THE EYES HAVE IT
Iridologists read the map of the eye’s iris to uncover a body’s
health history.
By Anne Dimon
As spas in Ontario and across Canada become more health and wellness- minded, spa goers are seeing an increasing number of alternative therapies and diagnostic “tools” finding their way onto spa menus. Things like Chakra Balancing, Reiki, Reflexology….and now, Iridology.
The science and practise of Iridology dates back to the early 1800s. Based on the belief that the iris has a reflex relationship with the body, this coloured part of the eye which regulates the intake of light, has the ability to reflect the health and inherent weaknesses of the various parts, organs and systems of the body.
With Iridology the scientific reading of the iris can be used, for instance, to confirm the presence of problems such as an over or under-active thyroid, digestion or circulation problems, identify parasites or past physical injuries. It is thought to be especially beneficial in relation to conditions caused by lack of proper nutrition. Just as a therapist trained in Reflexology can identify weaknesses in the body thru the feet, a therapist trained in iridology can analyze the delicate and intricate tissue of the iris to hone in on the body’s strengths and problem areas to help paint a picture of an individual’s overall health. Comprised of miniscule blood vessels, tiny muscle and hundreds of thousands of nerve endings, the iris is also as unique as a fingerprint. So much so that iris scans are now used in biometric security systems.
While iridologists cannot diagnose, they can read (or reaffirm) weaknesses in certain parts of the body. For example, if an esthetician, while giving a client a facial, notices skin breakouts and believes the breakout to be a result of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, a subsequent iridology session has the potential to further confirm those beliefs. The therapist is then in a better position to recommend possible solutions to treat the breakouts.
I booked an iridology session (50 minutes, $75 Cdn.) at the Wind in the Willows Spa at the lakeside Wig-a-Mog Inn (www.haliburton-spa.com) in Haliburton, Ontario. A practitioner of iridology since 1995, Sylvia Holland is also owner and spa director of this intimate wellness spa.
In one of her spa treatment rooms, the session begins with a health analyses – Holland asks me questions about my eating habits, sleep, exercise and general health. My answers reflect the healthy lifestyle that I try to lead – good eating habits, lots of exercise, eight hours of sleep – and I’m expecting a good reading. I’m advised that I can either sit or lie on the treatment table. Armed with a bright light (like a small flash light) and a magnifying glass, Holland stands in front of me as if she was an optometrist going to give me an eye exam. On the bed just beside me are two charts – one of the right iris, one of the left.
As she looks deep into the irises of my eyes and refers to the charts, one of her first impressions is that I have a strong constitution. She tells me that the stronger the constitution the greater the ability to process nutrients, dispose of waste and carry-on with cellular activities. “When you have a health problem,” she explains, “you handle it very well and just keep right on going.” She is bang on. I (knock on wood) rarely get sick. She explains that just as one might find with fabric – say, silk compared to cheesecloth – it’s the closeness of the fibers of the iris and their uniformity that indicate strength. Just from looking into my eyes she is able to tell me what parts/systems of my body indicate a need for concern.
Iridology in association with other alternative modalities such as Reflexology or Facial Skin Mapping (where parts of the face reflect parts of body) can act as a confirming tool. Not only can an iridology session possibly assist in determining the root cause of certain symptoms (like acne) and ailments (such as lack of energy) but can maybe identify potential weak areas (thyroid, pancreas, adrenals, for instance). An iridologist may then suggest that a client have the condition looked at by a medical or wellness professional (in some cases that could be a physician, in other cases a homeopath) for diagnoses and treatment before the weakness leads to problems. Think of it as confirming a condition with a second opinion. “No matter what one sees in the face (skin) or feet (reflexology) it can be verified (or not) in the eyes.” At Wind in the Willows, people are generally introduced to it out of curiosity. They try it, she says, then come again in another three to six months to see if recommended supplements have altered a condition.
Holland stresses that the job of an iridologist is not to diagnose but to simply read the map, tell what they see and make suggestions (usually relating to nutrition) to the client. Health wise, “you’re only as good as your weakest link,” she points out, and Iridology just may be able to help you pin point exactly what that is.
Anne Dimon is a spa and wellness travel writer and editor of www.traveltowellness.com
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
