Index of Iridology Terms, 8 November 2002

The GRAND MEDICINE

INDEX of IRIDOLOGYTerms©

Special Note: 
This “Index” is a work-in-progress designed to provide us in the Iridology industry with (1) an on-going and ever-growing common language—avoiding the confusion of having several terms for the same item (“Nerve Rings,” “Contraction Furrows”, “Cramp Rings”, etc.)—and (2) a comprehensive reference.  Guidelines: terms should be simple, descriptive, accurate, up-to-date, and/or from the most authoritative sources.  Send your comments, suggestions, criticisms, and items for inclusion, to gm@grandmedicine.com

Absent Wreath – when the Wreath is absent the suggested meaning is bowel underactivity.  The Wreath may be visible in some areas but not in others.  The meaning is that, in some sense, bowel motility is negatively affected to the degree of Wreath visibility (see footnote #1). 

Acute Activity / Lightened Area – is a term referring to an area where tissues are acutely inflamed.  Look for such signs as a lightened color that is very much brighter than the surrounding iris tissue color, or one or more iris fibers that are very white (in Blue or lighter Hazel eyes) or yellow (in the darker Brown eyes). 

ANW – (see “Wreath”).  ANW is an older term referring to the Wreath, or “autonomic nerve wreath”.   The newer usage is “Wreath”. 

ANW Zone – (see “NutriZone”) is another name for the earlier term “First Major Zone”, a reference to the larger “Zone” within the Wreath that includes the stomach and the bowel.  The newer term is “NutriZone”. 

Anxiety Syndrome – is an Eyology term referring to a phenomenon seen in all three Genotypes and is characterized by Cramp Rings with Dark Radials.  It suggests psychosomatic nervous tension and a feeling of always being under pressure.

Area – is an Iridology topographic term referring to the essential Part location surrounding the OP, or Origin Point, where markings are most often found.  It refers to a specific organ, tissue, or body part location.  E.g., the lung Area, the left kidney Area, or the right leg Area.  We can also use the term “area” (small “a”) to refer to various marking locations.  When capitalized, however, it is understood to mean a specific organ (etc.) location.  The term “position” has also been used in this regard.  (For a fuller description of Iridology Topographic terms, see “MapBook of Physical Iridology”—see footnote #2)

Asparagus Lacuna – A topostabile Endocrine system sign indicating a usually serious chronic degenerative condition, possibly a tumor.

Atonic Wreath – Wreath placement is relaxed toward the iris Rim (periphery), showing tendency to constipation from lack of bowel tone.

Autonomic Nerve Wreath – (see “Wreath”). 

Balanced Wreath – means the Wreath is rightly placed about 1/3rd of the way out from the pupil.  This describes an appropriately sized NutriZone (Zones 1 and 2).  It shows a positive influence on bowel behavior, and is a sign of a general vitality that is well above average. 

Beak Lacuna – (also “Straight Beak Lacuna” and “Curved Beak Lacuna”) is a topostabile bird-beak-like Lacuna occurring at the Wreath.  The “beak” aspect increases the possibility of pathology, especially nerve supply problems, so watch for Wreath weakening or breaks where the sign occurs.  Wreath penetration is more suggestive of malignancy (real or potential), whereas non-penetration suggests possible benign tumor formation. 

Blue Genotype – (also “lymphatic constitution”) is a term referring to irises within the blue genetic color range.  Identification: The Blue-type iris includes all the non-brown-pigmented eyes, and thus the various “clear” blues, grays and greens, as well as the rare purples (like Elizabeth Taylor’s eyes).  The iris fibers are clearly visible, and there is no identifying Brown-type general pigmentation over substantial portions of the iris—Heterochromias notwithstanding.  Tendencies: There is a genetic predisposition to lymphatic over-sensitivity, reactivity, or overactivity, with resulting mucus membrane discharge in the linings of the bladder, genitals, Nutritive, and Respiratory systems.  There is a special sensitivity to dairy products, which are among the more obvious causes of mucus discharge and congestion.  Certain other general tendencies can be listed that tend to occur more in Blue-eyed persons than in those with Brown or Hazel eyes, including problems with generative function, some sugar & protein metabolic processes, joint and muscle pains, certain skin conditions, and allergies.  

