Iridology Introduction Flashcards
(120 cards)
1
Q
Plural of iris
A
Irides
2
Q
Iridology reveals
A
The terrain: tissue status of possible levels of dysfunction, irritation, intoxication
3
Q
Proposed the terrain theory in the 19th century
A
Dechamp - the status of the tissue is more important than the pathology itself
4
Q
Define constitution
A
Individual genetically inherited and familial disposition and its development through life
5
Q
Father of iridology and doubt at the end of his life
A
Ignatz von Peczeley, Hungarian
-Sign is there, but where is the disease or pathology?
The same signs turn up in healthy people. A sign does not mean illness. Von Peczeley almost discovered this.
6
Q
Swedish figure in iridology
A
Lijequist, cleric
-Discovered “drug spots”
7
Q
Healed by Kneipp and devoted himself to healing
A
Henry Lindlahr, introduced to iridology by Henry Lane/Lahn
8
Q
Foremost researcher of iridology in America
A
Bernard Jensen
-Skilled at numerous naturopathic and homeopathic arts
9
Q
Foremost researcher of iridology in Europe
A
Josef Deck
-Followed up with von Peczeley’s work
-Proposed genetic, constitutional origin to encourage preventative medicine
-Proposed genetic model inherited through family lines
-Expounded upon constitutional types
10
Q
Each organ has a
A
reflex zone
11
Q
The general appearance of the iris points to
A
A constitutional type that remain the same throughout one’s lifespan
12
Q
The iris can reveal
A
-strengths and weaknesses and genetic risk factors of a specific organ and of the whole organism
-capacity of resistance and reaction (immune response) of an organism
-likelihood of toxic accumulation that are generally detoxified by liver enzymes
-behavioral traits based on genetic disposition
13
Q
A sign that can appear over time
A
Cholesterol ring - white around the eye
(can be familial)
Does not mean that the patient is affected or will live less or cannot lower cholesterol
14
Q
Iris changes are created by
A
Formative influences (growth which turns on specific chromosomes), pathology and inflammation, such as iritis, age-related degeneration and accumulation of toxins
15
Q
Hippocrates founded
A
humoral system
16
Q
Hippocrates believed
A
That the constitution of a person and characteristics of a person are more important for healing that the diagnosis of the specific disease that the person has
17
Q
Blue iris
A
lymphatic type
-lymph clears body and transports leukocytes
-early reactivity and upper respiratory complains in childhood: sinusitis, tonsillitis, colds
18
Q
Hazel iris (brown-grey)
A
Mixed biliary type
-constipation
-shortfall of digestive enzymes, in particular the pancreas and liver to break down fats
-difficulty breaking down rich, fatty foods
19
Q
Dark brown iris
A
Blood composition
-haematogenic
-anaemia
-blood fats, sugars, minerals compromised
-blood brings health to all organs
-predisposition to high BP, high cholesterol, high blood glucose around the age of 45
20
Q
Reflex chart shows
A
Vitality and information of organ, energetic fluctuations or weaknesses, linked to genetic inheritance, which organ to support and nourish in the case of environmental pressure
21
Q
Right iris lacks
A
Spleen
22
Q
What to do upon observing a sign
A
Sign is observed, ask patient about specific symptoms or appearance
-may just be a disposition that may not have been activated or pathological
23
Q
Constitution shows us
A
Channel we must traverse to create healing
24
Q
Ideal time to read iris
A
At the end of a consultation to leave the patient impressed unless the patient is particularly interested in having their iris read or if they lack trust
25
Pure iridology consultation: steps
-Obtain clerical details
-Ask for the reason of the visit. Ask if there is anything in particular bothering them.
-Observe eye
-Share their constitutional type, cover signs, and ask questions related to these signs, i.e. have you experienced acid reflux? constipation? Ask about how they experience these signs or symptoms. Show image of iris, list what you saw and connect that to potential genetic dispositions, and ask if that means anything to them or brings anything up.
-suggest lifestyle modifications and life advice firmly based on iris reading and on what patient shared about health experience.
*do not propose treatment for every single sign like a salesman. Share that you can recommend something if they'd like.
