Assignment Sample Paper on Iridology
The human eye is one amazing organ in our body, which is why scientists and doctors are most fascinated by it. By this we can define Iridology as the study of the iris as associated with disease (Duncan, 2007). Iris is the coloured part of the eye and it makes up the exposed nerve endings, this is joined to the brain. Nevertheless we can also define it as the science and practice of analysing the iris, the most complex tissue in the human anatomy (Jensen & Bodeen, 1992). A person who studies the iris is known as an iridologist.
Studies on iridology take us back as far as 1000BC, where we establish the evidence of stone slabs that bear iris makings on them. Through this we also discover that there were medical schools where they studied iridological anatomy. But it was not until the 17th century when Philippus Meyens (Philip Meyen von coburg) a physician, noticed behavioural changes to the iris. He believed that the left iris could be used to read condition of the heart and spleen, while the right was connected to the liver. To date this is the case (Duncan, 2007).
During the 18th and 19th century, the European and American medical practitioners made most of the recordings on iridological work. Through their endless efforts in pursuit of answers related to iridology, a massive break through was made. A Hungarian physician, Dr. Ignatz von peczely, was acknowledged when he noticed the makings of the iris of an owl when he found it after it had broken one of its legs. During his practice as a medical doctor, Dr. Ignatz performed many autopsies, through this he was able to come up with an iris chart. This earned him the title “The father of iridology” (Duncan, 2007).
There was also Nils Liljequist, who noted changes to his eye colour whenever he administered vaccines and after using drugs such as quinine and iodine. A complete analysis of the iris will aid in determining the constitution type of an individual with a similar iris chat to that of Dr.ignatz an Australian immigrant to America Dr. Henry Edward Lane, where he was doing most of his work by carrying out autopsy and surgical practice. Later Dr. Lindlahr one of his student, published many books about iridology. But it’s Bernard Jensen who was to make the biggest milestone in iridology. He together with Dr. John Arnold managed to come up with a iris chart that is more up to date and which clearly mapped the iris.
Iridology has made major advancement in the field of health. Iridologist discovered that through extensive examination of the iris, we are able to find out a person’s structure type. By taking a complete break down of the iris patterns, the fibres, colours and other characteristics of the iris, one is able to point out the areas of the body which are feeble or which are inherently strong (Bernard, 1992). Practitioners then observe their results against an iris chart that is divided into many zones, and which is believed to correspond to various body parts.
When the acute stage of a disease is obstructed, the sub-acute stage is initiated. This is represented in the iris by shrinking of the iris fibres towards the middle layer of the stroma. Towards the chronic stage the fibres wither and darken (dark grey) further making the look like it has a hole in it (Duncan, 2007).The final stage of the disease ,the iris fibres are no longer present .This is caused due to lack of supply of blood and nutrients, resulting to further tissue death (Duncan, 2007).
An iridologist is capable of observing how the reflux nerve endings reveal the potential genetic inheritance, congestive and irritative zones and a variety of inter-reactions with the bodily system.
Iridology compliments various therapies which can prove to be diagnostic tools
leading to vital information to help come up with the root cause of ailments. Iridologists have in the recent past come to harsh criticism because there is no concrete evidence on how the iris relates with the rest of the body. But iridologists do not diagnose a specific disease; they try to bring to light the healthy body systems and the inflamed ones. Findings show that this has helped predict health issues that may develop; they also reveal past medical problems and predisposition the development of a certain illness (Duncan, 2007).
The foremost pleasure of iridology is to keeping humans in good health .Trying to learn about body weakness that may result to severe medical complications. Their main objective as practitioners is to come up with preventive measures to counter these health problems. Iridologists have come out in the public advocating for good health, therefore providing them with the necessary instructions so as to attain this. They have recommended that one has to have a well balanced diet, drinking plenty of water must be observed and lastly physical exercise (Duncan, 2007).
Health centres around the world agree that iridology is an essential tool in the healing process. This is widely seen to benefit medical practitioners who have opted to incorporate Iridology in their practice. In these medical centres, during Iridology session, the Iridologist uses specialized equipment in order to enlarge and as well take a photograph of the iris. When all this is completed, an image of the iris is clearly displayed on a screen. Most patients find this to be fascinating the patient is then shown the relevant features and can get a print out of the same to carry home (Duncan, 2007).
Based on the facts we have on Iridology, we get to have a certain belief on the methods it uses in order to come up with measures to prevent body ailments. Despite Iridology making greater heights in the medical field, there is numerous evidence against this practice. In the end many Iridologists not having enough evidence to the assumptions and due to constant pressure end up leaving the practice (Duncan, 2007).
Bibliography
Duncan, N. S., 2007. Iridology Basic Skills: Window to Your Body and Soul. Burleigh Heads, Australia: Healing via Nature Pty Ltd.
Jensen, B., & Bodeen, D. V., 1992. Visions of health: Understanding iridiology. Garden City Park, N.Y: Avery Pub. Group.