Brain Flares – A concept developed by David Pesek, PhD., involving the application of emotional qualities to various brain areas (See footnote #4).
 

Brown Genotype – is a term referring to irises within the brown genetic color range.  Identification: a carpet of brown pigment over the entire iris, with iris fibers not visible or barely visible.  Tendencies: inherited tendency to blood / serum disturbances and some heart and kidney diseases.  White blood cells are more active and less effective against certain parasites due to a lesser ability of the body to hold trace minerals.  Occasional problems may occur with carbohydrate metabolism, liver / gall bladder, and Structural and Nutritive systems.                                                      

Central Heterochromia – is a mostly genetically determined and mostly yellowish or brownish discoloration of the NutriZone.  This term describes an Eyology Syndrome.  It shows a tendency to constipation, digestive and eliminative disturbances, and underactive stomach secretions. 

Cholesterosis Ring – is signed by a pale-to-thick whitish band of film partially or wholly encircling the periphery of the iris, mainly seen in Zs 6-7, but possibly extending into Z5.  Technically, this is not an iris sign, but actually a sclera sign since it is within the cornea (the cornea being a transparent extension or aspect of the sclera).  However, its historical use allows it to be claimed by Iridology.  It indicates a tendency to liver disorders involving the metabolism of calcium &/or sodium &/or cholesterol.  Also possible are circulatory disturbances, and vascular, liver and kidney sclerosis.  In Eyology, this sign describes the Cholesterosis Syndrome. 

Cholesterosis Syndrome – appears as a whitish or grayish haze near the iris Rim.  It may vary from transparent to opaque.  It refers to a genetic liver disorder involving the metabolism of calcium and/or sodium and/or cholesterol (see “Cholesterosis Ring”). 

Cigar Lacuna – (see “Lance Lacuna”). 

Ciliary Edge – (see “Rim”) is another term for the iris Rim, the iris periphery, or iris/sclera border, or outer-most extension of the iris, where it meets the sclera.  The newer term is simply “Rim”. 

Ciliary Zone – the second Major Zone comprised of the Zones outside the Wreath.  These are Zones 3-7, inclusive. 

Circular Zone(s) – (see “Zones”). 

Closed Lacuna – Commonly shows tendency to organ insufficiency.  A closed lacuna with a thin white border indicates that a healing process is occurring or has taken place.

Collarette – (see “Wreath”) is one of many terms used for the iris Wreath. 

Colors in the irises – may be inherited, developed, or both.  They may be seen as (1) solid colors over the whole iris (Genotype, or inherited), and Phenotype, or inherited and developed, (2) as areas of color (e.g., the Heterochromias, sectoral, central, and complete), and (3) as swaths, patches and spots (the more specific Pigments).  The range of possible colors is wide, both in terms of Genotype colorations and in the various Pigment area colorations (see Pigments).  (See footnote #5)

Complete Heterochromia – is a sign encompassing the entire NutriZone and giving it an utterly different color (more often one of the darker brown shades, especially reddish brown) than that of the Ciliary Zone (the Ciliary Zone is where the Genotype color is determined).  It is possible to view in all but the darker brown eyes.  Inherited or developed, it refers to potential dysbiosis, anything from mild to pre-neoplastic.  The redder the color the more potentially negative the condition (See footnote #5).

Compound Map Topography – refers to Iridology topography that uses more than one (“compound”) map to show tissue and organ areas. 

Constitution – (see “Genotype”, and also “Phenotype”) is a term often misused in Iridology to refer to what is actually the Genotype.  As traditionally used in medicine and in the common language, the term “constitution” refers to the sum total of both inherited (or genetic) qualities and the various developed conditions of bodily being—in Iridology, as seen in the irises.  (New term: “Genotype”.)    

Constricted Wreath – refers to the Wreath being constricted toward the pupil.  It is a sign of possible constipation, slow / underactive peristalsis, sluggish motility, NutriSystem infections, malabsorption syndrome, &/or functional bowel disorders, including irritable bowel, gas, and bloating.

