Firstly, what is esoteric acupressure?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy states that the Shen (spirit) of each person resides within their heart energy centre. Indeed, the goal of some healing modalities is to balance the major chakras to strengthen your connection to your heart centre—because this allows you to raise your level of consciousness if you’re ready to do so.
But how?
Some of you may have heard of esoteric acupuncture. This is the advanced energy healing technique taught by Dr Mikio Sankey (PhD, L.Ac) who is an acupuncturist and naturopath. But, not everyone wants to use needles, and that’s fine—as the same sacred geometry patterns that facilitate an opening of the heart chakra can be applied using acupressure on the relevant pattern points. Some therapists use special oils to anoint these areas also and may call this esoteric touch.
The main thing is, the outcome is the same with or without needles.
Indeed the experience can be very profound. As I know from experience.
I found myself travelling to other realms, dimensions, levels of experience—I do not have the words to describe where I was; only that I was there and not in my usual plane of existence. In the several sessions I had I was visited by totem creatures, some recognisable and some not, but all as curious as I to meet and spend time together. Yet despite the otherworldliness of my experiences, at all times I felt completely aware and alert—I just was not in my body. It was peaceful and exhilarating all at once. Something I will never forget.
Where do the patterns come from?
Indeed, after several esoteric acupressure sessions, and the altered states I experienced, I was curious. Why was this so different from “normal” acupuncture? So I decided to study with Dr Mikio Sankey to find out and completed my level 1 and 2 training in Melbourne, Australia to find out for myself. What I learnt was that the ‘patterns’ used in this modality are based upon sacred geometry, and the theory lying behind them is somewhat informed by the theosophical teachings of the Ageless Wisdom – practices of which are aimed at supporting our spiritual evolution.
What to expect during an esoteric acupressure session
You don’t have to do much at all. Just go with an open mind.
Each session involves you lying down on a massage table—face down first and then face up; both positions enable chakra analysis to occur and the appropriate pattern for the session to be placed. As no needles are used in this method, you do not need to disrobe to your underwear like you would in a massage (note: if you are receiving acupuncture or your therapist uses oils to anoint the pattern points, then you would).
In the sessions I received, a brief guided visualisation was led during my back pattern—but this is dependent upon who is guiding the session. The rest of the time, I was left quietly in the treatment room for a short while to achieve the deep meditative state that enhances the healing session (it was only 15-20 minutes yet seemed like much longer, during which time I experienced intriguing visuals and a sense of travelling to other planes of existence).
I was then asked to turn over so that the front pattern was applied for my session—there are many patterns available, but not all are suitable until others have been applied and your consciousness has shifted. Going slowly is wise in such matters, I find.
Sessions should not be too frequent—allow yourself time to integrate the experience
My sessions were carried out 21 days apart, though you could opt for monthly whilst continuing a meditation practice in-between to enhance the potential of each session. I would certainly recommend that you journal your experiences and reflect upon them between sessions.
There’s not much more to say as this type of modality is highly experiential, so everyone will experience something different. All I can say is I’m glad this door was opened to me as it felt like I was simultaneously travelling and coming home.
A note on safety: having been through this experience, I would suggest that anyone who has a history of disassociative disorders or psychosis be cautious of undertaking this style of healing and only participate under the supervision of their mental health practitioner for support and guidance.
