This article first appeared in Personal Wealth, The Edge Malaysia Weekly, on April 18 - 24, 2016.
Iridology is an alternative medicine technique where patterns, colours and other characteristics of the iris are examined to determine information about a patient’s health.
It “reveals the presence of tissue inflammation in the body, where it is located and what stage it has reached — acute, sub-acute, chronic or degenerative. The iris reveals the level of constitutional strength, inherent weaknesses, state of health and the transitions that take place in a person’s organs and tissues according to the way he lives”, says the website of Bernard Jensen International — a company founded by Dr Bernard Jansen, a leading proponent and “modern father” of iridology.
Throwing light on the technique, Kuala Lumpur-based Dr Goh Kee Soon says it does not reveal diseases or sicknesses in the body, only weaknesses. “It is an analytical tool to understand a person, so that, for example, if his iris reflects that there is a deficiency in magnesium, we can immediately address it.”
Goh is a consultant iridologist, phytotherapist, nutritionist and trainer on iridology and herbal medicine certified by the International Iridology Practitioners Association (IIPA).
He likens iridology to the smallest computer monitor in the world, one that is more sensitive than any device in diagnosing signs of bodily function weaknesses.
“For example, medical devices/tests can only detect ailments once they have reached 70% severity. But even if it is just 5% severity and you don’t even feel that anything is wrong with your body, your iris will show it,” he explains.
“The brain is like a computer motherboard and the iris, the monitor. Whatever information the brain picks up on the condition of the body will be revealed through the iris.”
Goh has over 40 years of experience in natural therapy and uses iridology to complement what is most important — healing the body through natural and holistic nutrition. With his knowledge, he is able to provide a comprehensive solution to his clients.
“Most iridologists will only tell you what ailments you have, but not how you got it. Through my studies in bio-chemistry, herbal medicine and iridology, I can explain to you how and why you have a certain ailment,” he says.
A practising consultant iridologist since 1985, Goh’s interest in the subject was sparked in the 1970s when he was completing his bio-chemistry degree.
“At first, I didn’t believe in iridology. This was why I studied it — to debunk it. But as I delved deeper into it as a student, [I was convinced and began] reading my friends’ eyes. Within six months, I had mastered the science,” he recounts.
Soon after that, Goh contacted Jensen. “I wanted to learn from the master of iridology himself,” he smiles.
Over the last 40 years, Goh says he has had an 80% accuracy rate when it comes to diagnosis. He adds that he tries to see around 30 to 40 clients a day, but at times, there are 90 to 100 of them a day from all around the world as he frequently travels to deliver lectures on iridology.
Each session lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and costs RM50. Those who want to be diagnosed can go to his centre where Goh uses a mini torchlight to examine the iris up close. They can also opt to send an enlarged photo of their iris.
According to Goh, there are seven rings or zones within the iris. The centre ring represents the stomach while the ring next to it shows the condition of the intestine.
“The third ring reflects the important and major organs, the fourth the condition within the organs and the fifth, the membrane of the organs. The sixth ring looks at the lymphatic and circulatory condition while the seventh reveals the condition of the skin. Iridology is able to diagnose any part of the body.
“As for diagnosis, if the seventh ring of the iris is black, it means that there is weakness in the skin condition and is therefore an indication that there is a skin disease. This black ring is called the ‘Scurf Rim’. When there is a lesion in the iris, it means the organs are not functioning at its peak. A lesion is a term used to describe a marquise-shaped mark on the iris.”
Be aware of who you consult
Those interested in a consultative session should ensure that they go to a qualified iridologist. There have been cases of wrong iridology analyses in Malaysia, says Goh. “There are those who don’t learn iridology in depth and are not certified, and yet they practise it.
“Worse still, I have come across those who use iridology as a tool to promote direct-selling products. These people spoil the image and credibility of iridology.
“As a tutor and instructor, I always teach my students to not use the technique to sell products. Sell only the information, I tell them,” stresses Goh.
He gets exasperated when those who attend his two-hour talk on iridology leave thinking they have mastered the science. So, he proposes two questions to ask anyone who claims to be an iridologist.
“First, you must ask, are you qualified? There are three levels of IIPA iridology certification: At level one, you can read irises but you cannot practise; you are only a trainee, a beginner. You are not licensed to practise.
“After learning and passing level two, you are licensed to practise in Malaysia. Once you have passed level three, you are allowed to practise globally; you can apply for a licence anywhere.
“I always encourage my students to master level three as they can be a consultant iridologist. In the Malaysian Iridology Practitioners Association, we have fewer than 50 members.”
Goh, who is MIPA’s president and its master trainer, says the association was established eight years ago and will host its annual general meeting on April 17.
“Those without any certification will not be permitted to join us. We are eager to improve the quality of this profession but they are those who are still resistant to gaining certification and joining MIPA. These are the people against whom there are complaints.”
Goh hopes that the profession will soon be regulated because if it is not, the frauds can get away with it. To avoid being duped by such people, he suggests that those interested contact MIPA for recommendations on qualified iridologists.
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