26
-markings may not represent physically embedded symptoms, but rather predispositions
-do not make hard and fast statements, but rather focus on asking skillful questions
-hole in texture can indicate organ weakness
-ask about family history related to a particular sign or constitution or ask do you and/or have you EVER had a specific symptom for a pathology rather than asking if they have the pathology itself
27
Pancreas in age-related Diabetes and how to support healing for this
Worn out, generates hypoglycaemia if patient avoids snacks for even a few hours, hunger, irritability, nausea
help with that:
-intermittent fasting
-bitter tonics
-herbs to balance blood glucose or garlic
28
Feminine reproductive pathologies present similar symptoms to
Hypothyroidism, blood sugar imbalance/hypoglycaemia
29
Gaining patient compliance
-Provide clear, exact instructions, prioritize why that step is important
-Ask patient to repeat back instructions and write down the list or potentially send them a follow-up reminder email with treatment
-Treatment plant: list 3-4 things to do to not overwhelm the patient
-Schedule follow-up visit if desirable
-Be accessible if they have any questions
30
Tips for iridology assessment
-Take your time
-Give a brief, engaging introduction of iridology: diagnosis of constitution, rather than pathology
-Mount pictures on a screen, clearly indicate any signs
-Allow frequent opportunity for questions and engagement
-Give specific naturopathic advice throughout the session based on each observations confirmed by patient (not only specific products such as herbs but also lifestyle modifications that the patient can do on their own: diet, exercise, relaxation, lifestyle, stress management)
-Ask patient's permission to implement patient: would you like me to move forward with some herbs or to provide a homeopathic remedy?
-Rationalize advice by reference to information obtained by observing the irides
-May involve additional testing
-Do NOT scare patient. Suggest future check-up or preventative measures for potential risk factors, only if they are interested. Do not bring up words like cancer
-Put their mind at rest as much as you can, do not scare them into anxiety about preventing diseases or cancers
31
Triaging define
Gently probe/investigate, wait for confirmation and to see if there is anything more that you should be doing
32
Basic equipment
Torch and lupe
-hold glass an inch or 1.5 inches away from patient's eye
-stand 18 inches or 2 ft away so that whole iris disc appears in glass
32
Before observing irides, be sure to ask patient about
Photosensitivity
33
General guidelines for torch and lupe use
-Shine light ideally for only a few seconds and coming from the side
-Only speak in between viewings
-First focus on color: identify and talk about constitutional type
-Then, observe structure: markings, holes which you can then ask diagnostic questions about
-Thank patient and provide advice
34
Contraindications to iridology
Not generally a problem, but still important to keep in mind.
-Photosensitivity
-Migraines (not a problem unless patient is experiencing one at that moment)
-Epilepsy (only a problem for flash)
-Some forms of blindness causing cast over eye or lack of iris
34
Ocular microscope
Bioscope or iriscope
-magnifies up to 40x
-may use slit lamp function with a concentrated beam of light to illuminate retina
35
Where can neurological tissue be seen in the iris?
Inner pupillary border (IPB), a part of the retina
-can tell us a lot about the CNS
36
Tissue can be divided into 3 parts...
The eye is composed of which?
Endoderm: gut, liver, lungs
Mesoderm: muscle, bone, blood, heart, kidney
Ectoderm: nervous system, skin
The eye is composed of the mesoderm and neuroectoderm and belongs to one of the first differentiated tissues in embryological development.
37
Define root "ecto"
External
examples: ectopic pregnancy, ectoderm in the tissue
38
Formation of the collarette
Fibrous border of the pupil
-Formed shortly before birth with the rupture of the pupillary membrane; this rupture determining its unique shape
-Formed from the minor arterial circle
-According to Deck: develops until the age 6 or perhaps until adulthood
39
Define stroma of eye and a synonym for it
Body of the eye containing connective and neurological tissue, also known as vascular arcade
-Observed by iridologists
40
Vasculature in the eye
Minor and major arterial circles, long ciliary artery
41
Anatomy of the eye
42
Iris Reflex Chart
43
Visible part in a neonate's eye
Pigmented epithelium which then comes into focus, can be dark blue or charcoal-grey
-Collarette begins to appear first along with white wisps
44
Many formative influences impacting the iris and collarette occur
In uteru
45
5 layers of the iris
I) anterior border layer
Covers iris and contains pigment-secreting cells
-Generates secondary pigmentation, appears to float above/in front of primary pigmentation
II) stroma or crypt layer
III) muscle layer: internal sphincter and external dilator muscles
IV) pigmented epithelium: darkly pigmented layer underlying the stroma
V) posterior epithelium: extension of retina, emerging as IPB
46
Secondary pigmentation is found in
Anterior border layer
47
Anatomical name for a hole in the stroma
Crypt
48
If an eye appears to be blue but has a yellow secondary pigmentation (refer to end of Lecture I), what would it be classified as?