Copper Dysfunction – a generally pale grey-gold-greenish and somewhat metallic ring resembling the Cholesterol Ring, more or less encircling the outer Zones (5-7).  It is referred to medically as the “Kayser-Fleischer rings”, and represents what has medically been called the “Wilson’s Syndrome”, or “Wilson’s Disease”.  An inherited copper toxicosis disease generally occurring before age 30 that is medically considered fatal without treatment.  Symptoms include unexplained hepatic, neurologic, or psychiatric disease, or persistent asymptomatic unexplained transaminasemia.  Discovery tests need to be run on hepatic copper metabolism.  If abnormal amounts of liver-mediated copper get into the brain (via the bloodstream) there can be disastrous results, signed by tremor, dystonia, dysarthria, dysphagia, drooling, incoordination, grossly inappropriate behavior, or even schizophrenic or manic-depressive behavior.

Corkscrew Radial – is a developed corkscrew-shaped White Radial that describes a circumstance in which pain has at some time occurred, is current, or will soon be suffered, in the local area where found. 

Cotton Wool Balls – (see “Tofi”). 

Cramp Rings – refers to a sign of concentric ring-like structures occurring in any Zone or Zones that describe circulatory disturbances with possible cramping wherever breaks in rings occur (formerly “nerve rings”, and “contraction furrows”). 

Crypt – A smallish (but not as small as a DM), topostabile, light-to-dark (but NOT black inside), rather sharply outlined rhomboid or otherwise diamond-shaped marking indicating an actual or potential ulcerative condition.  Malignancy is a possibility when accompanied by a brown or black pigment.  With a white (Perifocal) border, the condition is acutely active.  Important: pathology thus varies and depends also on Crypt location. 

Curved-Beak Lacuna – is a topostabile sign of a Lacuna most often found at the Wreath, and shaped like the curved beak of certain birds.  It indicates inherent tendency to nerve supply problems.  Wreath penetration indicates active (although benign) neoplasm. 

Darkening – is a term referring to a darkened area of the iris.  It suggests that the corresponding body tissue is in a state of chronic inflammation, with increased toxicity, a higher pathology index, and parasites that are more difficult to deal with (than if the tissue were lighter). 

Dark Radials – (also “sun radials”, “radial furrows”, “spastic furrows”, “radii solaris”) is a term referring to ray-like generally dark groove markings of various lengths and depths radiating from the Pupil Border, Z1, Z2, or the Wreath, outward toward the iris Rim.  They indicate a tendency to nerve weakness or lowered nerve energy in whatever areas they penetrate and to the degree of their depth.  This sign also brings a tendency for the development of certain types of bacteria and fungi that feed upon nerve tissue.  Dark Radials are of two basic types: (1) the short type, within or mostly within the Nutritive Zone, and (2) the longer rays that may originate anywhere from the Pupil Border to the Wreath but then radiating outward into the Ciliary Zone.  NutriZone Rays indicate problems with that system’s nerves.  Dark Radials tend to occur frequently more in brain areas because it is the nerve center of the body.  Rays penetrating specific brain areas will, in varying degrees, affect mental, emotional, or physical functions accordingly. 

Defect Marking – abbreviated as “DM”, refers to any of three smallish very dark markings showing areas of genetic defect (older terms include “substance defect”, “defect sign”).  DM’s may or may not have manifest as tissue damage or chronicity, but they certainly have a tendency in this direction.  The area DM’s represent are usually the most vulnerable in the body.  They may be (1) rhomboid or diamond-shaped (typically), (2) point or spot-shaped, or (3) lance or spearpoint-shaped (tiny, thin, elongated diamond), and always very dark, black, or nearly black.  They may be seen singly, or in a series collected together, somewhat net-like, within a usually diamond-shaped configuration most often near the Wreath or otherwise in the NutriZone.  With DM’s, the disease potential is among the highest of all iris signs.  To help differentiate between Crypts and DM’s (e.g., in the case of a question of size), note that DM’s are usually smaller and always blackish, whereas Crypts (besides being always only diamond shaped) are not as dark inside.  (See footnote #6)

Density – is a term that refers to genetic disease resistance, or overall health resilience, shown essentially by relative iris fiber closeness.  It is structural integrity, showing inherited bodily ability to manage negative influences.  It is the capacity of the body to take all kinds of abuse and stress, including dietary toxins, metabolic wastes, environmental toxics, negative-reactive emotions, privations and deprivations, weather changes and dynamics, accidents and other traumas, and so on.

