Access Consciousness, a self-help movement founded in 1990 by Gary M. Douglas, has sparked substantial interest globally, particularly in Hungary.

This organization identifies its origins with a spiritual narrative that traces back to the early 20th century and the enigmatic figure of Grigori Rasputin, who was a prominent and controversial figure in Russian history.

Douglas claims that while facing financial struggles with his real estate business, he experienced a series of revelations that led to the inception of Access, initially known as Access Energy Transformation.

Notably, he asserted that these insights were guided by the spirit of Rasputin, who purportedly communicated ideas about specific points on the human head that influence thoughts, emotions, and decisions.

The methodology, now known as Access Bars, involves gentle touch on these points, promoting stress relief and personal transformation.

Access Bars has become a cornerstone of the movement, with practitioners offering sessions worldwide.

The treatment involves a practitioner lightly touching 32 points on a client's head that are theorized to correspond with various aspects of life, such as money and happiness.

The process, described in promotional material, is often likened to an advanced form of relaxation akin to a massage.

Despite claims of significant benefits, critics and skeptics question the scientific validity and the ethical implications of Access Consciousness.

The organization has faced accusations, likening it to a cult, primarily due to its financial structures and the high cost of its courses and materials.

Access Consciousness operates a multi-tiered business model, with various companies managing the licensing of its courses, which can cost participants tens of thousands of dollars.

Participants are often required to complete a series of prerequisite courses before they can become certified facilitators, incurring monumental expenses along the way.

Furthermore, Access offers numerous courses in both physical and online formats, ranging from personal development to more esoteric topics like communication with spirits.

The movement has attracted tens of thousands globally, with claims that it offers transformative experiences.

Yet, this very appeal has led some former members to express concerns over its operations, describing internal practices as controlling and financial exploitations as common.

These former insiders share narratives of feeling compelled to financially rely on Access and expressing difficulty in distancing themselves from its influence.

Some have drawn attention to what they view as manipulative techniques employed by leaders to maintain control and limit dissent within the group.

In recent years, testimonies from previous facilitators underscore a significant shift within Access, moving away from its purported original intents towards a business-centered focus according to their perspectives.

Critics highlight that the organization now leans more towards profit—and possibly personal power—rather than pure self-improvement.

Access Consciousness continues to thrive, with its global reach attracting both adherents and skeptics.

As it operates through various channels and innovative marketing, the debate over its legitimacy and societal impact remains a point of contention.