Iridology Schools for Equines

Iridology (pronounced 'eye'-ridology), or iridodiagnosis, is based on the idea that ailments of the entire body are indicated by the condition of the iris, or colored portion of the eye. Though controversial, iridology is fairly widely practiced as a form of alternative medicine for human patients. A less well known, but increasingly practiced form of iridology pertains to animal patients. Equine Iridology --- iridology applied to horses --- is a growing, increasingly sophisticated subfield.

  1. Iridology

    • The iris is the colored portion of the eye surrounding the pupil.

      In iridology, the practitioner uses maps that define specific areas of the eye's iris as representative of various parts of the body; the left and right eyes correspond to different bodily tissues or organs. Iridologists claim that iridology has been practiced for at least 2,000 years and is mentioned "discreetly" in the Bible in Matthew 6:22. Iridology was "rediscovered" in the 1800s by two men, together called the "fathers of iridology": the young Hungarian Ignatz von Peczely and Swede Nils Liljequist. Bernard Jensen, a chiropractor, pioneered the use of iridology in the United States in the 1950s.

    Iridology for Horses

    • Iridology for use in horses is a new development in alternative animal therapies. Equine iridology has only been fully developed since around the year 2005, by naturopath Mercedes Colburn and Dr. Dena Eckerdt, DVM, who designed an iridology grid, or chart, specifically geared to horses. This grid associates regions of the iris with the horse's individual organs or systems. The iridologist takes a photograph of the horse's eye to provide a clear view. Flecks, spots or discolorations in areas of the iris are mapped and compared to the grid. Acute conditions are thought to show up as a white spot or line, sub-acute conditions as yellow, older chronic issues as gray, and long term, serious degenerative issues as black.

    Critiques of Iridology

    • Critiques of both Human and Equine Iridology suggest that iridology charts are based on intuition rather than science. From the 1950s through the present day, multiple scientific studies have failed to produce a number of correct diagnoses greater than that attributable to chance. In addition, some doctors believe attempting to diagnose a patient through methods such as iridology is medically irresponsible, since it can lead to undue stress and worry over, for example, an incorrect cancer diagnosis. Iridology may be subject to a confirmation bias, whereby the practitioners who developed the grids saw a disease and looked for a discoloration in the eye to confirm it, often creating a pattern where none actually existed and instigating a situation where they may have unscientifically confirmed their own observations.

    Equine Iridology Schools

    • To date, there is only one course for certification in Equine Iridology in the U.S., and several abroad. See the "Resources" section for their websites.

      Through the Eye, International in Salinas, California offers occasional online iridology webinars. These courses are taught by Mercedes Colburn, who is accredited by the Naturopathic Board, has a Ph.D. in Alternative Healing and is co-creator of the Equine Iridology Grid.

      The Ellen Collinson School of Equine Iridology in the U.K. claims to be the only school accredited by the Guild of Naturapathic Iridologists International. It offers a correspondence course consisting of 10 modules, resulting in certification as a practitioner.

      The Nature's Wellness Equine Iridology Program, based in Ontario, Canada, is a third option. Taught by Bianca Church, RHN, RNCP, the course is also a distance learning course that provides optional hands-on time with Ms. Church. Certification is issued to students upon completion of an exam with a score of 80 percent or higher.

      You may also wish to contact the International Iridology Practitioners Association for more information. Though the IIPA is geared first toward human iridology, its members uphold a standard of education and professionalism and may be able to provide guidance for those interested in veterinary iridology.