An Outline History of Iridology

As defined by the "Father of American iridology," Dr. Bernard Jensen, "Iridology is the study of the iris of the eye to determine strengths and weaknesses in the body."  By locating markings in the iris of the eye, the trained Iridologist can determine where there are strengths, weaknesses, and deficiencies in the body.

Ignatz von Peczely

The true originator of Iridology was a Hungarian physician named Ignatz von Peczely.

At 11 years of age Dr. von Peczely noticed an owl in a tree in his backyard. He tried to catch the owl. He accidentally broke one of the owl's legs. He then noticed a dark stripe develop in the lower part of the owl's iris. Dr. von Peczely dressed the owl's leg and nursed it back to health and let it go. However, the owl stayed around and later he noticed the appearance of white and crooked lines in the part of the iris where the dark stripe had been.

Thus, The Birth of Iridology was about 1861!

At the same time Dr. von Peczely was involved with his owl, Nils Liljequist of Sweden, 14 years old, was vaccinated and became sick with enlargement of the lymph glands of the neck, coughing, malaria, influenza and pains in the limbs. He was treated with external applications of iodine and was finally prescribed Quinine. As years passed he observed his irises changing more and more and in 1871 he published a paper entitled: Quinine And Iodine Change The Color Of The Iris; I Formerly Had Blue Eyes, They Are Now A Greenish Color With Reddish Spots. In 1864 he broke two ribs and noticed the changes in his iris. In 1893 he published an atlas with 258 black and white drawings and 12 colored double-iris drawings called Diagnosis From The Eye.

Bernard Jensen

Until his death in 2001, Dr. Bernard Jensen was one of America's foremost pioneering nutritionists and Iridologists. Beginning his career in 1929 as a chiropractor, he soon turned to the art of nutrition in search of remedies for his own health problems. He later observed firsthand the cultural practices of people in over 55 countries. In 1955 he established the Hidden Valley Health Ranch in Escondido, California, as a retreat and learning center based upon the healing principles of nature. In his career he examined and analyzed over 350,000 eyes. Since his passing, his work has been continued by his son, Art, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Ellen Tart-Jensen.

Life and Times of Dr. Bernard Jensen*

A Letter from Dr. Bernard Jensen:

January 1, 2001

To Everyone Concerned with the Business of Good Health,

I began my journey as a young idealistic chiropractor in 1929. From the very start, my desire was to treat anyone who was suffering and in need of help. Since those early years, I have circled the globe countless times, to learn, to teach and, indeed, to lend a helping hand wherever needed.

Today, after having worked with over 350,000 patients around the world, I am firmly convinced that nutrition is the greatest single therapy to be applied in the wholistic healing arts and that we must treat the whole patient, not just the disease.

I believe in iridology as the "eye" of the natural healing arts, the window through which the wholistic perspective on health becomes understandable. Iridology is a wonderful means of demonstrating the rewards of choosing a healthy way of life, the ideal tool of preventive medicine.

While I am sincerely flattered by the acknowledgements, awards and titles extended to me over the course of my profession, I am most humbled by having been able to touch and improve the quality of lives of so many patients around the world.

Now, with loving pride and utmost confidence, I have passed the torch to my son, Art Jensen, and to my protege, Ellen Tart-Jensen, to carry on the unfinished business of Bernard Jensen International. Art has supported me, for so many years, with his invaluable administrative expertise - even while building and managing his own business, Natural Books & Products.

Ellen Tart-Jensen, Ph.D., D.Sc., has not only mastered all that I had to teach her but has become the finest Iridologist and Nutritional Consultant in her own right. I am entrusting both of these dedicated individuals with my mandate to care for those in need and to positively affect the lives of everyone in the field of wholistic medicine.

Finally, I am taking this opportunity to thank all those wonderful people who have believed in me throughout my pioneering years. I say to you, "Trust in yourselves", because what you are doing is needed by all of humanity for many more years to come. I love you all.

Bernard Jensen

Dr. Bernard Jensen - March 25, 1908 - February 22, 2001 *

Dr. Bernard Jensen has been a pioneer in the health field for more than 60 years. As America's leading holistic nutritionist, and pioneer of Iridology, he has worked with over 350,000 patients around the world. He believed that nutrition is the greatest single therapy to be applied in the holistic healing arts and that we must treat the whole patient, not just the disease.

To accommodate those of you seeking the perfect tribute to Dr. Bernard Jensen, we recommend "His Quest for Health and Happiness", a fascinating video documentary of his search for vibrant health and long life.
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* Mirrored from Bernard Jensen International website [www.BernardJensen.com] with the kind permission of Art Jensen