49
The eye is composed of
Thousands of white miniscule fibres in a radial pattern
50
Blue color of the iris comes from
Its deeper part - the pigmented epithelium beneath the fibrous stroma
-very few pigment secreting cells are activated
51
Denseley packed iris fibres gives the appearance of
Pale blue eyes, whereas rarified fibres create a color darker
52
Revolutionizing the idea of a "weakness"
Energy pattern that we can understand and engage with
53
4 layers of iris fibres in the stroma in Jensen's model
-What else is found in the stroma?
I) normal
II) subacute
III) chronic
IV) degenerate
Fibres that stand out are termed acute
Stroma also contains:
pigment secreting cells that are programmed to secrete pigments. (Some lay dormant, depending on eye type).
28,000 nerve fibres which end blindly in the connective tissue, unexplained by science
54
Inner pupil border is
Extension of the retina
55
Directly around the pupil lies
The pupillary zone/collarette
-Contains the internal sphincter muscle to contract the pupil
(As opposed to the ciliary muscle, which controls focus of the eye)
56
57
Border of collarette
Autonomic nerve wreath (ANW)
-Seen in most eyes
-Can be used to assess the autonomic NS, but particularly the enteric NS
58
Around the collarette lies
The ciliary zone
-contains dilator muscle to expand pupil
-can tell us about the enteric NS, nerve supply to GIT ["The Second Brain" book]
59
Size of pupil can indicate
Vitality
60
Pupillary zone also known as
Nutritive zone, as it contains the alimentary canal from which we derive our nutritional energy
61
Ideal part of eye to assess autonomic NS
The pupil
62
Hippos
Continual motion of the pupil
63
Layer surrounding the ciliary zone, edge of the iris where it connects to the sclera
Limbus
64
White of the eye
Sclera
65
Sympathetic nervous system activates
The dilator muscle
66
Pupil can be described as
The aperture of the eye, influenced by the autonomic NS
-Contract but then adjust and slowly return to normal size
67
Chronically dilated pupils may indicate
An over-active SNS, a constant state of hyperalertness or fight-or-flight
-Different eyes have different default apertures
-Might be burned out and at risk of adrenal fatigue
68
4 types of nerve impulses supplying the iris
I) SNS (stimulated by norepineprine)
II) PNS (stimulated by acetylcholine)
III) Afferent and efferent local nerves for ordinary sensation, i.e. pain
IV) Nerves that end blindly in the stroma
-All these nerves are connected via optic nerve to the brain, specifically the thalamus
69
Pupil aperture is also affected by
-Emotions, excitement, love
-Stimulants and sedative
*A slightly larger or smaller pupil does NOT necessarily indicate a pathology. It may just be a healthy part of the patient's personality.
70
Normal pupil size
¼ of pupil diameter
(the pupil is slightly nasally positioned)
71
Smaller pupil
-parasympathetic dominance aka vagotonic, sphincter muscle activation
-slow to respond, calculating
-defensive
-can be uncertain
-maintain clear boundaries between themselves and the external world
-risk of nervous tension
-closed off to the external world, introverted
72
Larger pupil
-sympathetic dominance
-fast responses and reactions
-high energy, expansive
-liking for extreme sports
-risk of nervous exhaustion and loss of energy through exaggerated aperture
73
In TCM, pupils are connected to
The kidneys - centre of vitality
74
Term for unequal pupil sizes
Anisocoria
-If arrives, suddenly, may indicate a brain injury and requires medical attention
-If from birth, may not be pathological
-In iridology, may indicate a tendency towards nervous instability and changeability and imbalance between PNS and SNS
Can develop after:
-an illness, infection, or flu
-anything affecting the nervs
75
Border of collarette can also be termed
BC or ANW
76
Normal/average collarette size
⅓ of the way from pupil margin to edge of iris
-set genetically
77
One aspect that can improve in a patient after a few visits
Normalizing pupil size
78
Contracted collarette
Indicates tendency to stress-related digestive complaints, internal tension held inside
Do you tend to hold your stress inside? How is your digestion when you are stressed?
79
Expanded collarette
Indicates tendency to dysbiosis, digestive fermentation and bloating, retention, toxemia, parasitic infestation
-loose structures just inside the collarette border referred to by some iridologists as "worm nests"
-therapeutic treatment: bowel cleansing, balancing gut flora, immune support
80
Eye that has a different colour down the middle, i.e. yellow for blue eyes
Central heterochromia
81
Darkened radial furrows indicate
Radii solaris or spasm furrows: stress generates (digestive) spasms
82
Iris fibres are anatomically termed
Trabeculae, run radially from pupil to edge of iris. Formed of connective tissue.
