FAQs

For over 200 years, the structural patterns within the colored portion of the eye—the iris—have been studied to help interpret the condition of the physical body. Different structural components in the iris are believed to correlate with inherent strengths, weaknesses, and levels of physical resiliency.Historically, iridology gained significant attention during World War II, when doctors and veterinarians used it extensively with horses, known as Equine Iridology, to help restore them to health as quickly as possible for the battlefield. Through the study of hundreds of human and animal cadavers, researchers traced correlations between the nervous system and various glands, organs, and parts of the body, laying the foundation for modern iridology charts.In the early 1970s, Dorothy Hall became one of the first physical iridology practitioners to briefly discuss the psychological correlations found within the eyes. Around the same time, Dr. Bernard Jensen also identified indications of personality traits through iris patterns. In the late 1970s, Denny Johnson and the Rayid Method made a major breakthrough by integrating personality traits and family history into iridology.

Behavioral Iridology expanded upon these ideas by combining iris structure, family history, medical history, body type, and our proprietary healing techniques into one integrated system. This approach connects the story of our lives—our upbringing, emotional stress, trauma, accidents, illnesses, and diseases—to inherited behavioral patterns passed down through previous generations.

Behavioral Iridology ultimately seeks to teach the psychology behind our physiology, helping us better understand how emotional and generational patterns influence our current state of health, well-being and relationships.

This is one of the most common questions people ask when first learning about iridology.The answer is both Yes and No. 

The “No”

There are three primary structural components used in Behavioral Iridology. Two of these structures—Neurogenic Fibers and Lacunae—are formed within the first week after birth. To date, there is no photographic evidence showing these structures being added or disappearing throughout a person’s lifetime.

While pupil dilation can temporarily alter their appearance or shape, the original structure and location remain consistent.

The third structural component is called Psora, or dotted pigmentations.

The “Yes”

What does change in the eyes over time is primarily color and pigmentation.

Psora, or dotted pigmentations, generally begin appearing between approximately age two and the 50s. These pigmentations can range in color from bright rust-orange to dark brown or nearly black. While there is no clear photographic evidence showing them disappearing entirely, their coloration can and often does change over time.

In blue eyes especially, the white neurogenic fibers can appear bright and vibrant or become darker and more congested depending upon body chemistry, stress, emotional trauma, toxicity, and overall health. Many people are born with lighter-colored eyes that gradually become hazel, brown, or significantly darker over time.

Behavioral Iridology views this accumulation of color as directly related to body toxicity, hemispheric brain dominance, stress patterns, emotional trauma, and unresolved tension stored within the tissues and cells of the body.

Although rare, we have documented cases where eyes have become lighter over time. In nearly every instance, these individuals consistently practiced extensive cleansing, detoxification, emotional healing work, and maintained exceptionally clean diets and lifestyles over many years.

Physical iridology sees Psora as “drug spots” and Lacunae as “weakness.” When people first hear these interpretations, many assume the patterns are “bad,” permanent, or somehow causing their suffering. In Behavioral Iridology, however, these patterns are viewed differently. They are not curses—they represent lessons, potentials, and areas of growth.When a lesson remains unconscious or unresolved, we tend to experience the painful side of that pattern. As we consciously engage in healing, self-awareness, and personal growth, we begin to access the gifts and strengths hidden within those same patterns. In that sense, these markings become part of our purpose and development.

Behavioral Iridology was founded in 2001 by Jim Verghis after a near-death experience in 1978 that profoundly changed the direction of his life.Following a 44-foot fall and a diagnosis of degenerative rheumatoid arthritis, Jim spent the next 40+ years immersed in natural health, healing, and holistic medicine in search of answers for his own chronic pain and recovery. Along the way, he studied under five amazing teachers whose teachings eventually became integrated into one unified system.Behavioral Iridology is the culmination of these teachings, combining iris analysis, personality structure, family systems, genealogy, emotional healing, and natural health into one comprehensive model.

Jim Verghis studied with Denny Johnson for 14 years and achieved the level of Rayid Master—one of only 13 worldwide at that time.There are two primary differences between the systems:

Behavioral Iridology identifies two core personality types, while the Rayid Method works primarily with four personality types.

Behavioral Iridology also uses its own proprietary iris positions chart, designed as a pie-shaped system utilizing blue, yellow, and red zones. The Rayid Method uses a numbered chart system with more symbolic and esoteric interpretations.

Today, Behavioral Iridology has expanded into live teacher trainings, certification programs, webinars, workshops, and experiential learning environments. As of the summer 2026, the organization is preparing to open a retail location and healing center in Scottsdale, AZ.Our growing community brings together like-minded individuals seeking natural approaches to healing, self-awareness, and personal transformation. Through understanding the family tree, inherited behavioral patterns, and the forces of nature, we believe healing becomes more meaningful—and far less isolating.At the deepest level, we all share many of the same feelings and struggles; only the stories that brought us there differ. When people gather together in conscious community, taking responsibility for their healing journey, transformation becomes not only possible—but deeply supportive, empowering, and even joyful.