Depigmentation – refers to a patch of iris fibers missing its color and appearing starkly bleached out, showing significantly lowered functional ability wherever seen.   

Detached Wreath – is said to refer to (1) a problem with sugar metabolism, and (2) local lowered bowel function from irritation by drugs or chemicals, usually pharmaceuticals, but possibly from common food processing.  Nerve supply is diminished or otherwise less effective in the local area.  (Look for sclera signs to verify and amplify meaning.) 

Developed Markings (and both inherited and developed) – include Pigment Spots, Radials, Threads, Cramp Rings, Tofi, Metallics, Wedges, Nerve Netting, Transversals, Cholesterosis Ring, Uric Acid Plates, and Combo Markings. 

Diagnosis / Iris Diagnosis – is a medical term that has been used inappropriately by Iridologists.  This is a wrong use for many reasons, including the fact that in Iridology it is often possible to confuse and interchange the location of organs (e.g., gallbladder, pylorus, and pancreas head).  Such ambiguity alone should obviate Iridology as a means of primary diagnosis.  The general term “diagnosis”, as used in medicine, means determining the nature of a disease, or distinguishing one disease from another.  In certain areas of the world, it is illegal to use Iridology to thus “diagnose” disease.  A problem has developed when and where those who are not legally permitted to thus “diagnose”, do so, and are challenged.  It is considered more prudent (if not safer) to use Iridology (especially when it is used alone) to “evaluate” health conditions.  This is done by avoiding reference to specific “legal” disease names (e.g., “diabetes”, “cancer”, “arthritis”, etc.), instead using generic terms (“sugar metabolism dysfunction”, “neoplasm”, “metabolic disease”, etc.).  Moreover, this approach tends not only to satisfy legal requirements, but is also scientifically more accurate.  For even greater accuracy in health evaluation, always use differential diagnostic methods—i.e., other means of evaluation. 

Discreet Markings – are single, specific iris markings that may be inherited, developed, or both.  Examples include such as Lacunas, DM’s, Crypts, Pigment Spots, and Transversals. 

DM – (see “Defect Marking”, for which “DM” is the abbreviation).

Double Lacuna – (see “Roof Tile Lacuna”) 

Doubled Wreath – is a term referring to the local doubling of the Wreath.  When doubled in one or more places, extra sensitivity and irritability is represented in those places. 

Eggshell Sign / Syndrome– A sign seen at 3:00 and 9:00 at the Rim and moving into the sclera, denoting problems with the Eliminative function and associated organs, especially kidneys and rectum, but possibly involving other organs of this system.  Seen mostly in older age. 

EyeScan – A term referring to a USA-based company developing Eyology imaging systems.  (See footnotes #2 & #3)

Eyology – is a term referring to any and all studies of the eyes as means of evaluating the health, pathology, and all other qualities of human life.  This definition would include Iridology and its various branches (the physical, mental, personality, psycho-emotional, etheric, and spiritual dimensions), Sclerology, and any other such science. 

Febrile Sign / Syndrome – shows as a thick whitish covering in the Ciliary Zone.  It is harder to see in certain Hazel eyes and may be impossible to see in the darker eyes.  It shows increased tendency to develop fevers to aid the immune system in its work. 

First Major Zone – is the NutriZone, comprised of the first two Minor Zones: Zone 1 (Stomach), and Zone 2 (Bowel).

Genotype – is a term referring to the genetic or inherent qualities of the body as seen in the irises.  Somewhat arbitrarily, we may distinguish three basic Genotypes or iris color types: Brown, Blue, and Hazel.  See also: “Blue Genotype”, “Brown Genotype”, and “Hazel Genotype”.  (Former term: “Constitution”.)

