What is Spinal Energetics?
Before my appointment, I did a quick Google search on Dr. Sarah Jane and a quick look at her website revealed that Spinal Energetics (her invention) is a technique that “combines Eastern and Western philosophy to interact with a person’s spine, nervous system and energy fields, tapping into their innate wisdom to know and heal themselves.”
So is it Reiki? “Yes and no,” says Dr. Sarah. On her website, she lists the different types of sluggish and overactive energy in the body that we hold onto from our ancestors, experiences, stories, character and personality.
Spinal energetics is a form of fusion, of awakening that energy (good and bad) and moving it throughout the body and away from areas of physical and/or emotional tension such as the shoulders, heart (in my case), hips and back.
“We use light, forceful touch and non-touch, and the organic flow of movement and sound to help transform, unravel, discover and release tension, resistance and stories stored in the body,” says Dr Sala.
Offering
What does the session include?
Dr Sarah normally practices from her studio in Richmond, Melbourne, but on this particular day she travelled to Surry Hills, Sydney to meet with a select group of (very) lucky media clients.
When I walked in, Dr. Sarah was in the kitchen chatting casually with a previous patient, but I was immediately captivated by her gorgeous long red hair and presence. She greeted me warmly and invited me into conversation, which was a delight considering how nervous I was.
On my way upstairs to the treatment room, which can only be described as one of the most zen and beautiful yoga studios I’ve ever seen (look up “IN YOGA, Sydney” and you’ll see what I mean), Dr. Sarah asked me questions about my skin concerns.
I thought that was a bit odd, but when she told me she was well aware that the acne around my chin had been getting worse recently, and recommended a blood test as she was worried I might have too much testosterone in my body, she was right. I was a bit surprised as my skin was clear and acne free that day, but I replied that I had actually been to the doctor a few days prior and had some blood tests done to rule out some skin and hormone issues. Was she also a psychic?!
Once in the private room, we chatted for about 15 minutes and discussed the content of the session, what to expect, what emotions might arise, and most importantly, trusting the process, as every session is completely different for each person.
Oh, and if it wasn’t obvious from our previous conversation, she’s definitely a psychic. She knew all about my breakup and how it happened before I even sat down. I could tell right away that this was going to be a good thing.
As I lay down, Dr. Sarah examined me and said that my hips were out of alignment and that she was pretty sure that the pain was caused by a difference in length between my left and right legs. Again, I hadn’t told her anything about the pain, but it had been bothering me for a few months and I was thinking about calling a chiropractor.
She worked her way around my body, going straight to my stiff shoulder, then pressing on my heart. We both felt the pain and sighed deeply. She says she does this assessment with each patient to determine where to focus her treatment. Mine was the most painful kind of heartbreak.
First, Dr. Sarah pulled my arms tightly to release energy and prepare them for the treatment. She warned me that the sensation might feel like an electric shock in my arms, and she was right. It was intense, a jolt, and then I felt a tingling sensation that quickly traveled down my hands and forearms. To her, this was just a small indication of how much tension I was holding in my body.
It felt like only three minutes, but it was actually about 15, and I was already in tears (i.e. crying uncontrollably) and as I lay face-down on the bed, she further unclogged my chest, heart, and shoulders.
At this point in our conversation the whole thing was centered around the breakup and again, how did she know so much?!
Offering
Now for the hippie part…
The second half of the session was what intrigued me most – the light touch and spinal energy I received while lying face down on the bed. Her biggest cash cow!
I Googled it and the segment showed some of her clients literally writhing in bed to the rhythm of her hands hovering above their heads. Is that me? I asked. “Maybe it is, and maybe not,” Dr. Sarah replied.
“Please remember that everyone responds differently to this therapy, whether it is simply an emotional release or a physical release as well. Your personal energy, intuition and instincts will determine how you respond to this therapy,” she added.
Dr. Sarah then began to move her hands forcefully all over my body, making loud whooshing noises, and I actively arched my tailbone up and down (like a backwards hunchback) while repeatedly breathing deeply. My body quickly settled into a natural rhythm and I quickly sunk into what can only be described as a meditative state.
Although I didn’t wriggle up and down as vigorously as I’d hoped (it was much more vigorously in the video I was recording to show my dad), I found myself crying again (yes, sobbing) and felt parts of my body convulse uncontrollably, as if I was slowly letting go of the stress, sadness, and emotional baggage of the past year.
Dr. Sarah explains, “Spinal Energy Therapy is not something we ‘do’ to our clients, but a collaborative effort to nurture and support our clients’ deep self-awareness and help them soften or strengthen patterns of resistance and submission that may be preventing health from flowing to them.” And I felt it. All that year, I had been telling myself that I had recovered from my trauma, but the reason everything was still so painful was because I clearly had not. Now, at least I could see the light (literally) at the end of this sad, lonely tunnel.
My honest assessment is…
First off, I want to say that the 41.31 minutes I was lying on the table (there is a video recording to prove it) felt like five minutes. Time literally vanished as my body and mind effortlessly submitted to Dr. Sarah’s magical powers. At the end, feeling a bit dizzy and confused, I asked her if I’d actually been hypnotized, to which she replied with a firm “no.” “During this treatment, I also lose all sense of time. It’s as if time just vanishes,” she added.
When I got out of bed, the first thing I felt was confusion. Then my face and head felt very heavy because my sinuses were completely blocked. Dr. Sarah explained that this is entirely emotional, but will pass quickly. I also felt an overwhelming sense of relief, as if an entire brick skyscraper had been lifted off my shoulders. She explained that I might get a headache and feel very tired because the tension in my neck and shoulders had been released. This did happen, but drinking lots of water would help.
I left the studio feeling so happy. I felt lighter and like I had stepped out of my body and was looking down at a new person. It felt so profound and mystical, but also so amazing. I had work to do shortly after and decided to walk instead of take an Uber to get my thoughts in order. I arrived at the studio full of energy and eager to tell all my new acquaintances how amazing the experience had been.
When I got into bed that night, I slept soundly. And guess what? That sharp pain in my neck that I’d endured at the gym the week before? It was completely gone. As it turned out, that pain, too, was caused by stress and pent-up emotions.
Since then, I have felt much calmer, less stressed, more in tune with everything, and more excited about the future.
Would I recommend this treatment?
100% yes! If, like me, you are interested in more alternative forms of healing and mindfulness practices, I would highly recommend Spinal Energetics. Some may find her practice a little outlandish, but Dr. Sarah assures me that Spinal Energetics is suitable for everyone.
I will definitely book another session at her studio in Melbourne, but I wish her waiting list wasn’t so long. Sigh.
Disclaimer
Please note that the details provided in this article are not intended as medical advice, and if you have any specific health concerns we recommend that you consult a medical professional for individualized advice.
