Caroline DeRhodes

Argumentative Research Essay Window to the Soul: Iridology

Iridology is the explanation of how certain bodily disorders reflect in the iris. Iridology is a safe, non-intervention diagnostic technique; it requires no needles, and no anesthetic or drugs, yet it may provide a valuable guide to health and disease. If every doctors surgery employed a trained Iridologist and diagnostician, many exploratory operations would be avoided. This would save not only financial revenue but time and suffering on the part of the patient. Iridology provides a painless, economical, and non-invasive means of assessing the status of a persons health. It is an excellent tool of analysis for prevention of illness and indication of disease at the root causes. In many cases, conditions can be detected thirty years or more prior to symptoms of poor health or clinical evaluations showing imbalance or disease. A high-risk area in the body can actually be observed in an infant. Thus, it is possible to assess potential pathogenesis, or detect development of disease, decades before that disease clinically presents itself (About Iridology). Imaging both eyes with a specialized microscope and digital camera is the most advanced and effective approach in performing an iridology test. The pictures taken of the left and right eye are then enlarged and carefully examined by a qualified iridologist. A qualified iridologist should be certified through the International Institute of Iridology in Holistic Iridology (Guild of Iridologists International). Iridologists maintain the theory that each organ has a counterpart in the eye. Iridology is based on evidence that the eyes are an extension of the brain and that each kind of tissue found in the body can be found in the tissues that make up the 1

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Argumentative Research Essay

eyes. These tissues include the ones that make up the nervous system, digestive tract, lymphatic system, respiratory system, and muscular system. Because of this, an iridologist can determine the state of the organs health by looking at a particular section of the left and right eye (What is Iridology). The eyes contain the four tissues of the body epithelial1, connective2, muscular3 and nervous4 along with the nutritive fluids of blood and lymph5. The eyes are connected and continuous with the brains dura mater6 through the fibrous sheath of the optic nerves, and theyre connected directly with the sympathetic nervous system7 and spinal cord8. The optic tract9 extends to the thalamus10 area of the brain. This creates a close association with the hypothalamus11, pituitary12 and pineal glands13. These endocrine glands14, within the brain, are major control and processing centers for the entire body. Because of this anatomy and physiology, the eyes are in direct contact with the biochemical, hormonal, structural and metabolic processes of the body. This information is recorded in the various structures of the eye, i.e. iris15, retina16, sclera17, cornea18, pupil19 and conjunctiva20 (Sharan). Thus, it can be said that the eyes are a reflex or window into the bioenergetics of the physical body and a persons feelings and thoughts. The following chart visually depicts in detail where organs in the body are represented in each eye (Jensen).

Caroline DeRhodes

Argumentative Research Essay

Caroline DeRhodes

Argumentative Research Essay

[Appendix II: Iridology Chart]

Caroline DeRhodes

Argumentative Research Essay

Genetic information about an individuals strengths and weaknesses can be interpreted through the connective tissue of the irises, including its structure, pigmentations and accumulations. The patterns of the trabeculae21 that comprise the visible aspects of the iris are unique to the individual. Health conditions that develop over time can be analyzed by changes in the retina, sclera, cornea, pupil and conjunctiva. These changes in health are a function not of genetics alone but also of the ways a person eats, drinks, feels, thinks and lives (What We Look For). An individuals capacity to develop perceptions can be related in part, to heredity and can be identified at birth by observing various genetic signs in the iris, sclera, and pupil. Each eye offers different information. The left eye correlates with the left side of our body; the left-brain functions dictate our abilities in analytic thought, logic, language, science, and math. The right eye correlates with the right side of your body; the right-brain functions dictate our abilities in conceptual thought, intuition, creativity, art, and music. Analyzing the health of each eye can give us insight into dynamic brain functions: conscious and subconscious thought, emotional behavior patterns, and the influences of genetic memory (see appendix III). Individuals are able to better able to understand the origins of their conditions and afflictions beyond physical characteristics allowing them to treat illness and disease at its root rather than continuously regulating symptomatic ailments (Sharan). The belief that the eyes often provide signs of disease has been around for over 3,000 years now with the earliest records of iris interpretation being dated back to Mesopotamian cuneiform22 writings, records which Greeks referred to as