Glandular Zone – is a reference to Zone Three (Z3), where most of the Endocrine glands of the body—and, indeed, most iris signs—are represented.

H, or small “h” – is an Iridology Topography term seen mostly in German Iridology texts referring to the “hour” aspect of the 12 hour / 60 minute clock marking locations superimposed on the Iridology map.  They may refer to the left or right iris, and help us specify locations of various markings, organs, etc.  E.g., “the arterial heart is located at 3h in the left iris”.  Another way is: “L3h”, or “3:00L”.  A modern version of this schema is found in the book, MapBook of Physical Iridology, by L. Mehlmauer (see footnote #2), and also the “Universal Iridology Grid” has a full description of the new Iridology Topography terminology (see footnote #2).

Half Lacuna – is a topostabile marking showing an area of inherited weakness but with easier nutrient delivery than the Closed Lacuna.  A darker interior shading indicates lowered function and reactive ability.

Hard Marker(s) – is a summary term for such iris markers as Lacunas, Crypts, DM’s, and Rarefaction.  Most Hard Markers (Lacunas, Crypts, DMs, e.g.) are inherited. 

Hazel Genotype – is a term referring to irises within the Hazel genetic color range.  Identification: wide color range, with varying amounts of brownish or otherwise opaque pigmentation, especially seen at 11:00-1:00Z3 of each iris.  Most iris fibers are clearly visible.  Tendencies: various liver, gallbladder, portal, and biliary tract disorders, certain digestive problems and kidney disturbances.  Hazel-eyed persons tend also to have heightened sensitivity to chemicals and superheated fats and oils.  (Formerly: “Mixed-Biliary constitution”.)

Heart-Bowel Syndrome – appears as markings in the heart and Defect Signs in the bowel area.  This shows inherited tendency to weakness in the lower bowel with possible prolapsus, plus heart-caused circulatory disturbance. 

Heart-Kidney Syndrome – is shown by inherent markings in the heart and kidney areas.  Blood will be oxygen deficient, with shortness of breath and edema.  Renal signs may only appear in the sclera. 

Hepatoprophic – (or “hepatotropic”) means involving the liver or otherwise liver function. 

Heterochromia – is a term referring to any of three so-called “Heterochromias”: the Complete H., the Central H., and the Sectoral H.  They can provide both inherited and developed data. Look under these three headings for information specific to each type. 

Holistic Iridology – A term used to describe a whole or holistic method of teaching and practicing Iridology developed by David Pesek, PhD, USA. (See website at www.holisticiridology.com.

Honeycomb – A topostabile marking indicating organ weakness from tissue hardening, disturbed nutrition, and other metabolic difficulties.  Seen in glandular, respiratory, brain, and other areas.  Expect parasites, poor circulation, lowered vitality, and local tissue atrophy. 

Humoral Zone – (See “Zone”).  This term “Humoral” is another, older reference to Zone 3, or Z3, where most Physical Iridology Hard Markers are found. 

Hydrogenoid – (see “Tofi”).

HyperAcid / HyperAcid Syndrome – is a term referring to a series of whitish-gray plates (called “Uric Acid Plates”), usually seen in the mid-Ciliary Zone, and more easily seen in lighter-colored eyes.  The sign indicates a tendency to painful acid accumulations in joints with raised blood uric acid levels.  This Syndrome was formerly called “Over-Acid”, later to be changed by German Iridologists to “HyperAcid”. 

IIPA – Acronym for the International Iridology Practitioners Association, headquartered in the USA. (See www.iridologyassn.org.

Inherited Markings – include genetic general iris color (Genotype), Lacunas, Honeycombs, Crypts, and Defect Markings (DM’s).

Integrated Iridology – A term referring to a method and means of practice coined and taught by Toni Miller, Australia.  (See rtmiller@ozemail.com.au.)  

Intermittent Wreath – refers to a Wreath that is broken in places, one that demonstrates an irregular pattern of alternating bowel over-activity and underactivity.  

Intestinal Zone – (see “NutriZone”).

