SUMCHI's Origins
The SUMCHI Technique was developed by Beth Shaw, an experienced ETT™ Practitioner specializing in the Equine Athlete, in collaboration with veterinary surgeon and author Sara Wyche. Shaw spent years studying and mapping stress points in horses’ skin, which she termed Nerve Spots. To address these areas, she created specific Stroke Routines designed to enhance equine well-being by targeting the maximum number area where nerve spots tend to occur.
The foundation of SUMCHI lies in the discovery of MUSCLE HUBS and Interhub Tension Lines, which define the Equine Concertina. This concept emerged from observing Nerve Spots—hairless lesions on a horse’s coat—which indicated areas of compromised myofascial tension and disrupted energy pathways within the collagen matrix.
The SUMCHI Technique
Through years of daily observation, Shaw and Wyche found a correlation between Nerve Spots and natural herd mutual-grooming behaviors. By analyzing how horses instinctively groom each other, they developed SUMCHI strokes to improve circulation, skin sensitivity, and musculoskeletal balance. The stroke patterns closely mimic the outlines of mutual grooming behavior, reinforcing their effectiveness.
Further exploration into self-grooming and mutual grooming patterns led to the identification of MUSCLE HUBS - key points of tension and movement - connected by diagonal lines of energy transmission formed during locomotion. This mapping eventually led to the concept of the Equine Concertina, initially defined by 14 Muscle Hubs, later expanded to 9 diamond formations, incorporating the limbs and head.
The Equine Concertina
During this process, Wyche numbered the diagonal energy lines and discovered a "missing hub," designated as 15.1, which contributed to identifying the three points of equilibrium. The recognition of Interhub Tension Lines further validated how SUMCHI strokes influence musculoskeletal balance and tension regulation, ultimately supporting the integrity of the collagen matrix.
Ongoing research into Nerve Spots, Hock Scars, and the relationship between self and mutual grooming continues to deepen our understanding of equine tensegrity. Future studies may shed light on the effects of hyperextension in the spine and collagen matrix, revealing potential insights into the structural dynamics of equine movement and health.
Beth Shaw – Founder of SUMCHI Technique
Beth is a Competency Specific Veterinary Physiotherapist (SAV #CSVP24/17700) specializing in the SUMCHI Technique (equine bodywork) and ETT Transeva Technique (ETT). Beth has para-veterinary practices in Hong Kong and South Africa.
Beth owns and operates BSET Academy at Manyatta Farm in South Africa. BSET Academy has been operating since 2008 delivering specific instruction in SUMCHI, Equine Transeva Technique (ETT) and Ekwos through the course “Holistic Healing Equine Modalities.” BSET Academy alumni are working Worldwide in the equine industry. www.BSETAcademy.co.za