The iridologist interprets iris signs by noting pigmentation change and pattern change. The pigmentation changes correspond to stages of inflammation. They range from acute (white) through to subacute (light grey) and chronic (dark grey) to degenerative/destructive (black).

In iridology the colour of the eye is of importance as this can indicate predisposition to certain conditions: blue-eyed people are prone to inflammatory conditions of the joints such as arthritis. The brown iris indicates an accumulation of pigment and an overall congestion pattern. This in turn is associated with all manner of digestive and liver system disorders. The mixed iris has a general tendency towards damage of the liver, dysfunction and damage of the liver parenchyma, gallbladder and biliary tract with associated disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.

History
The Eyes are said to be the windows of the Soul,  but the iris can also be an indicator of our state of health.  Whilst Hypocrites was one of the first to make such a connection, it was not until the 19th century that iridology was developed by a Hungarian doctor Ignatz von Peczely (1822-1911) who, as a young man, had nursed an owl back to health, noting that its broken leg seemed to correspond with a mark on the creature’s iris. As its leg healed, it was observed that the bird’s eye cleared, thus marking the beginnings of a new form of medical diagnosis.

What to Expect
An iridology consultation usually lasts for one hour and includes iris analysis, close up photography of the iris, and a nutritional consultation involving diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal/nutritional supplementation where required. Depending on his findings an iridologist may refer you on to another practitioner such as your GP or an osteopath for instance.

Training & Colleges
Practitioners are usually qualified in another complementary therapy or conventional medicine. Many trained and qualified iridologists use the initials D. Irid, RIr, RCIrA, or MGNI after their names.