Introflection – A term used especially by Russian Iridologists referring to the inward direction of the Wreath toward the pupil, as in clinical cases of sugar metabolism dysfunction where the Wreath is seen to move inward in the lower aspect of the iris(s). 

Irides – is an early term referring to the irises. 

Iridological – is a term meaning, “having to do with Iridology”. 

Iridology – (irid = irises; -ology = study of) is a term referring to the art, science, and study of the markings and colorings in the irises of the eyes as means of understanding health and disease (or pathology) conditions.  While the science, in modern times, began with a focus on the physical body and its topography, later researchers have included the more recent discoveries of emotional, mental, psychic, and other qualities.  For purposes of clarity and specificity, the physical aspects have been referred to as Iris-1, the personality qualities as Iris-2, the etheric as Iris-3, the psycho-emotional as Iris-4, the mental-psychic as Iris-5, the causal (root of the ego, or locus of the sense of separate self, or root of attention) as Iris-6, and the spiritual as Iris-7.  The general term “Iridology” would then encompass all of these.  Historically, Iridology seems to have appeared, disappeared, and then reappeared in various places and times.  It may have been known in ancient Egypt.  Most recently, it was “discovered” in the early 1800’s by Ignatz von Peczely of Hungary (see footnotes #5 & #13).  

Iridoscopy – (see “Iridology”) is another (archaic) name for Iridology.  Technically, it means “the study of the irises under magnification”. 

Iris-1 – (also “Physical Iridology”) is a term referring specifically to that aspect of Iridology science dealing with the physical body and the physical aspect of the brain-mind as seen and displayed in the irises of the eyes.  This is to differentiate such study from other somewhat similar iris studies, those involved with (e.g.) personality (“Iris-2”), the etheric body (“Iris-3”), the psycho-emotional (“Iris-4”), the mental / psychic (“Iris-5”), the causal (“Iris-6”), and the spiritual (“Iris-7”).  The schema of “Iris-1”, Iris-2”, etc., was originated by Leonard Mehlmauer (see footnote #2).  

Iris-2 – That branch or division and map of Iridology involving the personality as seen in the irises of the eyes.  Initial work on Iris-2, or Personality Iridology, was done by Denny Johnson, USA, who originally referred to this science as “Rayid”.  Iris-2 can be divided into five general parts: (1) STRUCTURE, or how a person learns and gestures, (2) POLARITY, or inward-tending or outward-tending expression of energy, (3) DOMINANCE, or right or left-brain adaptation, (4) RINGS, or attitude syndromes, and (5) AREAS, or specific talents, traits, fears, desires, relationship developments, and other personality modifiers (see footnote #9)

Iris-3 – The science or division or branch and map of Iridology involving the etheric body, measuring it, and describing dysfunction of the etheric as seen in the irises of the eyes 

Iris-4 – The science or branch or division and map of Iridology involving the ability to see emotions and emotional dysfunction in the irises of the eyes. 

Iris-5 – That branch or division and map of Iridology involving the mental sheath and all of mind as reflected in markings and colorings in the irises of the eyes. 

Iris-6 – That branch or division and map of Iridology involving the causal sheath, the subtlest of all aspects of human bodily being, as seen in the irises of the eyes.

Iris-7 – That branch or division and map of Iridology involving spirituality and how to see various aspects of spiritual development in the irises of the eyes.  This branch has been under investigation by Drs. Daniele LoRito (Italy) and Gino Belinfante (Canada) (see footnote #12).

Iris Grid – is an Iridology topographical term.  It is used to describe the hypothetical or theoretical placing of a grid onto a (typically) flat surface to represent, in circular or otherwise iris-shaped fashion, the locations of body organs and tissues as represented in the irises.  Such a grid is designed to facilitate the location of the various tissues, organs, and systems of the body.   Grids of various maps have been used as transparencies with photos and placed directly on computer screens.  They have also been integrated into software, where they may be displayed as overlays onto iris and sclera images.  (For Physical Iridology software info, see footnotes #10 & #11)

Iron Sign – (also “ferrum chromatosis”) is a term referring to patches of tiny fine-grain brownish dots, seen mostly in Zone 3, especially in Hazel eyes.  They can also be seen in Blue eyes, and in the lighter shades of Brown eyes, as well.  They indicate liver susceptibility and sensitivity to touch, typically with enervation and even (possibly) psycho-emotional disinclination to work.

