The hyoid is a apparatus of small bones in the jaw that do not connect to other bones, but instead, they connect to muscles. If a horse is a head shaker, cribber, head shy, not picking up the correct lead, or doesn’t want to back up, it is a good idea to check for hyoid imbalance. Many times  (but not always) you can look at a horse’s face straight on and see their nostrils or eyes are not in alignment. If need be, take a ruler and hold it from the corner of one eye to the other, or across the nostrils.

We use light on specific acupuncture points to allow the horse to adjust the hyoid apparatus into place. This clip is from Photonic Therapy Institute’s “The Photonic Horse” Intro Class. It is very common for a horse to raise and lower it’s head, stick it’s tongue out, and even roll its eyes back, as the horse begins to bring the hyoid into balance on it’s own accord.

Balancing the hyoid in horses is one of the most rewarding adjustments with Photopuncture (acupuncture with light) I have learned to do. I know the horses get quick relief and the owner is happy the horse is feeling better, the ride is smoother, and things like head shaking begin to cease.

Check with Photonic Therapy Institute for upcoming “Intro to Equine Light Therapy” classes and our free weekly Office Hours webinars where we welcome anyone who would like to learn more about Light Therapy & Photopuncture.