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. 

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. 

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.

What are the different SUMCHI Stroke Routine Levels?

SUMCHI Technique uses 4 levels to introduce precisely choreographed SUMCHI strokes. The SUMCHI strokes flow together into easy-to-follow stroke routines which improve the function and balance of the muscle hubs and fascia tension of the equine collagen matrix.

In the context of equine anatomy, the collagen matrix is particularly important for maintaining the health and function of the horse’s musculoskeletal system. It provides tensile strength and resilience to tissues subjected to mechanical stress, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, allowing for smooth and efficient movement.

Optimizing the function and balance of the equine collagen matrix is essential for promoting overall performance, preventing injuries, and enhancing horse wellbeing. SUMCHI Technique aims to improve the health and integrity of the collagen matrix through the specific SUMCHI strokes.

4 Levels of SUMCHI Strokes

The SUMCHI Technique uses 4 levels of choreographed stroke routines which layer on top of each other.

Level1

SUMCHI Level1 Stroke Routine introduces horse and user to the Sumchi6 and the six foundation strokes:

1. HALFMOON Stroke

2. FAN Stroke

3. BUTTERFLY Stroke

4. FROGGY Stroke

5. TEARDROP Stroke

6. DOUBLE SEVEN Stroke

Level2

Level2 SUMCHI Stroke Routine adds 6 intermediate strokes, increasing the overall flow of the stroke routine.

Level2 encompasses more of the horse's body, using crossover techniques which encourage unblocking of the horse’s energy channels.

Level3

Level3 SUMCHI Stroke Routine adds advanced strokes, dual Sumchi6 action, and unlocks all 22 MUSCLE HUBS of SUMCHI’s Equine Concertina.

The instruction in Level3 incorporates more knowledge about how the Stroke Routines interact with MUSCLE HUBS and Interhub Tension Lines (IHTL) to balance your horse's collagen matrix. 

*pouches are essential for dual Sumchi6 action

 

Level4

SUMCHI Level4 introduces equine Ting points, according to traditional Chinese medicine, and earthing the SUMCHI Strokes.