Irritation Fiber(s) – (see “White Radial”). 

Irritation Radial(s) – (see “White Radial”).

Jagged Wreath – or star-shaped Wreath suggests a tendency to loose stools under stress. 

L, or capital “L” – is a term in Iridology topography referring to the left iris.  E.g., the designation “L11:45-12Z3” refers to a marking, organ, or other quality located between 11:45 and 12:00 in Zone 3 of the left iris. 
Lacuna – is a term meaning pit or opening.  In Iridology, the marking is generally almond-shaped but can take other similar shapes and forms.  It refers to a topostabile area of the body tending genetically to pathology.  (See specific types of Lacunas, e.g., “Leaf Lacuna”, “Asparagus Lacuna”, “Roof Tile Lacuna”, “Open Lacuna”, etc.).

Lacunae – (see “Lacunas”) is a terms with an archaic plural affix, “ae”, which has been replaced by the more modern form, “as”. 

Lacunas – is the plural form of “Lacuna” (replaces the archaic form “Lacunae”). 

Ladder Lacuna – (see “Roof Tile Lacuna”)

Lance DM – is a term referring to a lance-shaped DM or Defect Marking (see “Defect Marking”).

Lance Lacuna – (also “Torpedo Lacuna”, “Cigar Lacuna”).  Most often, it involves the bowel or an Endocrine system organ, but could indicate a problem with the liver, CV or Pulmonary system, depending to some degree on its location.  This signs is always near or at iris Wreath, topolabile, and often serious: possible tumor or abscess, neoplasm (benign or malignant), nervous system weakness, or bowel nerve energy problem.

Lateral – is an anatomy term we use in Iridology topography to refer to those portions of the iris located toward the outside of the body or otherwise away from or in the other direction of the nose.  Thus, in the right eye (R) the lateral portion is between six and twelve o’clock.  In the left iris (L), the lateral portion is between twelve and six o’clock. 

Leaf Lacuna – A leaf-shaped sign, with veins inside that resemble those of a leaf, indicating a tendency to weakness and insufficiency, seen most often in Zone 3, but may occur in other Zones.

Lesion –A term used in Jensen-type Iridology referring to a pathology of some kind as seen in the irises and marked typically by what in modern terms we would now call a Lacuna, Crypt or DM.  Def.: any pathological or traumatic discontinuity of tissue or loss of function of a part (see footnote #16).

Liver-Stomach Syndrome – shows disorders of these organs via brown pigment in the liver area with White Radials or Red Transversals (from pylorus to liver) and/or local defect signs (Lacunas, Crypts, and/or DM’s). 

Loosened Fibers – means iris surface fibers that seem to weaken, become thinner, lose integrity, begin weaving together, and reveal the underlying stroma.  Loosened Fibers occur mostly in Z’s 6 & 7, although they may also be seen in the other Zones.   Loosened Fibers are differentiated from Rarefaction inasmuch as the latter display a mere separation in fibers.   

Lymphatic Rosary – (see “Tofi”). 

Lymph Perls – (see “Tofi”). 

M, or small “m” – is an Iridology topography term seen mostly in German Iridology texts referring to the various minutes in the 12 hour / 60 minute clock as superimposed upon the Iridology map of the body as seen in the irises.  The “m” helps specify the locations of various markings and organs (etc.) with greater precision.  E.g., using that schema, one would say that a certain DM is located at “R27mZ4”, meaning in the right iris at 27 minutes in Zone 4.  Another way to say this is: “R5:10Z4”.

Major Zones – refers to the two principle Zones of topography in the irises, (1) the NutriZone, which include minor Zones 1 and 2, and (2) the Ciliary Zone, which include minor Zones 3-6 or 7 (see “Zones”).

Marker(s) – is a term in Iridology referring to markings in the irises that describe various qualities of health, personality, etc., depending on the marker and which branch of Iridology is being considered.  In Iris-1 (Physical Iridology), the most common markers are Lacunas, Crypts, and DM’s (see description of these terms). 

