> **Healthylife** — Healthylife Pharmacy | Your online health destination > [Products](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse) · [Health Hub](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn) > > --- # What is iridology? Healthylife Pharmacy2 January 2018·3 min read Spread the word [](https://x.com/share?url=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/what-is-iridology "x sharing")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/what-is-iridology "facebook sharing")[]( "email sharing") [Add us as a preferred source](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=Healthylife.com.au) ### Jump to Iridology is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) technique that uses the iris of the eye to assess imbalances in the body and is based on traditional and historical recordings, rather than scientific evidence. Iridology is the examination and analysis of the iris and sclera of the eye used by complementary medicine practitioners such as naturopaths, herbalists, iridologists and chiropractors. It may be used as an assessment tool that may help determine imbalances in the body. Those who practise iridology may use a specialised magnifying glass with light (iriscope) or specialised photographic equipment. An iridology chart, which includes a map of the eye is used to identify specific zones and patterns in the eyes that are said to correlate to different organs and systems in the body.  ## **What are the benefits of iridology?** Iridology is used as a tool for assessing the overall health of different organs of the body, but it's important to remember that it's not a diagnostic tool. Iridology can help to guide the practitioner in asking certain questions about an area of the body that may show up more prominently in the iris. This can help to narrow down the possible causes of any health problems you may be experiencing. However, this is based on historical data rather than scientific evidence.  ## **What should you expect during an iridology reading?** During an iridology consultation, a practitioner may use a magnifying torch to inspect the iris as well as take a detailed photograph of the eye. The practitioner may assess the colour, fibres, pigmentations, shapes and shadows that correspond to certain organs according to the traditional mapping of the eye.  Iridology is a complementary medicine assessment technique that is based on traditional recordings. If you are concerned about your health, contact your healthcare professional. This article is based on traditional medicine and not conventional science. More research and studies are required to determine this alternative medicine technique and the benefits it may offer. **Related Reads:** - [Understanding the different types of stress](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/different-types-of-stress) - [How to calm an IBS flare-up](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/ibs-flare-up) - [Superfoods for brain clarity](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/ibs-flare-up) #### References 1. Ernst, E. (1999). Iridology: A Systematic Review. _Complementary Medicine Research_, _6_(1), 7–9. [https://doi.org/10.1159/000021201](https://doi.org/10.1159/000021201) 2. Esteves, R. B., Morero, J. A. P., Pereira, S. d. S., Mendes, K. D. S., Hegadoren, K. M., & Cardoso, L. (2021). Parameters to increase the quality of iridology studies: A scoping review. _European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 43,_ 101311 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2021.101311](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2021.101311) Spread the word [](https://x.com/share?url=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/what-is-iridology "x sharing")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/what-is-iridology "facebook sharing")[]( "email sharing") This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional. --- **About Healthylife**: Find everything you need for a healthy life: Shop over 15,000 curated health products, pharmacy, fact-checked health information, telehealth & health programs. **Useful links**: [Customer Support](https://www.healthylife.com.au/contact-us) · [Browse All](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse)