With one foot in the conventional medicine model and the other in a holistic model, Laura James, a holistic iridologist, is working to make her dream of creating a flourishing full-time business that allows her to pursue her passion—helping people to address their health challenges with less invasive and more natural solutions.

James, a graduate of the International Institute of Iridology, in Waynesville, North Carolina, studied with Dr. David J. Pesek, who pioneered holistic iridology and was in turn mentored by Bernard Jenson, the father of modern iridology and the author of The Science and Practice of Iridology. Pesek, who has earned five degrees including doctorates in psychology and iridology, is a clinical nutritionist and psychotherapist who studied different aspects of iridology from around the world and blended them into his system of holistic iridology.

Iridology is an alternative medicine technique based on an ancient belief that patterns, colors and other characteristics of the iris can be examined to determine information about an individual’s systemic health. This method is also called the homunculus approach—the idea that one part of the body maps to the rest of the body, including organ systems. Reflexology, auricular acupuncture and even basic chiropractic follow this approach.

More people are searching for natural answers that work, and I’m excited to be part of this movement. I believe that iridology offers solutions for prevention and wellness. ~Laura James

A native of New Jersey, James and her family decided to move to Florida after several visits to spend time with her parents, which had retired to Estero. “We always hated to go back to the cold weather, so we became permanent residents in 2003,” says James, who discovered iridology after investigating many aspects of natural health and healing modalities. “I believe that self-education has led many people like myself to prefer natural healing methods. I also believe that others develop an aversion to prescription drugs after learning about all the dangerous side effects they cause. My learning adventures began after I started drinking green smoothies, working with GreenSmoothieGirl.com and experiencing what whole foods and good nutrition could do for my own health and that of my family,” says James.

“In my Western medicine profession, I work with nurses who are also interested in natural health and healing. One registered nurse was a doctor in Ecuador, and is now studying to be a physician here. She informed me that in her country and in many others, prevention and wellness are at the forefront of conventional medicine, which is largely based on natural health and healing,” advises James.

“I hear people frequently say that they are sick and tired of only being offered drugs or surgeries that haven’t worked,” says James. “More people are searching for natural answers that work, and I’m excited to be part of this movement. I believe that iridology offers solutions for prevention and wellness. On a personal note, the iridologist who examined my eyes picked up on a weakness in my kidneys and stagnation in my lymphatic system. He gave me suggestions for supporting these weaker systems and I found his guidance was most helpful.”

To schedule an appointment with James, call 239-431-9172 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit SWFLNaturalWellness.com.