The Herbalist

July 2005

In this months issue we are going to be discussing iridology.  This amazing science is used extensively within our clinic to help us diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment for patients.

We will also be discussing the importance of minerals, and when it is appropriate to call your naturopath.

Iridology

At around six weeks of fetal life the eye is created and extends from the brain in the form of the optic nerve, which terminates as the iris of the eye.  The iris contains fibers known as trabeculae, which in themselves contain many more microscopic fibers (much like that of an electric cable).

This cable contains cells rich in mitochondria (the powerhouse of a cell) and is remarkably like brain tissue.  The iris tissue remains connected to the brain, which is in turn intimately connected to all areas of the body.

Iridology is simply the study of the iris to help in determining points of weakness within the body.  Originally discovered sometime in the 1850's by a young boy named Ignatz von Peckzley.  The story goes that Ignatz was attempting to catch an owl in his garden, during the struggle the owls leg was accidentally broken.  Ignatz noticed that a black line appeared within the birds iris and as the leg healed this line diminished.

Ignatz would later become a naturopath and during his adult life would create the first iris map from observations of his patients.

In the early 1970's there were more than 3,000 registered iridologists in the world.  Many of these iridologists were in fact doctors.

What Can Iridology Do?

Iridology, like any science, has its strengths and weaknesses.  Many people either believe that it can diagnose anything, or believe that it is a form of witchcraft!  Firstly, it has nothing to do with astrology, palm reading, or the occult!  When used appropriately, it is a very powerful tool.

Iridology can:

• Determine genetic strengths and weaknesses.

• Determine levels of inflammation.

• Determine certain structural and functional dysfunctions.

• Determine if parasitic organisms are present within the body (but it cannot inform the practitioner as to exactly what these organisms are).

• Determine vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

• Determine many problems with the endocrine system (including any imbalances).

• It can indicate the level of toxins within the body (both specific and non-specific toxins).

• It can help to determine nutritional deficiencies.

• Many conditions in their varying stages can be determined by an iris examination.

• The healing rate of the patient (within natural variables).

However, it cannot:

• Diagnose disease.

• Diagnose pregnancy.

• Diagnose viral diseases.

• Diagnose kidney or gall stones since they are not part of the body itself.

• Determine whether certain cancers are present within the body.

• Predict the future - only the likelihood with which change could occur.

When combined with a proper case history and physical examination (which may also involve some laboratory tests), iridology can prove to be an invaluable tool for both the practitioner and patient.  For the practitioner, it gives an immediate "ground" and treatment protocols.  For the patient, the understanding of the situation and how long any treatment may take.

Determining If A Person Has Parasites Using Iridology

Parasites are such a common occurrence for most of our patients.  They are well known for being notoriously difficult to diagnose.  One of the main tools that we use is iridology to determine whether a patient has these invaders present within their body.

In order to help us diagnose, we use a specially designed iris map.  With this map (bottom left) we can compare the patients eye and determine which parts of the body are affected.  For example, as you can see from the iris map below, the bowel is located around the right hand side of the left iris.

In the patients eye we can see a number of lines radiating out from the pupil - much like that of the rays of the sun.  This indicates that there is some sort of parasitic infection within the bowel.

There are four levels of parasitic infection.  Level one shows up as one or more white lines, this indicates an acute level of infection.  Level two shows up as one or more grey lines indicating a sub acute level of infection.  Level three is indicate by one or more dark grey lines, this indicates a chronic infection.  And finally, level four is indicated by one or more black lines - this indicates that a degenerative infection is present.  Level four is particularly serious since it indicates that the parasitic infection is so bad that the tissue within the bowel is breaking down.

In order to examine the eye it is usually easiest to use a torch and light the eye from the side.  This highlights any irregularities.

With a parasitic infection an experienced practitioner can often "feel" the congested area and accompanying parasites.  An infection is often associated with a congested feeling or hardness.

Minerals - The Common Denominator To Illness

Have you realised the importance of minerals?  Today's depleted soils, foods, drugs, and stress leave the body in a minerally depleted state.  If you are one of the many who have been using various supplements for your health and are still wondering why you still have "TATT's" disease (Tired All The Time) it may well be because you have an overdraft in your mineral bank account!

Unless you have complete saturation of all the minerals and trace elements in an alkaline form, your body is unable to process enzymes and vitamins properly.

Michael J. McCammon (N.D.) developed his system of cure more than twenty years ago.  One of the many incredible formulas contained within his range of products is Mineral Max.  This popular supplement formula is designed for complete assimilation, and like all his products, carries his personal guarantee of quality and effectiveness.

It must be stressed that the mineral content contained within Mineral Max is in a concentration level suitable for the human physiology.  An excess of minerals can be harmful and defeat the purpose of the formula.

