Iridology, the study of the iris of the eye and science of analyzing markings in the iris and pupil shape, helps people understand more about their overall health and constitution. In Iridology Simplified, holistic health pioneer Dr. Bernard Jensen said, “The iris represents a communication system capable of handling an amazing quantity of information,” because it is “connected to every organ and tissue of the body by way of the brain and nervous system.”

An iridologist learns many things about one’s health by studying his or her iris, such as weaknesses in particular areas of the body and overall levels of health. The iridologist can then make recommendations about nutrition, herbs and supplements, and lifestyle that may increase wellness and prevent problems. As a non-invasive evaluative tool offering easily-accessible information, it fits in with the movement toward preventative healthcare.

Iridology has existed since Biblical times. Evidence of iridology has been found in Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Charlotte-area iridologist Cyrilla Neely earned her Master’s in Public Health and Nutrition. She became an iridologist because of longstanding beliefs that a natural, holistic approach to health is most beneficial. Iridology links her interests in nutrition and health, allowing her to make tailored recommendations to individuals rather than generic solutions to problems that may have various causes. For example, instead of offering a standardized diet to a person with a particular bodily weakness, she can make personalized suggestions based on the specific information that his or her iris reveals.

“Iridology is a way to instill motivation and compliance to a nutritional program because people can see for themselves and engage with what’s going on in their body,” says Neely. She notes that iridologists don’t diagnose or promise to heal, but rather seek to strengthen areas of weakness or low health. Neely addresses criticism of iridology by explaining that it “can’t be compared to a regular medical model because it doesn’t involve diagnosis.” Her brochure calls iridology “an assessment tool” to “allow a complete understanding of ourselves.”

An appointment with Neely begins with videotaping the iris and whites of the eye, called the sclera. Videotaping shows the iris’s response to light and sound, giving insight into the nervous system.  It also allows the eye to be observed with various angles of light. She discusses with the client what she sees in each eye. When the iris is viewed up close on a screen, the many fibers of the iris can be seen clearly. An iridologist examines fibers for density, darkness, discoloration, pupil shape, and more.

The right iris reveals information about the right side of the body, while the left iris corresponds to the left side. Iridology charts include 300 iris points that correspond to different areas of the body. Iridologists often examine the sclera as well, because it changes more and therefore offers information about more recent health.

An example of something an iridologist may see is an irregularly-shaped pupil, indicating possible misalignment in the spine. The iris can reveal issues like tendency for blood sugar disregulation, PH imbalance, digestive disturbances, and lymph congestion.

Neely is certified by the International Iridology Practitioner’s Association, which offers education and proctored exams. The IIPA was developed to regulate certification of iridologists and instill credibility to the field.

“My philosophy of healing is that if you address and fortify the weakest tissues of the body, then you promote the body to be able to address healing in the order that it is naturally inclined,” Neely explains. “Fortifying weak tissues can ignite the healing process.”

Neely is also a certified Sclerologist. She can be reached at (704) 634-2246 or at [email protected]. Marjorie Dana is a freelance writer and Subtle Yoga teacher trainee living in the greater Charlotte area. She may be reached at [email protected].