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Welcome!! I've always been passionate about helping others and engaging them in the process of evolving and growing into who they want to be and to have the health and life they desire. I've worked one-on-one with clients for over 20yrs in the field of Holistic Nutrition, and now also in Functi…

Hi there! My name is Michelle Tonkin. I am a Naturopathic Doctor, Certified Nutritional Consultant, Master Herbalist, Master Iridologist and Master Reflexologist. I am a graduate of Trinity College of Natural Health and Acusage Academy. My journey to pursue these degrees started in 2001, as I desir…
FAQs:
What is an Iridologist?
An Iridologist is a practitioner of Iridology, which is the study of the iris. Iridologists often have training in natural health modalities such as herbal medicine, massage, or reiki, and can use the information from an iridology reading to recommend treatments, changes in lifestyle, exercises, or supplements to improve the health of a client based on their specific needs.
What Does an Iridologist Do?
An iridologist or iridology practitioners are those who conduct iridology on patients. During a session, they will examine the patient's eye and make changes.
Then, they will write up a summary of their findings for the patient. For example, if you have a blue eye color, and the shade shifts slightly, they will note their findings.
Then, they will consider what this change means by comparing it with an iridologist chart. On the whole, most people should receive a positive summary. However, if you have reached out to diagnose a specific issue, they'll direct you toward medical help.
Iridologists can work anywhere. From wellness clinics to private practices, iridologists can be found everywhere.
Some iridologists also practice behavioral iridology. This discipline uses irises to determine personality traits and professional aptitude.
Behavioral practitioners use different kinds of charts and receive additional training. If you want to learn to be a behavioral iridologist, online training courses can delve into more detail.
What is Iridology?
Iridology is an alternative medicine technique whose proponents claim that patterns, colors, and other characteristics of the iris can be examined to determine information about a patient's systemic health. Practitioners match their observations to iris charts, which divide the iris into zones that correspond to specific parts of the human body. Iridologists see the eyes as "windows" into the body's state of health.
How is Iridology Practiced?
Iridologists generally utilize cameras, flashlights, and microscopes to examine the patient’s iris to detect tissue change, stromal irregularities (stromal cells are connective tissue cells of any organ; they often play a role in cancer growth), and pigment patterns. The results are then compared to an iris chart, which helps to correlate the various parts of the human body with different zones in the iris.
How Does Iridology Work?
Iridologists use a diagram called an iridology chart to complete their readings. This type of chart includes a “map” of the irises in the left and right eyes. Each iris is divided into 60 different sections, each of which represents a different part of the body.
Each organ and structure of the right side of the body corresponds to a specific sector on the iridology chart’s map of the right iris. The same goes for the left side; each structure or organ found on the left side of the body has an assigned sector in the map of the left iris.
During a session, the iridologist looks for abnormalities in the pigmentation of both irises in a client’s eyes. Let’s say there is a discoloration or oddity located in the bottom center of the right iris. The iridologist would identify which body part is located in the corresponding section on the iridology chart. (In this case, the corresponding structure is the right leg — which means that the person’s right leg may be flawed in some way.)
Once the condition or flaw is determined by the iridologist, he or she lets the client know the precise location of the issue. Herbs or supplements may be recommended for minor problems, but major underlying conditions, injuries, or other concerns should then be referred to and addressed by a medical doctor.
Note that iridology is simply a way of identifying a possible health problem. It does not provide a proper medical diagnosis or treatment plan, though some supplements may be recommended at the time of the reading.
What Can Iridology Do for Me?
Iridology can tell the strength of your constitution – your ability to resist stress and disease. It can also tell your genotype, which is a body type/personality group describing your most likely areas of health concern, and some bits about your personality.
The Iris map lays out specific organs or areas of your body where there is tissue damage, lack of energy, scar tissue, or acute acidity or inflammation. It helps to pinpoint possible trouble areas in a person’s health.
Is Iridology Legitimate?
While there are many people who practice iridology, it is not scientifically backed. In fact, some scientists and eye care professionals strongly discourage the methods behind iridology, because they can be potentially harmful to those with serious underlying conditions.
There is no harm in having your eyes “read,” but health problems, both big and small, often require monitoring and treatment by a medical doctor. An iridologist is not considered a medical doctor, despite even the most in-depth training they may receive to detect ailments based on the features of the eyes.
Who Practices Iridology?
While some certified iridologists may only practice Iridology, other healthcare professionals such as naturopaths may incorporate Iridology into their practice. The International Iridology Practitioners Association (IIPA) is the leading accreditation body for iridology across the globe. Certified iridologists who are members of this professional organization demonstrate they have made a professional and ethical commitment to the practice of iridology and meet the IIPA’s professional standards.
Can Your Eyes Help Detect Any Medical Conditions?
Your eyes actually can tell your doctor a lot about your health. Some conditions — such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure — damage blood vessels throughout the entire body (including the eyes). This means a routine eye exam may be the first place they’re detected.
What Iridology Cannot Do?