Caroline DeRhodes

Argumentative Research Essay

the cradle of knowledge. Amazing, right? So, why are you just now hearing about it? Well, the answer to that question can be summarized by this quote from one of the most renown practicing medical doctors of the early 20th century in America, Henry Lindlahr, M.D.23: The regular [allopathic] school of medicine, as a body, has ignored and will ignore this science [of iridology], because it discloses the fallacy of their favorite theories and practices and because it reveals unmistakable the direful results of chronic drug poisoning [pharmaceuticals] and ill advised operations. Due to increasing political and economic pressure on medical schools by the emerging pharmaceutical industry, which is now the most lucrative in the medical field, the teaching of iridology was removed from the curriculum. However, it was kept alive by naturopathic physicians, doctors that practice natural medicine, in the latter half of the 20th century (The History of Iridology). Attempts to discredit iridology have been made by trying to fit it into the conventional allopathic medical model. In this biased attempt, the fundamental principles of iridology have been ignored. Proper clinical use of iridology is for the assessment of predispositions from genetic factors. For example, a trained professional iridologist can see a weak kidney or hear in that iris reflex area long before the individual ever has any signs of a health issue. This is a naturopathic approach to health meaning it is used for illness prevention. The present day, mainstream, conventional, allopathic medical system is based on treating and suppressing symptoms, not prevention (About Iridology).

Caroline DeRhodes

Argumentative Research Essay

The good news is that many open-minded, caring and intelligent medical doctors and educated people from other healthcare disciplines are beginning to realize the benefits of iridology and preventative healthcare. Today, iridology is practiced worldwide, being used clinically in Europe for generations. Two nations that are well known for their science and technology are Germany and Russia. Iridology has been openly researched and practiced in Germany and Russia by medical doctors and other in various healthcare fields for over a century since end of World War II (The History of Iridology). It is important to note that iridology is not used for a complete diagnosis of bodily ailments, but to be used as a means of indicating conditions and overall health. Iridology is very useful in conjunction with other diagnostic testing and procedures. The nature of this science incorporates a holistic approach to health and wellness providing an alternative to more complex methods of analyzing conditions (Analysis). Iridology analysis also recommends preventative healthcare as the most viable solution to cure sickness and reverse the developmental threat of future conditions. The range of information an iridology report offers a patient can help them to make informed decisions about their health saving them time, money, and possibly the unnecessary harm of misdiagnosis and prescribed treatments. If you are curious to learn more about the science and practice of iridology, you can find supplementary resources included in the appendix as well as a comprehensive list of recommended books on the topic.

Caroline DeRhodes

Argumentative Research Essay RECOMMENDED BOOKS

Iridiagnosis And Other Diagnostic Methods By Dr. Henry Lindlahr Iridology: A complete guide to diagnosing through the iris and alternative forms of treatment By Dr. Farida Sharan Iridology Simplified and Visions of Health: Understanding Iridology By Bernard Jensen Discovery in Natural History and Medical Science, a Guide to the Study and Diagnosis from the Eye By Dr. Ignaz Pczely Physiognomia Medica and Textbook of Eye Diseases By Dr. Philippus Meyens

APPENDIX I
1.

Epithelial tissue - membranous tissue covering internal organs and other surfaces of the body

2. Connective tissue tissue that connects, supports, binds or encloses the structures of the body and includes tendons, bone, cartilage, and fatty tissue. 3. Muscular tissue soft tissue that composes muscles 4. Nervous tissue tissue that makes up the brain, spinal cord, and network of nerves around the body.

Caroline DeRhodes

Argumentative Research Essay

5. Lymph a transparent fluid containing white blood cells, found within lymphatic vessels and collected from tissues in all parts of the body and returned by the lymphatic system to the bloodstream 6. Dura mater - the outermost, toughest of the three membranes that comprise the brain and spinal cord. 7. Sympathetic nervous system the thoracolumbar part of the autonomic nervous system, the heart, smooth muscle, and glands. 8. Spinal cord the major column of nerve tissue that is covered by three layers of connective tissue that connect it to the brain and lies within the vertebral canal and from which the thirty-one spinal nerves emerge. The brain and the spinal cord comprise the central nervous system. 9. Optic tract the cranial nerve that serves the retina. 10. Thalamus either of two masses of gray matter lying between the cerebral hemisphere on either side of the third ventricle, relaying sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex. 11. Hypothalamus a region of the brain, between the thalamus and the midbrain, that functions as the main control center for the autonomic nervous system by regulating sleep cycles, body temperature, appetite, etc., and that acts as an endocrine gland by producing hormones, including the releasing factors that control the hormonal secretions of the pituitary gland. 12. Pituitary glands a small, somewhat cherry-shaped double structure attached by a stalk at the base of the brain and constituting the master