Medial – is an anatomy reference that we use in Iridology to refer to those parts of the iris topography that are nasalward.  When looking at an image of a left (L) iris, the medial portion is that from six to twelve o’clock.  When observing a right (R) iris, the medial portion is from twelve to six o’clock. 

Medusa Lacuna – is a term referring to an Open Lacuna form, a pre-malignancy sign illustrating a familial history of severe disturbance, usually found in lung, bronchus, and kidney areas.

Mesenchyme Syndrome – (also “connective tissue weakness”) appears as a variously loose weave of iris fibers.  The Wreath is often difficult to distinguish, and there may be multiple Lacunas, some or all of which include more than one organ area.  It refers to a genetic tendency to mesenchyme weakness, and therefore a weakness tendency in the structures and tissues produced by the mesenchyme.  Structural system and connective tissue vulnerability in the form of spinal misalignments, bone fractures sprains, and sagging internal organs. 

Minor Zones – is a term referring to the six or seven topographical Zones or concentric divisions of the iris that help define and locate the various organs and systems as projected, map-like, upon the surface of the irises.  These include (1) the NutriZone, (2) the Bowel Zone, (3) the Vascular / Endocrine Zone, (4) the Muscular Zone, (5) the Structural Zone, and (6) to (7), the Lymphatic / Skin / Peripheral Nervous system Zone (see “Zones”). 

Mucus Membrane Zone – (see “Pupil Border”). 

Neoplasm Syndrome – shows a genetic pre-disposition to abnormal tissue growth or malignancy.  Of course, it is also possible to also develop this syndrome.  Signs include a grayish general tone (in lighter eyes), darkened Rim, Wreath area Lacunas, discolored Zone 3, tarry black or very dark brown Ciliary Zone pigment spots, immune compromise signs in the sclera, a darkened Nutritive Zone, multiple Tofi, and Curved-beak Lacunas in the Wreath.  The irises show any 4 of these: dark, cloudy NutriZone, discolored / dark gray Z3, spleen Transversal, peripheral Tofi, Scurf Rim, Wreath area Beak Lacunas, dark brown/black Ciliary Zone Pigments.  Also, the brown/black Z4-5 Dark Dots, pigment spots of any color close to DM's, Crypts, or Lacunas, and one or both Diamond PBD.  In the sclera, look for the presence of any one or more of 15 known N markers, plus symptoms.  The system is the Metabolic.  The origin is both inherited and developed.  The signs indicate neoplasm environments.  Either existing pre-neoplastic circumstance or current active neoplasm.  Lesion(s) may be benign or malignant.  Malignancy involves cells that are out of control, grow without regulation, lack differentiation, and can invade local tissues and metastasize.  The normal course of malignant neoplasm is fatal.   

Nerve Netting – (also “neuronal netting”) is a psycho-neuro sign, a web-like effect of tiny Transversal lines below surface layers.  They are usually white (although they may be other colors), and most often found in respiratory areas or reside in Open Lacunas—although they may entirely encircle the iris in Zones 4-6.  Visible only in lighter shade eyes, they describe genetic-familial predisposition to nervous conditions, including chronic depression, sadness, melancholy, or otherwise negative-reactive emotions.  The emotional darkness—with attendant weakness—will be associated with (and affect) either the local areas or the entire Nervous system, according to where seen.  Also, look for Local Darkness and Area Pigment of orangish-yellow color in brain areas as confirmation of this sign.

Nerve Wreath – (see “Wreath”).  

Netting – (also “neuronal netting” or “nerve netting”) is tiny, web-like effect below surface layers often in respiratory area Open Lacunas.  Look for sadness, negative-reactive emotions associated with local areas, plus attendant weakness.

Neurogenic Syndrome – seen in Blue and Hazel eyes, shows close-knit fibers in all Zones, with Cramp Rings.  It shows robust physical integrity but nervous system vulnerability to mental stresses and psycho-emotional states (see footnote #6).

Neuronal Netting – (see “Nerve Netting”). 

Nutritiona