Examination of the pupil
Iridology is the science of analysing the structure, texture and colour of the many thousands of nerve fibres, blood vessels, lymphatic system, muscles and other tissues that make up the iris, sclera and pupil of the eye.
The size and activity of the pupil can provide your naturopath with an indication of your current health status and ways to best support your system.
Dilated pupils: Iridology consultations will always cover the status and activity of your pupils as the size will indicate excessive stress or fatigue in a patient
Iridology pays particular attention to the activity and size of your pupils. Suppose your pupil slowly pulsates in and out and is more significant than usual. This is possibly a sign that you may be adrenally exhausted and probably already experiencing symptoms of fatigue. Symptoms can occur in one or both eyes.
Often individuals report an increase in symptoms that can be brought about by an increase in stress on the body, whether from working more hours, lack of regular sleep, or experiencing difficult emotional periods.
Taking a good quality vitamin B supplement and some adrenal herbs, including Rehmannia and licorice, and prioritising your sleep is beneficial but straightforward support to your system during this time.
Seven Steps to Get A Better Nights Sleep
The quality of our sleep is related to what we do during the day. Here’s how to fuel your body, so you sleep more easily.
Reduce your caffeine intake
Caffeine can affect our ability to fall asleep and reduce sleep quality. It stimulates the production of stress hormones and inhibits the absorption of a hormone that gives us a sense of calmness. Avoid coffee or drinks such as black tea after 2 pm.
Drink calming herbal teas
Having teas such as chamomile, passionflower, valerian or skullcap before bed relaxes the nervous system.
Pour boiling water onto two teaspoons of dried herbs in a cup. Leave to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes, then enjoy.
Increase magnesium intake
It is considered the “anti-stress” nutrient as it calms and supports the nervous system.
Tofu, legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains (oats, barley, millet, quinoa), wheat bran and green leafy vegetables are all rich in magnesium.
Boost your melatonin levels
This hormone is produced naturally at night to promote sleep.
To boost melatonin production, increase your sunlight exposure, meditate and reduce stress levels. Good food sources include oats, sweetcorn, rice, ginger, tomatoes, bananas, almonds and seeds.
Reduce your alcohol intake
Alcohol may help you fall asleep initially, but it will interrupt your most restful, deepest REM sleep cycle.
It’s also thought that people who consume alcohol regularly have lower levels of natural melatonin in their bodies, contributing to sleeping difficulties.
Exercise regularly
Exercising during the day can make it easier to fall asleep at night and stay asleep. It can also increase the amount of time you spend in the deepest stage of sleep. Although, some people do find exercising too late in the day too stimulating, so if earlier is better for you great but a little exercise is better than none.
Create a lavender ritual
The lavender essential oil has a lovely calming effect on the nervous system. It can assist relaxation and help get you off to sleep. Place a few drops of lavender oil in a warm bath before bed or in an oil burner, or place some dried lavender near your bed at night.