83
Eye in which fibre structure is most visible
Blue eyes (visibility of fibre structure is dependent on pigmentation)
Outer ciliary zone is particularly difficult to see for dark brown eyes
84
Fibre structure indicates
Strength or resistance of constitution
85
High-density fibre structure
High-resistance type
-tend to push themselves to the limit
-feel indestructible
-strong constitutions
-tendency to overdraw on nerves and adrenals
-stubborn
-can develop chronic fatigue
86
Low-density fibre structure
Low-resistance type
-connective tissue weakness, poor connective tissue hypermobility
-low resistance
-flexible and adaptable character
-receptive
-will not likely put themselves in danger, careful about their energy
87
Pigment/melanin is secreted by
Chromatophores: specialised cells within iris body (stroma) and anterior border layer
88
Importance of eye pigmentation
Protection against UV - same function as pigmentation in the skin
89
Blue in a blue iris comes from
Pigmented epithelium, behind the fibres
90
Green eyes
Composite: thin layer of brown or yellow over blue
91
Secondary pigmentation
Patchy expression of pigments in the anterior border layer of the eye
-up to adolescence, generally
-indicate specific organ function
yellow: liver
orange: pancreas
92
Anatomical term for pigmentation spots
Nevi (anatomical name for mole)
93
Origin of circular furrows
Rapid and extreme contraction and expansion of pupil
-aka concentric and contraction furrows
-nervous sensitivity
94
Radial furrows indicate
Stress on digestive system - nausea, constipation, poor digestion when stressed
95
Reading the Iris Reflex Chart: concentric and radial
96
Concentric map
I) inside border of collarette: nutritive zone related to digestion and absorption
II) CB border
III) utilization zone: from CB until halfway of iris edge
IV) outer zone: elimination zone
97
1st major zone is subdivided into
1. 1st minor zone: stomach ring
2. 2nd minor zone: intestinal ring
-nutrition and assimilation
98
Define cecum
7 pm on right eye. Where the small intestine joins large intestine, where appendix lies
99
Collection of crypts in sigmoid colon may indicate
Parasite infestation (worm nest)
100
Contracted collarette generating a compression of the 1st major zone depicts
limited space for intestinal ring
-nervous tension affecting intestines, since tension is help deep inside the body
-constipation
101
Expanded collarette depicts
Gastric type
-gastrointestinal immunity problems
-dysbiosis
-gas
-autotoxaemia
102
Holes in sigmoid colon
Weak connective tissue: diverticulosis, parasites, bloating
103
2nd major zone
The mid-ciliary area
transportation, distribution, utilisation
1) humoral zone: deep body fluids, i.e. blood and lymph, hormone glands, major organs (liver, lungs, kidneys)
-hormonal organs
2) storage, musculoskeletal zone
-mineral reserves
-arthritis
104
Book to read
The Secret Teachings of Plants
105
Heart hormones
lower BP (through ANP), send signals to hippocampus
106
Grandular iris type
Shows signs in the humoral zone. May indicate endocrine problems
107
What hormones does the heart secrete?
108
Connection between heart and HPA axis
109
Hyperacidic iris type
Predisposed to rheumatic conditions, joint and bone pain
110
Signs in 4th minor zone (second subsection of 2nd major zone) depict
Musculoskeletal problems
i.e. furrows or nerve rings may indicate neuromuscular tension, possible reduced circulation to muscles and bones, lower back stiffness/pain, acidic tissues
111
3rd major zone
Linked to elimination
I) 5th minor zone: lymphatic system
-swollen lymph glands
-lymph rosary may indicate lymphatic congestion and immune dysfunction, i.e. hay fever and allergies
II) 6th minor zone: skin and hair and nails, as well as peripheral blood and lymph circulation
-when darkened: scurf rim depicts underactive skin and skin problems, such as eczema due to poor elimination of debri
112
Blue-eyed people tend to experience
Poor peripheral circulation to converse heat in cool climates
113
Pancreatic square
Lacunae around the pancreas positions
114
Kidney weakness may be seen in the eye as
Rarification in the kindey position
115
In TCM, kidneys govern
Reproduction
-reproductive organ positions are bilateral to kidney position, on bottom of eye
116
Lacuna are usually
Topostabile
117
Pigments are usually
Topolabile - colour is more important than exact position
-orange: metabolic dysfunctions, pancreas, hypoglycaemia, pancreatic enzyme deficiency
-pigments are deposits or secretions from special cells in iris
118