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1. Diagnose disease e.g. cancer, gallstones, or kidney stones
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2. Show broken bones, previous surgery,y or pregnancy
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3. Give a psychic reading
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4. Replace ophthalmology
How Much Does it Cost to See an Iridologist?
Most iridologists earn about $125 for an in-office iris analysis and consultation. Analysis of slides or digital images may cost more—usually between $100 and $150.
The History of Iridology
The birth of iridology as a practice is contested. Some claim that iridology was first presented as a medical theory in the 1665 edition of Chromatica Medica by Philippus Meyeus. Meyeus claimed that he could link health issues with changes in the iris even before physical symptoms of those issues appeared elsewhere in the body.
Others claim that iridology was developed by Ignaz von Peczely in 1881. After noticing a spot in the eye of an owl with a broken leg, von Peczely hypothesized that the two were linked, later testing this theory on other animals and then people. Ignaz von Peczely is generally considered the “father of iridology.”
In the 1950s, American chiropractor Bernard Jensen went on to create an iridology eye chart that is still in use today. Jensen strongly believed in the practice of iridology and encouraged detoxifying the body to support health with natural foods.
What is an Iris Analysis?
An iris analysis can expand our understanding of your overall state of health and vitality, along with the potential cause of a variety of disease processes.
It is amazing what can reveal itself when getting a proper analysis of the iris. Iridology is an alternative medicine technique that uses the colors, patterns, and various other properties of the iris to assess your overall general health.
In Iridology, each organ in the human body has a corresponding region in the iris. This is very similar in nature to acupuncture, in which each organ has a corresponding region in the external body i.e. part of the hand or foot, etc.
Iris analysis can not diagnose a disease but it can reveal where inflammation and imbalances are occurring in your body. Once detected, the source of the issue can usually be addressed and resolved.
What is an Iridology Chart?
Iridologists use a diagram called an iridology chart to complete their readings. This type of chart includes a “map” of the irises in the left and right eyes. Each iris is divided into 60 different sections, each of which represents a different part of the body.
Each organ and structure of the right side of the body corresponds to a specific sector on the iridology chart’s map of the right iris. The same goes for the left side; each structure or organ found on the left side of the body has an assigned sector in the map of the left iris.
Different Areas of the Iris Associated with Various Organs
The iridology chart divides the iris into multiple sections, each linked to specific body parts. Below is a general breakdown of how different areas of the iris are associated with various organs:
1. Right Iris (Linked to the Right Side of the Body)
- Top Region – Brain, head, and sinuses
- Upper Quadrants – Lungs and heart
- Middle Area – Liver, gallbladder, pancreas
- Lower Region – Kidneys, intestines, reproductive organs
2. Left Iris (Linked to the Left Side of the Body)
- Top Region – Cerebral circulation, mental function
- Upper Quadrants – Spleen, stomach, lymphatic system
- Middle Area – Small intestine, colon, spine
- Lower Region – Bladder, reproductive system
Eye Constitutions in Iridology
There are three iris colors, according to iridology: the blue, the brown, and the “biliary” or mixed eye type. These constitutions can signal which health conditions an individual might be prone to based upon their inheritance of genetics.
The blue eye is associated with a lymphatic constitution, so they may have problems with their mucous membrane, typically affecting the upper respiratory system.
The brown eye is known as a hematogenic constitution, which is more prone to issues with blood, the liver, and the gastrointestinal system.
The biliary eye tends to suffer from both hematologic and lymphatic type conditions, meaning they are prone to a mixture of ailments. They should consider being proactive in protecting the health of their liver and their digestive system.
In being armed with this knowledge, iridologists believe you can actively work to prevent specific diseases. While there are no conditions that iridology constitutions can guarantee, they can potentially point you in the right direction.
Iridology Personality Types
Iridology can help you understand aspects of your personality by analyzing the coloration of the iris. Iridologists claim there are four main types of personality we can identify from the pigment patterns within the iris:
1. Stream
Someone with a stream iris will find they have a uniform structure to the fibers; it can be the most difficult to identify as it is marked by the absence of irregularities. The personality associated with a stream iris is grounded. They tend to be fairly intuitive and well-connected to their senses and experiences. Incredibly empathetic, these personalities work well in tandem with others. Nurturing, they bring the best out in those around them and are very physically adept and suited to healthcare and athletics.
2. Jewel
An iris flecked with darker-colored dots is called a jewel type, which is associated with an analytical personality. Logic dominates with this personality type; everything must be carefully thought through before any changes can be made. Intense thinkers are not given to large outward shows of emotion and tend to have a precise and succinct verbal delivery that lends their personality to teaching, science, and leadership.
3. Flower
An iris with rounded openings in a ring that looks like encircling petals falls under the flower type. These people tend to be emotional. Creative, expressive, and full of grace, the joie de vivre of this personality type often makes for excellent artists and engineers. Always ready to go with the flow, sometimes people with emotional personalities need to ensure they keep focused on whatever task is at hand.