This is why Mineral Max is given in appropriate dosages and often.  Once correctly prescribed by your health care provider, Mineral Max will allow your body to achieve full mineral saturation by the end of ninety days (it takes that long to achieve mineral saturation).  At the end of the ninety days a maintenance dose is recommended according to your individual needs and signs.

It is important to note that the quantity of minerals contained within any product is not the only thing that you should look for when choosing a product.  Mineral Max is different from most products out there, because:

1. It is 100% natural - just the way nature intended it!

2. It is synergistically designed.  Some plants are not compatible with others (for various reasons).  Mineral Max is synergistically designed to not only contain compatible herbs (i.e. herbs which are "happy" in the company of each other) but also to ensure that the mineral content is also compatible.

3. The mineral combinations are designed in such a way that they most closely match the human chemistry in how they react when digested.  That is, they are 80% alkaline forming, and 20% acid forming.

4. Mineral Max also contains companion nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and the various medicinal properties of plants).  These include fixed oils and resins, fatty acids, phenols and phenolic compounds, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, anthracene derivatives, tannins, mucilage, sugar, sterols, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, trace elements, and heaps more! 

5. There are no detectable alkaloids in Mineral Max (the way it should be) because Mineral Max is a nutritive herbal compound formula.  Mineral Max also doesn't contain more minerals than any other formula on the market - remember too many minerals all at once are not beneficial to the human body (no matter what other companies claim).

What Does Mineral Max Contain?

Mineral Max is made up of four main components:

1. Barley Grass:  Barley grass contains the most concentrated form of natural chlorophyll which is a natural detoxifying agent.

2. Pysllium Hulls:  Pysllium hulls are very high in carbohydrates and dietary fiber with reasonable amounts of zinc, vitamin A, selenium, iron, and chromium.

3. Liquorice Root:  Liquorice root contains vitamins E, C, B-complex, biotin, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, lecithin, and the minerals magnesium, manganese, iron, silicon, sodium, iodine, chromium, and zinc.

4. Slippery Elm:  Slippery elm contains vitamins E, F, K, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, as well as minerals  calcium, iron, sodium, selenium, iodine, copper, and zinc.

How To Take Mineral Max

Mineral depletion is such a common problem with our patients that we almost always recommend the consumption of Mineral Max.  If this is the case with you, then simply follow the prescription you were given.

Remember that full mineral saturation takes ninety days (three months) so it is important that you stick to it over this time period.  Mineral Max can be used be everyone, so if you do not have a prescription then simply take three capsules twice a day preferably before meals.

After three months you should notice the following improvements:

• Your fingernails should be greatly improved, if not perfect.

• Your energy levels should higher.

• You should have better digestion and easier bowel motions.

• Your joints should feel more flexible and any pain that exists should be reduced.

• Your skin should feel softer.

• Your wounds should start to heal faster.

After the three month period is up, we recommend that a basic maintenance dose (usually half of that of your prescribed dose) be taken.  If you stop the minerals you may not notice any slipping back for sometime (the body is very effective at storing minerals).  However, if you leave it too long then it may take another ninety days to regain saturation.

When To Call Your Naturopath!

For a lot of people that come to see us we are a last resort.  Many people have already been through the orthodox system and tried various alternatives as well.

Although our system is proven to work well, with our very high success rate for both short and long term issues, it is always easier to address these issues in their early stages.  This way we get to tackle the problems before they become "set" in the body while there are still the reserves or vital force to aid us back to good health.

If there are delays in seeking treatment the body can be so exhausted that we need to spend some time building up the body first in order for it to be able to heal itself.

Ideally a health check-up prior to any major symptoms occurring is best.  Naturopathy works wonderfully well as a preventative but over the last century or so people have been turning to it more and more for primary health care.  Iridology can help to pinpoint weak areas of the body which may not be working properly or are likely to cause problems in the future.  The old saying "prevention is better than cure" certainly rings true in this case.

We encourage people to make us their first port of call with health issues.  Many things can be sorted out quickly and easily with gentle remedies if they are caught in time.  This avoids the repercussions often associated with allopathic medicines.  However, it is important to note that neither Michael nor I would hesitate to send someone to their G.P. when and if it was necessary.

If you're not sure just give us a ring. 

-  Christopher Toki N.D.

Wishing you all the best this month from all the team here at New Zealand Herbals!

Team:  Michael McCammon N.D. (practitioner, managing director), Christopher Toki (practitioner, naturopath), Marie Grant (secretary and coordinator), Alexander Brouwer (computer technician & programmer), Christine Chaston (herbal technician), and Rose McGown (herb & organic gardens).

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