Most practitioners who employ natural health assessment techniques, do so as a tool to aid in calculating the correct nutritional regimen, detoxification method, or homeopathic remedy for their clients. While they are not meant to replace the diagnoses of licenced physicians, these sensible methods can often pinpoint the true origins of a serious medical problem, while an MD will analyze and treat the apparent cause and symptoms.

The allopathic approach to disease is to address the symptoms of the disease. Since a symptom is the body's way of trying to eliminate a foreign substance or organ imbalance, supressing or masking the symptom virtually ensures that the problem will manifest in a similar or different manner at a later time.

But, by using an holistic approach, the direct the means to a permanent cure can be employed. If a serious disease is detected, an holistic practitioner will refer you to a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. He will then offer a traditional course of treatment, which will include pharmaceuticals. But, you do have the right to chose your method of treatment.

Iridology is the best known and most popular natural diagnostic method. Developed in the 17th century by Hungarian MD, Ignatz von Peczely, but recorded in history for about 3,000 years, this accurate science of soft tissue analysis uses the coloured portion of the eye around the pupil as a map of the internal state of the body. Peczely discovered that lines, spots, and discolourations appear in the irises of both animals and humans in direct correlation to their health problems.

Based on his findings he prepared the first iris chart. Now Iridology is practiced worldwide. Charts have become increasingly detailed over the years.

The iris is the most complex tissue structure within the body. Its myriad of nerve endings, microscopic blood vessels, muscle and connective tissue communicate with the brain and nervous system, and through this network to every organ in the body. Thousands of nerve fibres receiving impulses via the optic nerve, optic thalami and spinal cord respond to changes in the body tissues by producing a correlating reflex response. A miniature human body is virtually replicated in the irises, providing us with a medium through which we can observe our internal workings in a painless, non-invasive manner.

Interpreting this science is very complex and sophisticated. Ninety different areas and seven zones are present in each tiny iris. Colouring too is important. The only true eye colours are brown and blue. Any other colours are believed to indicate toxic accumulations. Overall appearance of the iris fibres must also be considered.

Each eye reveals different information. The left iris correlates to the organs, glands, tissues and other structures located on the left side of the body. The left side also also controls the feminine, creative, cenceptual, and intuitive as-pects of our personalities. The right iris correlates to all of the anatomical structures on the right side of the body, as well as indicating the masculine, practical, analytical and logic aspects of our being.

More than just detecting the condition of present physical health and the exact location and stage of conditions, Iridology will accurately reveal potential problems twenty years or more in advance, as well as physical transitions due to toxicity, weakness or deficiency, and past injuries or condi-tions. Emotional and mental patterns and attitudes and hereditary strengths and weaknesses as far back as four generations also appear in the eye, making this an outstanding and inexpensive tool for vetting animals, in particular horses.

Iridology also allows one to examine and assess children and babies without intimidating equipment or painful procedures. The constitution of the iris can reveal lowered resistance to disease, poor stamina and even the causes for hyperactive behavior and sugar-cravings. The source of infection or inflammation, pre-clinical stages of disease, the underlying causes of particular symptoms, and conditions that often go unrecognized by other methods can all be located by examining the irises. Iridology can also show the body's progress in responding to treatment. However, it does not pinpoint specific diseases because of the similarity in physiological symptoms that often occurs.

Preventative health care is the goal of Iridology. Early detection allows positive action. A consultation begins with examination of both irises using magnification and illumination. The eyelid and white of the eye may also be included. A photograph may be taken for future reference. Factors that affect your health such as current lifestyle, habits, diet and stress are discussed. An evaluation is then made. Costs range upward from $45 and are not covered by OHIP. Extended health care plans may cover Iridology if the practitioner is a Naturopath or certified Natural Therapist.

Most Iridologists have certification in some other type of discipline such as Nutritional Counselling or Homeopathy. This provides them with knowledge of how to assist you in correcting the problems that are revealed. Advice may involve lifestyle or dietary changes, nutritional supplements or detoxification. At least one follow-up visit is recommended to monitor your progress and allow for adjustments to your personal health program.

Another technique which recognizes the body's ability to mirror its inner workings on an external level is Organ/skin Correlation Analysis. During embryonic stage when the umbilical cord provides all nutrients, all major systems of the body gather and form the facial structure, sharing four general areas. As the upper sphere, the face and head essentially reflect the torso or lower sphere of the body inverted.

Consequently, internal conditions manifest sympathetically on the head and face in locations corresponding to the placement of internal organs. For instance, the forehead, as a whole, reflects the intestines, while the chin indicates the condition of the sexual organs. The kidneys are represented externally by the ears. Because the mouth channels nutrients and oxygen into the body to be assimilated through the organs, it has a strong correlation to the digestive tract.

Practitioners of both Organ/skin Correlation Analysis and Facial Analysis look for texture, colouration, lines and creases, eruptions and puffiness to determine problems within. Auto-toxicity becomes readily apparent, as do hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. A program can then be developed to correct the malfunction or imbalance.

Facial Analysis observes external physical signs on the face, hair and nails in order to pinpoint specific mineral deficiencies. When in need of nutrients that are not supplied through diet, the body will begin to draw from its own reserves. It targets the least important areas of the body first before turning to structural components such as bones, or resorting to impairment of glandular and organ functions. In this way it can maintain itself for as long as possible before chronic degeneration occurs.

