May/June 2005 Alternative Health
Holistic Iridology - An Advanced Approach

by David J. Pesek, Ph.D.

Traditional iridology (pronounced eye-ri-dology not ear-ri-dology) has been practiced over the past three millennia in recorded history. The term "traditional iridology" refers to the way iridology has been utilized for thousands of years. This has been primarily a physical health analysis of an individual. The iris, a relatively circular, pigmented membrane of connective, vascular and nerve tissue that surrounds the pupil, is the most complex external structure of the human anatomy. It is connected to every organ and tissue of the body by way of the nervous system. Through the optic nerves, which are attached to the eyes, vision information is sent to the brain. At the same time, through a reflex circuit, information is sent back to the eyes from the brain about genetic heredity (strengths and weaknesses) and accumulations within the organs, glands, fluids and other tissue structures of the body.

The human body begins with one cell from each parent, the sperm and an ovum, which join together to form a zygote. With the union of this genetic information, the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) material begins its task of creating a new human body, in this instance.

There is a direct correlation between the embryological development of the human body and the development of the irises (or irides). The map or chart of the irides reflects this correlation. (See chart on page___.) The neurological reflex of the location in the iris of each structure of the body relates to this unfolding of cellular differentiation to form each organ, gland, bone and structure of the body as they emerge. Thus, the irides comprise a map of our genetic make-up. They reflect the strengths and weaknesses we are born with. It is believed that this genetic material can have an effect on our body from as far back as four generations or more. There are other maps of the body reflexed on a portion of the body. For example, foot reflexology has been utilized effectively to locate and treat areas of congestion of organs, glands and fluids through points located on the foot and ankle.

Another map, the human body in a fetal position, is reflected in each ear. Acupuncturists can effectively stimulate points on the ear that are connected to other structures of the body via channels of flowing energy known as meridians through which Qi (pronounced "chee") flows. Qi is thought of as the life force of the body.

A holistic approach to iridology takes this art and science beyond the traditional, physical analysis of many modalities. The structures of organs, glands, fluids, bones and other tissues that comprise the body respond to our thoughts and emotions as well as the physical environment. Each of these structures has corresponding thought and emotional relationships.

We not only inherit physical traits through our ancestors' DNA, we also receive genetic influences from our ancestors' experiences on thought and emotional levels. This genetic information carries vibrational frequencies that may or may not affect our own behavior. We may be aware and conscious of these patterns while some can be subconscious and still create an effect.

The irides reveal all of this information that we have inherited along with what we have done to ourselves throughout the lifetime. The way we eat, drink, feel, think and live will also impact what is seen in the irides in terms of specific accumulations.

Over decades of clinical experience and research, I have come to the conclusion, which led me to create the following assertion,

"The iris, sclera and pupil of the eyes show the veil the soul has created, through consciousness (or forgetfulness), that reflects the illusion which prepares the soul for attaining the reality of full enlightenment."

Simply stated, this means that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. And the eyes are windows that open into our personal growth along our spiritual journey.

Yes, we have inherited all of the genetic information which presents us with opportunities for health or illness. It is what we do with these opportunities that makes life truly purposeful.

There are approximately 5 billion people on earth, and there are no two eyes that are exactly alike. We each have our own unique path to travel. I believe and have found through personal experience in my own life that,

"All healing begins on the spiritual level first, next into the mental/thought level, from there into the emotional/feeling aspect and finally into the physical body. This is the true nature of the healing process."

At what level a person chooses to begin to take action toward better health is his or her decision. A healthcare provider can utilize Holistic Iridology® to assist individuals in gaining insights into their specific patterns, thus facilitating their transformation.

This system of Holistic Iridology® is complex, detailed and profound. Keep in mind that every cell and tissue structure of the body responds or reacts to all of our thoughts and emotions. Certain thoughts and emotions have a larger impact on specific tissue structures due to their energetic relationship.

In Holistic Iridology® the left iris relates to the feminine aspects, meaning our own feminine nature and relationships with the female gender, while the right iris relates to masculine aspects, meaning our own masculine nature and relationships with the male gender. It is important to examine the trabeculae (connective tissue) structure of the irides. This will indicate what the inherent patterns are that a person was born with as a result of ancestral influences.

By observation and assessment of the trabeculae patterns in the irides, along with the accumulations and pigmentations, it is possible to ascertain the root causes of specific health challenges. These possibilities, or tendencies, can be seen in a newborn child or a person of any age. Providing a person with this depth of information can lead to early intervention and perhaps the avoidance of an illness or degenerative condition later in life. Helping others to understand their tendencies is the first step in prevention. Assisting others to take a proactive role in the creation of their good health is paramount.

One of the weaknesses of conventional, allopathic medicine and even some alternative modalities is the focus on the treatment of symptoms rather than on getting to the root causes of a person's specific health challenges.

Generally speaking, dark areas in the iris relate to hypo, underactive, resistive or suppressed conditions. White or brightened areas relate to hyper, overactive, compulsive or acute conditions. For example: If a person has a lacuna (separation of trabeculae forming an opening or pocket in the connective tissue of the iris) in the left kidney area, then forgiveness issues with primary feminine figures in his or her life are a factor. If this lacuna is surrounded by raised white trabeculae, then one possible underlying pattern could be worded as follows, "I must forgive my mother, but I don't know how."

Another example: A person with a tight or strictured collarette (the sinuous, scalloped ring in the iris that divides the central pupillary zone from the peripheral ciliary zone) in the region of the descending and sigmoid colon has a high tendency to hold onto memories and physical objects and difficulty letting go of the past. Persons like this also tend to keep their feelings and thoughts to themselves and will internalize rather than express. One possible worded expression can be, "I must be in control; it is difficult to let go."

These two simple examples are a brief attempt to convey the concepts. Our human nature and spiritual journey are far more complex. Holistic Iridology® addresses these complexities through its depth and breadth. We are all born with issues and challenges to overcome throughout our lifetime on the spiritual journey. It is important to view a person's eyes without judgment of what is good or what is bad; it just is.

Iridology as an art and science is practiced worldwide. However, it still deserves much more recognition as a valuable tool of assessment in the healthcare field. We, as iridologists, have a responsibility to advance this science through professional education, proper research and ethical practice.

David J. Pesek, Ph.D. has a clinical practice in nutrition, tissue cleansing programs and psychology utilizing iridology. He teaches Holistic Iridology® courses worldwide via distance education and live seminars. Dr. Pesek is the director of the International Institute of Iridology® and the president of the American College of Iridology™. Dr. Pesek may be reached at: 375 Paradise Lane, Waynesville, NC 28785, 1-866-456-6100 or drpesek@holisticiridology.com. Visit his website at www.holisticiridology.com.

Dr. Pesek will be lecturing on Friday, May 20 at the Alternative Healthcare Symposium in Portland. He will also be available for personal iris analysis reports. Call 503-631-8589 to register for this 3-day symposium.