4 minute read
The Sumchi Technique
by hqmagazine
A horse doesn’t care how much you know until he knows how much you care.
— Pat Parelli
TEXT: NANCY SCHRODING
THE SUMCHI TECHNIQUE
THE INTRODUCTION
"Since its original inception, the Sumchi6 massage tool has been demonstrated to have significant effects on deeper tissues of the body, namely layers of fascia. With increasing levels of intensity, the program of strokes appears to generate unique currents of energy capable of reaching distant parts of the body, and probably traveling along prescriptive pathways similar to those used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This opens up the extended possibility of its therapeutic use in equine rehabilitation. Sumchi6 has many purposes and is - quite literally - within every horse owner’s grasp.” Sara Wyche Lochgilphead Scotland 6/9/2021. Retired Veterinary Surgeon and author of numerous titles including “Horses Muscles in Motion” & “Practical Steps in Rehabilitating Your Horse”
Beth Shaw spent many months in the company of her muse, the racehorse. Based in Hong Kong and with all travel banned due to the worldwide pandemic, Beth was inspired with the time on her hands to share her revolutionary SUMCHI Technique.
After twenty years as an ETT Practitioner, working daily with the top equine athletes, Beth lives a life immersed in the health and wellbeing of the horse. Beth opened the BSET Academy where ETT – Equine Transeva Technique, is taught in 2008 (www.bsetacademy.co.za), and with her keen eye, sharp intuition and passion for the horse, a small idea started one day when she lay on the massage table to work out the aches and pains of her demanding job. Inspired by the tool that was being used, simple in design but highly effective, Beth decided to take the tool and customise it for the horse.
Based on the natural act of mutual grooming between horses, the ancient art of meridians and the in-depth connection of the body through the fascia, Beth soon realised that this tool and technique were things that had to be shared. She vowed to make this unique magnetic handheld massager available to the equestrian community worldwide.
The response to the tool and technique has been overwhelming, with feedback like this:
“I immediately saw a change in my horse”; “The yawns went on for ages - he felt so good”; and “I love the physical connection and the way I also feel after a SUMCHI Session.”
SUMCHI6 & SUMCHI STROKE ROUTINE
The Sumchi6 is a unique handheld magnetic massager with six prongs. This tool is combined with carefully constructed movements/strokes that cover a large area of the horse’s body, incorporating acupressure points, crossing meridians and moving through fascia lines. This work sends vibrations and opens up the tissue to rehydrate and create space for circulation and energy flow. This technique not only benefits your horse but allows the user to really connect with their horse; there is a deeper understanding of the horse which develops through using the technique, and you will get a physical workout through following the routine, which is almost like a dance.
HOW DO I USE THE SUMCHI6?
Movements along the horse’s body are choreographed and combined to form a routine. The process starts with the Foundation Level 1, which has six strokes and covers a large area of the horse’s body. By gliding and driving the Sumchi6, a user can improve their own horse’s body and movement. The technique is easy to learn and follow with animations, videos and charts available on the website, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Online coaching is also very popular as users enjoy a personal session with founder Beth Shaw, where they can target any concerns for their own horse and have their questions answered.
The SUMCHI Technique progresses to Level 2 Stroke
Routine, which is an intermediate routine. Here, six new strokes are introduced, and new dimensions are added to some of the foundation strokes. The Level 2 Stroke Routine covers more of the horse’s body, allowing for many energy channels to be stimulated.
SUMCHI Level 3 and 4 Stroke Routines involve Dual Sumchi6 action and enhancing your intuition.
PROFESSIONAL OR ENTHUSIAST?
SUMCHI Technique is for everyone. The professional can incorporate the Sumchi6 as a valuable tool in their toolbox, as it is great for tricky horses or difficult to access areas. The horse enthusiast will also benefit by offering their horses this technique between their regular bodywork sessions. The SUMCHI Technique teaches the user to observe and be aware of the horse; each little twitch and flutter of the skin leads you to look further and explore.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
We invite you to explore the SUMCHI Technique with us. This revolutionary technique is within reach of every horse enthusiast. To find out more visit our website which contains all the essential information. We then also have our YouTube Channel – SUMCHI Technique, where you can see what we are about. Finally, you can join our community on Facebook or Instagram and see what other users have to say.
