Transformational (Esoteric) Acupuncture in Katoomba

Esoteric Acupuncture is a specialised approach developed by Dr Mikio Sankey, combining traditional acupuncture principles with sacred geometry, the chakra energy system and concepts of consciousness and personal growth.

Also known as Transformational Acupuncture, this approach focuses on harmonising the body’s energetic patterns, encouraging greater self-awareness, emotional balance and a deeper connection with yourself.

Tania trained directly with Dr Sankey in 2010, completing the first two levels of Esoteric Acupuncture training, and has incorporated these techniques into her clinical practice ever since. Esoteric Acupuncture Level 1  Esoteric Acupuncture Level 2.

Tania draws on Esoteric Acupuncture as part of her regular acupuncture treatments, particularly when working with emotional wellbeing, stress, grief and significant life transitions.

Her approach primarily focuses on grounding and harmonising energy, helping to cultivate a sense of calm, stability and connection with yourself, and balancing the chakras, exploring energetic and emotional patterns to encourage greater self-awareness and inner balance.

Treatment patterns are selected according to each person’s individual needs, rather than following a fixed protocol.

For those interested in exploring the energetic and spiritual dimensions of this approach more deeply, dedicated Esoteric Acupuncture treatments are also available on request.

Base Chakra (I AM) is connected with the Adrenal glands and the fight or flight response when survival is under threat, as well as day-to-day survival issues. Our drive for procreation (sexuality and sensuality), immediate family structure and all the groups to which we belong (tribal energy) comes from the Base. It connects us with Earth energy (grounds us) – earthly possessions and setting down roots, our ideas of security and stability, and building our foundation. Imbalance leads to excessive attachment to material possessions and equating these with security. Our inability to let go of material objects or memories or negative feelings (resentment, feelings of abandonment etc) can prevent us moving forward in a positive manner. From a Chinese medicine perspective, the Base chakra corresponds with each of the 5 phases: Metal (holding on for security), Water (adrenals – fight and flight, procreation), Wood (tribal energy, family), Fire (sexuality and sensuality), Earth (earthly possessions, setting down roots)

Sacral Chakra (I FEEL) is all about relationships, balancing the inner masculine and feminine energies, our basic emotional needs and our reproductive systems. Creativity is enhanced, as is our joy and enthusiasm for life, our mental clarity, and memory when this chakra is in balance. When out of balance we may have problems moving forward in life due to fear and insecurity. Sacral Chakra is related to power (including willpower), fame, money and how we manage finances (constant money problems often result in chronic lower back problems). In Chinese Medicine, this is all about our reproductive system and our fertility, our ability to create a new life whether that is a baby or a life that would be joyful to live as such this corresponds with the Water phase.

Solar Plexus Chakra (I DO) is about our personal power (or lack) and our purpose (or lack of direction) in life. Imbalance can result in introversion, anxiety, feeling oversensitive (poor me), or emotional (angry, depressed, irritable). In Chinese Medicine it relates to the digestive system (the Earth and Wood phases) so is about processing food into energy as well as processing what is going on in our lives. Excessive worriers tend to have stomach problems. Imbalances can lead to fatigue while balance allows for expansiveness and growth. Our flexibility is affected both physically (arthritis) or mentally (stubborn or opinionated), as is decision-making or indecision and procrastination.

Heart Chakra (I LOVE) acts as the balance point for all the chakras. It is about love and understanding, compassion, empathy and forgiveness. Learning to love yourself is a powerful first step in balancing this chakra. It governs our relationships, how we relate to and accept others and ourselves and can open and allow communication or close and stop communication. The Heart Chakra relates to the Thymus gland which is part of the immune and endocrine systems. To strengthen the thymus and activate the Heart Chakra lightly tap your sternum with your last 3 fingers before mediation or sleep. In Chinese medicine, heart problems (the Fire phase) are often due to feeling bitter about life.

Throat Chakra (I SPEAK) is all about communication and growth through self-expression, truth, and integrity. We are often afraid to express ourselves due to fear of ridicule, retaliation, punishment or abandonment or from lack of self-confidence. This fear can lead to chronic throat problems including coughs, emphysema, or asthma. This chakra governs independence and getting ahead in your career with an emphasis on work and status and the need to be recognized. In Chinese Medicine, the Lung energy (Metal phase) corresponds with sadness, disappointment, and grief. Are you yearning to speak out yet cannot express yourself? This chakra is also related to the Thyroid gland, responsible for growth and maturation, so imbalance can affect your metabolism.

Brow Chakra (I SEE) represents the two worlds of the mind: the manifest and unmanifest, imagination and desire in the highest form. Key issues with this chakra involve trusting our inner guidance, having clarity on an intuitive level, the abilities of comprehension and perception, visual consciousness, a clear understanding of our purpose in life and how we fit into the overall divine plan. Physically the ears, eyes, and nose (sinus, vision, and hearing) can be affected as well as headaches and allergies. Concentrating on the 3rd eye in meditation can sometimes lead to sinus problems. Brow chakra is linked to the pineal gland which is a light sensitive gland that produces the hormone melatonin which regulates sleep and waking up. In Chinese Medicine this is often linked with the Liver (Wood phase) as the liver corresponds with the eyes and with planning, organising and strategising.

Crown Chakra (I UNDERSTAND) is the pathway to higher spiritual awareness, pure consciousness, and inner wisdom. It is associated with meditation, universal consciousness, and unity, beingness, humbleness, maturity, and wisdom. This chakra is related to the pituitary gland which secretes hormones to communicate to the rest of the endocrine system and also connects to the central nervous system via the hypothalamus. The thalamus is thought to have a key role in the physical basis of consciousness. Physically problems can include headaches (top head), mental disorders, scalp problems, epilepsy. Balancing this chakra can lift your spirits in times of depression. From a Chinese medicine perspective, the Crown chakra corresponds with each of the 5 phases: Metal (integrity), Water (wisdom), Wood (benevolence), Fire (love), Earth (trust).