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Argumentative Research Essay

endocrine gland affecting all hormonal functions in the body; secretes growth hormone, LH, FSH, ACTH, TSH, and MSH, vasopressin, and oxytocin. 13. Pineal glands a small, cone-shaped endocrine organ in the posterior forebrain that secretes melatonin and involved in biorhythms and gonadal development. 14. Endocrine glands the glands that comprise the endocrine system: the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands, and ductless glands or those that secrete certain substances or hormones directly into the blood stream and lymph. 15. Iris the contractile, circular diaphragm forming the colored portion of the eye and containing a circular opening, the pupil, in its center. 16. Retina the innermost coat of the posterior part of the eyeball that receives the image produced by the lens, is continuous with the optic nerve, and consists of several layers, one of which contains the rods and cones that are sensitive to light. 17. Sclera a dense, white, fibrous membrane that, with the cornea, forms the external covering of the eyeball. 18. Cornea the transparent anterior part of the external coat of the eye covering the iris and the pupil and continuous with the sclera. 19. Pupil the dark, circular aperture at the center of the iris of the eye, through which light enters. 20. Conjunctiva the mucous membrane that lines the exposed portion of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids.

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Argumentative Research Essay

21. Trabeculae any of the supporting strands of connective tissue projecting into an organ and constituting part of the framework of that organ. 22. Cuneiform of, relating to, or denoting the wedge-shaped characters employed in the writing of several ancient languages of Mesopotamia and Persia; of or relating to a tablet in which this script is employed 23. Henry Lindlahr the father of iridology; author of one of the cornerstone texts of American naturopathic medicine, Nature Cure, which includes topics about disease suppression versus elimination, hydrotherapy, and the importance of fresh air and sun bathing. Henry Lindlahr graduated from the National Medical University in Illinois and, in 1902, opened his practice in Chicago. In 1914, he founded the Lindlahr Sanitarium in Elmhurst, Illinois. List of works: a. Nature Cure; Philosophy and Practice Based on the Unity of Disease and Cure. Nature Cure Publishing. 1914. reprint General Books LLC, 2009, ISBN 978-1-150-08374-7 b. The Lindlahr vegetarian cook book and ABC of natural dietetics. Nature Cure Pub. Co.. 1918.; reprint Kessinger Publishing, 2004, ISBN 978-0-7661-8660-6 c. Philosophy of Natural Therapeutics. The Lindlahr Publishing Co.. 1921. reprint Kessinger Publishing, 2004, ISBN 978-0-7661-8383-4 d. Iridiagnosis and other diagnostic methods. The Lindlahr Pub. Co.. 1922. reprint Kessinger Publishing, 2004, ISBN 978-0-7661-8730-6

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Caroline DeRhodes

Argumentative Research Essay

APPENDIX III

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Caroline DeRhodes BIBLIOGRAPHY

Argumentative Research Essay

"Analysis. Silent Healing: Alternative Medicinal Techniques. Silent Healing, n.d. Web. <http://www.silenthealingcenter.com/site/section/ iridology/analysis.php>. "About Iridology." Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists International . Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists London, n.d. Web. <http://www.gni-

international.org/about-iridology/>. Jensen, Jon. D. "Dr. Bernard Jensen." Global Iridology & Research. Global Iridology & Research, n.d. Web. <http://www.globaliridologyresearch.org/ Dr__Bernard_Jensen.html>. Jensen M.D., Bernard. "Iridology Chart." Healthy You Naturally. Healthy You Naturally Wellness Centres, A Div. of Lifesgoals Inc., n.d. Web. 10 Apr 2013.

Sharan M.D., Fairda. "Iridology: A complete guide to diagnosing through the iris and to related forms of treatment ." Soil and Health. School of Natural Medicine, n.d. Web. 10 Apr 2013. <http://www.soilandhealth.org/02/0201hyglibcat/ 020164.iridology.sharan.pdf>. "The History of Iridology." Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists International . Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists London, n.d. Web. <http://www.gni-

international.org/>. "What is Iridology?." Silent Healing: Alternative Medicinal Techniques. Silent Healing, n.d. Web. <http://www.silenthealingcenter.com/site/section/ iridology/what_is_it.php>.

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Argumentative Research Essay

"What Iridology Can Reveal. Silent Healing: Alternative Medicinal Techniques. Silent Healing, n.d. Web. <http://www.silenthealingcenter.com/site/ section/iridology/what_iridology_can_reveal.php>. What We Look For." Global Iridology & Research. Global Iridology & Research, n.d. Web. <http://www.globaliridologyresearch.org>.

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