4. Shaker
A shaker iris tends to combine visual aspects of jewel and flower irises - it will have a combination of flecks and rounded openings around the iris. These people tend to be extremists, meaning they are full of joy and vitality and make the world move with them. Often incredibly dynamic, perhaps handfuls as children, the shaker personality tends to be an adventurous innovator. They not only embrace change but are frequently the ones leading it.
Main Principles of Iridology
The four principles that form the cornerstones of iridology are:
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1. Assessing the condition of the nerves
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2. Assessing the condition of the blood and lymph system
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3. Checking that there is adequate circulation
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4. Exploring nutrition - rest quality, breathing - state of mind
Conditions that Iridology Claims to Detect
Here are the conditions that Iridology claims to detect:
1. Hypertension
A ring around the iris may indicate increased blood pressure, as demonstrated by a slow metabolism. If hypertension is not detected early, it can cause a range of problems, such as a stroke or heart attack.
2. Hyperthyroidism
Eyes that appear to bulge slightly can often indicate an overworked thyroid, which an iridologist can detect and compare to a chart to discover linked concerns. Anxiety, fatigue, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty sleeping are all signs of this condition.
3. Liver damage
Brown spots found in the liver area of the iris can help a trained iridologist detect liver disease. Liver problems can occasionally manifest as mental disorders like depression, and if discovered early enough, a treatment program can often stop the disease from progressing.
4. Gallbladder problems
A common symptom of gallbladder and bile duct abnormalities is a yellowing of the white of the eye.
5. Digestive problems
Discolorations around the pupil can indicate problems with the digestive system, specifically the stomach and intestines. The iridologist may be able to discover that other seemingly unrelated health concerns have underlying digestive problems.
6. Allergic sensitivity
An iridologist uses the blood vessels in the whites of the eyes as a way to discover environmental and food allergies and sensitivities. Iridologists try to determine the nature of the allergy or sensitivity by comparing various markers in the iris and then can recommend treatment.
7. Inflammation
Iridologists can discover some markers of inflammation in certain specific areas since the iris is divided into several portions that correspond to different body zones. Inflammation can be a prelude to a variety of serious health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, so it’s critical to catch it early.
8. Lymphatic health
Depending on how the lymph system interacts with the lungs and heart, problems in the lymph system can usually be diagnosed at certain points. Since the lymphatic system relies on lung function to remove pollutants, this can have an impact on the respiratory system.
9. High cholesterol
A white ring around the iris can indicate excessive cholesterol or arteriosclerosis.
10. Weakened immune system
White marks in the iris may indicate a compromised immune system, according to an iridologist. Immune-boosting regimens can be recommended as a way to strengthen the patient’s immunity and make them less susceptible to illness.
Benefits of Iridology
As iridology doesn't treat the symptoms of the disease, or even the disease itself, many discredit it. However, the benefits of iridology are extensive.
As a complementary and alternative medicine, iridology is an excellent aid at helping to diagnose disease. By establishing weak points within the body, the patient can recognize potential health issues with this greater awareness.
Some of the benefits of iridology include:
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1. Health awareness and starting point for lifestyle considerations.
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2. Understanding how the body works and how the organs interact.
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3. Knowing which organs are underactive or overactive.
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4. Familiarize yourself with the overall body chemistry.
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5. Knowing the condition of various organ systems within the body.
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6. Shows changes as your body heals and strengthens.
As stated, iridology isn't a cure in itself. However, body awareness will help you choose the right health products and maintain your body's energy.
What to Expect from an Iridologist Consultation
A session with an iridologist will typically last one hour and is considered to be a simple, non-invasive, and safe consultation.
During your appointment, the iridologist will examine your eye using a penlight or magnifying glass. A camera and microscope may also be used to take photographs of the iris. These will be examined for irregular patterns and colors and compared to iris charts. Iris charts divide the iris into different zones that represent the different parts of the body.
An iridologist is not trained to diagnose a specific condition but may inform you of potential health risks. You may receive recommendations for preventative measures you can take to avoid developing an illness or disease.
Keep in mind that it is always advisable to consult a medical professional before commencing any wellness journey. If you have an injury or an underlying health issue, speak to your iridologist, who will be happy to address these concerns and personalize the therapy session to your requirements.
How to Find a Qualified Iridologist Near Me
To find a qualified iridologist in the United States, consider the following steps:
1. Seek Referrals: Ask for recommendations from healthcare providers, friends, or family members who have experience with iridology. Personal referrals can provide insight into the practitioner's expertise and approach.
2. Verify Qualifications: Ensure the iridologist has received training from reputable institutions. For example, the International Iridology Practitioners Association (IIPA) offers certification that requires proof of anatomy and physiology knowledge, completion of specific coursework, and submission of iris evaluations.
3. Consult Professional Associations: The IIPA maintains a directory of certified iridologists in the U.S., which can help you find qualified practitioners in your area.
4. Review Online Directories: Websites like Sofia Health allow you to search for iridologists based on location, read reviews, and book appointments online.
5. Assess Communication: Contact potential iridologists to inquire about their services, experience, and approach. A reputable practitioner should be willing to discuss their qualifications and answer any questions you may have.
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