Although the body requires more than 90 different minerals, vitamins, trace elements, amino acids and fatty acids, twelve minerals or tissue salts are particularly essential. These, along with water and organic matter comprise all cell composition throughout the body. Minerals are the active component which utilizes organic substances for correct cell development, regeneration and detoxi-fication. Mineral deficiency is now recognized as the root cause of virtually every disease. Restor-ing and maintaining deficient elements allows cells to build normally, eliminates deficiency-associated symptoms and often reverses disease.

Facial Analysis was developed in the 19th century by a German physician. It interprets various distinctions of the skin. A bare, unwashed face observed under bright natural light is required for the correct analysis. Colouration, shine, wrinkles, texture, skin condition and anomalies are all considered. A consultation averages $25 and is not covered by OHIP.

Electro-Dermal Screening is a computer-based diagnostic tool. Used to identify food and environmental allergies, parasites and organisms, toxins, nutritional deficiencies and even the condition of organs, the computer performs approximately 14,000 individual tests.

Basically a high-tech adaption of Kinesiology, probes are touched to various meridian points on the hands and feet. There is no discomfort as the computer receives and records biofeedback information from the electrical currents within the skin. It is fascinating to watch. A blueprint is quickly printed out, indicating your test results. Costs may be covered by extended health care, depending on the nature of the practitioner.

Applied Kinesiology is another popular diagnostic tool used in conjunction with other disciplines. Also known as Muscle Response Testing, Touch For Health, or Contact Reflex Analysis, Applied Kinesiology tests relative strength and tone of muscles.

Every muscle has a partner to oppose its own movement. This is how contraction or extension is achieved. When a muscle becomes weak, its opposing partner becomes overly tense, creating an imbalance. To test the quality of muscle function, positions were developed to isolate a muscle from the group with which it normally works. Most of these tests are performed lying down on a firm surface.

Muscle tests also give a good indication of the condition of the whole body. Blood and lymph vessels, nerves and meridians or electrical pathways run through the muscles. Any long-lasting constriction can impair these bodily functions and in turn the organs, adversely affecting health. Also, the nerves and meridians emit electrical impulses that are surrounded by magnetic fields. Interruption, distortion or reaction to either a neural current or its magnetic field indicates problems. Based on this principle, MRT point locations all over the body and head were determined

The efficacy of muscle testing led to the development of several other forms of Kinesiology and different methods of corrections. All utilize either physiological reaction of interupted electrical currents or magnetic field interaction.

Health Kinesiology cn be used in a wide range of applications.  It consists of a series of yes or no questions to which the body responds physiologically. Because of autonomic response triggered by the body's electrical current, it can be used to satisfy questions that the subject may not have answers for on a conscious level. For this reason, Kinesiology can be used in a wide range of applications including allergy or nutritional testing, uncovering deep-rooted psychological or emotional problems, testing the functioning of all systems within the body, and determining compatable treatments, products and dosages.

To begin with, the subject is muscle-tested to determine polarity. Metal jewellry or belt buckles should be removed. The right palm, which emits a positive charge, is placed on top of the head and the left arm is held horizontally. Pressure is ap-plied to test for strength. The process may then be reversed to confirm the actual polarity. If balancing the polarities is required, the thymus is tapped about 100 times in a counter-clockwise direction. This stimulates its immune-boosting function. Then the subject is re-tested. Electrical response may also be tested by holding specific substances that are known to be either healthy or unhealthy for the individual--sugar, for instance. The magnetic field of the substance will either strengthen or weaken the subject's own magnetic field as indicated through muscle response.

To achieve answers to carefully chosen questions, the arm may be held horizontally and pressure applied, or the thumb and little finger may be pressed together. The muscle will test weak or strong in response to the question. Once the practitioner has determined the fundamental cause for a problem, whether it is currently correctable, and the priority for treatment, the results will be double checked. Another non-invasive diagnostic technique may also be applied to confirm the conclusions. A course of treatment is then initiated. After about a month the subject is again tested with Kinesiology to monitor progress and changes.

Nutritionalists employ several methods for analyzing a person's state of health. A Body Systems Analysis categorizes the individual into one of four main body types. Each type has specific characteristics, personality traits and common health problems that are determined by the major gland that is dominant. Used as a generalized assessment, the practitioner is able to "read" the body type by observation and outline a program of correct diet and sleep requirements for the individual.

Based on the philosophy that you are only as strong as your weakest link, Symptomology uses a detailed survey to analyze nutrition, digestion, circulation, glandular functions and toxicity within an individual. Lifestyle Assessments are more brief or generalized questionaires used to quickly determine any body systems in need of support.

Hair Analysis may then be used to confirm the apparent indications. More accurate than blood or urine analysis, a quantity of chemically-untreated hair from the nape of the neck or pubic region is sent to a Laboratory for testing. Hair provides a static picture of the elements present in the body over an extended period of time. For a cost of about $60 a report will list the levels of about 30 minerals including silica, outline interactions or deficiencies, and confirm the presence of 8 common toxins including mercury or lead. It will also recommend specific supplementation. Analysis of a particular substance or broader range of chemicals and metals can also be requested. Results take at least two weeks.

Live Blood Analysis reveals more than traditional blood pathology.  A finger-prick of live blood is placed on a glass slide and viewed under a specially-equipped microscope at a magnification of 1,000 times. The client and technician both observe the condition of the blood on a television monitor and together discuss the findings. This type of evaluation can quickly reveal much about the person's state of health as well as provide insight into nutritional deficiencies. Through this type of test you can actually observe the impact of the foods you eat on the state of your blood. It can be a real eye-opener! The cost for this diagnostic procedure runs between $45 and $65 and is often available through a Naturopath. An appointment is required. ~~