This article is from the Alternative Medicine Therapies guide.
The iridologist will examine the irises of your eyes using either a slitlamp (an expensive piece of equipment also employed by optometrists and ophthalmologists) or just a penlight and magnifying glass. Many iridologists will also obtain photographs of your iris with a specially designed camera, then considerably enlarge the photos so that the iris appears about the size of a dinner plate. (This can be a rather dramatic sight, allowing you to appreciate the complexity of the iris's structure. With its numerous fibers and colors, the iris is as unique as your fingerprints.) The process is completely painless, safe, and noninvasive.
While examining your irises, both in-person, and later when reviewing the photographs, the iridologist will look for subtle signs of developing illness, such as symptoms of stress or a build-up of toxins. Depending on the practitioner's training, and whether he accepts of the concept of "mapping," eye charts may be consulted to determine problems in corresponding internal organs.
The examination and consultation typically will last about an hour. Unless your iridologist is a licensed physician, you will not be diagnosed with any specific disease. You will, however, be told about any risk factors and given preventive health-care measures to follow.
Many iridologists practicing in the United States are trained in another complementary medical specialty, frequently chiropractic, homeopathy, or naturopathy. In those states where they are licensed to do so, such a practitioner may be able to give a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
 
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