They Heal Horses With Light Therapy

They Heal Horses With Light Therapy 31-2-8 The Sumerel Therapy System (STS-2) is a technology that works by using red and infrared light to help the body heal damaged or unhealthy tissue. This system is offered exclusively by Dan and Jocelyn Sumerel of Sumerel Training and Therapy of Lynchburg, Va. The Sumerels use the therapy system on horses for treating physical health problems such as lameness, muscle and joint issues and wound healing, to name a few. However, they say it can be used on any animal. The couple has been using STS-2 for the past 15 years and also sells their system to others wishing to either work on their own horses, or start their own therapy business. STS-2 is a two-part system. First, a battery-operated scanner, about the size of a CB radio, is used to go over the horse's body externally to identify and pinpoint problem areas. "The scanner emits a micro current of electricity which neither you nor the horse can feel," Jocelyn says. "That current is used to measure the resistance in the tissue it contacts. High resistance means normal, healthy tissue. Low resistance means there is something wrong there. Each time the scanner beeps, indicating a problem, we mark the spot with a water crayon, so we know where to treat after we finish scanning. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to scan the whole horse." The volume of the beeping varies according to the severity of each problem found. The scanner doesn't diagnose problems, she adds. It simply locates where problems exist. Next, the Sumerels use an Equine Therapy Unit (ETU) to treat the identified areas. This device consists of square "Power Lights," made of red and infrared light emitting diodes (LED's), which they say stimulates the body to heal by increasing blood circulation, increasing the production of collagen (which binds the red blood cells together), and many other changes which are scientifically documented. They simply hold the Power Lights over each marked location for about 20 seconds per frequency. Up to three frequencies of pulsed light can be used at one time. "Using light as a therapy is still a bit 'outside the norm' in North America, but it's actually quite common in Europe," Jocelyn says. "The validity of light therapy for helping along the healing process has been proven in clinical tests by many universities as well as other organizations such as NASA. These studies are available for public review." The STS-2 treatment equipment includes various kinds of light therapy tools, which are designed for use on specific parts of the horse. Each contains its own battery pack. Some, such as the Leg Treatment Unit, can be wrapped on the lower leg of the horse, and then left on to treat for 10 to 20 minutes. The Poll Therapy Unit (PTU) is a flexible neoprene "cap" that fits over the horse's ears and contains diodes strategically placed to calm a horse down due to the endorphin release caused by the use of the lights near the brain and spinal column. The PTU is also used to relieve halter trauma, sinus congestion, and can get a horse with a stiff or sore neck to free up and move normally again, according to the couple. The complete STS-2 System sells for $4,995, and includes the scanner, the Equine Treatment Unit, the Poll Therapy Unit, two chargers, a training video and manual. The entire system is housed in an air tight, waterproof case that has a lifetime warranty. The scanner and ETU both come with a two year warranty, and the Poll Therapy Unit comes with a six-month warranty. "If you're looking for an incredible horse related business as a part time or full time possibility, we can discuss that as well," Jocelyn says. "You can start your own therapy business using the STS-2 and even become a representative to market the STS-2 products in your area." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Sumerel Training and Therapy, Dan and Jocelyn Sumerel, 3416 Hawkins Mill Road, Lynchburg, Va. 24503 (ph 434 386-8172; fax 434 386-8173; dansumerel@earthlink.net; www.sumereltraining.net).

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