What is ceremonial cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is the main ingredient in chocolate, but so very much more. It is Mother Earth’s most gentle and loving plant medicine. It was given to us during creation to active our connection to divine intelligence and the cosmos. It is a wise messenger, a heart healer and a means to remember the true beauty of who we really are. It is often referred to as "Mama Cacao" because it is a feminine energy fruit. Ceremonial cacao is tended to only by humans with deep love and is left in its most natural state with nothing modified or taken away. It retains all of the beneficial nutrients (antioxidants, healthy fats, minerals) and healing components (see below) it has to offer. It is prepared as a healthy and uplifting drink.
What is ceremonial cacao used for?
Ceremonial cacao is used to deepen meditation, rejuvenate the soul, and look inward to heal any stagnant emotions. It opens the heart, calms and clears the mind, reduces depressive symptoms, and relaxes the body. Cacao creates an increase in loving connection to the energy field of others around you to allow for the collective healing of community and individual healing in community. Cacao allows you to feel calm, euphoric, alert, blissful, grounded, safe, loved and loving.
how should I prepare to drink cacao?
Please refrain from eating for at least 2 hours before drinking ceremonial cacao or eat lightly if needed.
How long does it take to Feel the effects?
Effects take place after about 20-35 minutes of digestion and will last about 5-7 hours. Working with cacao has a positive cumulative effect when continuing to work with it over time.
what are the benefits of cacao?
Main Beneficial Components of Cacao:
Theobromine - The primary stimulant molecule in cacao. Produces an increase in blood flow and oxygenation by vasodilation. Theobromine is mood boosting and produces energy without the crash of caffeine.
Magnesium - An essential nutrient that is vital for a wide range of biochemical reactions. Magnesium is a natural relaxant that helps deactivate adrenaline.
Tryptophan - An amino acid that when ingested gets turned into the neurotransmitter serotonin and then converted into the hormone melatonin.
Cacao boosts the body's natural production of serotonin, increasing our mood and ability to fend off stress.
Anandamide - The "bliss" molecule. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is released naturally in the brain when we feel happy.
Phenylethylamine (PEA)- A neurotransmitter produced naturally in the body when we fall in love.
BRAIN HEALTH: Cacao’s natural flavonoids support neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to grow and adapt by creating new connections and strengthening existing ones. Regularly working with ceremonial cacao can gently rewire the mind towards greater joy, confidence, purpose, and harmony.
MEMORY: Research from Columbia University Medical Center shows what ancient traditions have long felt. Cacao not only nourishes the heart it also awakens the mind. Its natural compounds help refresh the part of the brain that shapes new memories, allowing clearer recall and a sense of youthful mental energy.
what considerations should I be aware of when consuming cacao?
Ceremonial cacao should not be consumed if you are allergic to chocolate or cacao, if you have any other specific dietary restrictions involving cacao, if you have any serious heart issues, or if you have any serious Gl concerns such as an ulcer. A half dose of cacao is recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications or supplements that increase serotonin. It is important to be hydrated. Please be sure to drink water before and after consuming cacao.
what is amy's training in ceremonial cacao?
Amy trained in Mentorship with Alexa lya Soro through an eclectic practice of transpersonal, humanist, animist, and depth psychology. This psycho-spiritual Lineage has been most informed by teachers of indigenous wisdom from Tz'utujil Tradition, Martin Pretchel, and the Yoruba Culture through Daniel Foor PhD. She has also completed a 10 week in-depth cacao training with The Mayan Wisdom Project. This training is taught by top experts in the field, who not only know this medicine, but carry its legacy and ancestry in their blood. The mission of this training is to put great focus on authenticity and has 100% Mayan indigenous teachers - spiritual leaders, history expects, nutritionists, cacao farmers and producers.