagnostic tool.  The iris is made up of about 27,000 nerve endings from every part of the body and, much like reflexologists can feel and treat problems by massaging the feet, just about anything that is happening in the body is reflected in the iris.  It cannot show specific diseases, but instead shows inherited weaknesses, acute inflammation (ie which is happening now), degeneration of tissues, pathways of disease and digestive insufficiencies amongst other things, and this helps the iridologist to target treatment much more accurately as it takes away the necessity for "trial and error" that may otherwise be the case.

Once problems and weaknesses have been identified, a naturopathic method of treatment is adopted incorporating a mixture of therapies, although the two main ones are Nutritional Therapy and herbs, as many of the recommendations will focus upon dietary changes and herbs to clear, say, lymphatic congestion or toxicity of the digestive tract.

In Nutritional Therapy Level 2 Clinical Practice iridology is featured and incorporated into the case studies, and I have found the knowledge gained from the iridology course invaluable when working out the best treatment plan for each "client".  It is quite astonishing how many symptoms can be treated just by identifying the "client's" constitution, seeing which of the weaknesses are presenting as symptoms and then making the relevant constitutional recommendations.  Thereafter it is fairly straightforward to see what symptoms are left and then work out how to treat them.  It certainly gives confidence when tackling an apparently complicated case to be able to break it down in this way and piece it all back together again.

Also, the iridology course itself is excellent, and you start on practical experience from the very first module.  Throughout the course are little research projects and quick quizzes which further develop your interest and enthusiasm, and also help to revise as you go through.  You will find the course especially useful if you are nutritional therapy student, as many of the essays help to revise issues which you may have already come across but either forgotten about or would benefit from a refresher, such as blood sugar and the acid/alkaline balance.  However, even if you study herbs or another therapy, the knowledge you will gain from researching for these essays will help you to increase your overall knowledge and provide the best possible treatment for your clients in future.

Iridology is not the easiest subject you could ever pick to learn, but it is worth sticking with and my personal feeling is that anyone wanting to study herbs or nutrition should certainly consider studying iridology as well, as it will definitely help you in the future.  Also, the course complies with the curriculum of the Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists and you can then go on to gain full Guild membership which obviously gives you the benefit and reassurance of a respected and approved qualification.

Happy studies!

Kim Blake C.H.Ed (Dip Nut Th)
Kim is currently studying Nutritional Therapy Level 2 Clinical Practice and is nearing the end of the Iridology Diploma course, both with the Kevala Centre.