Ceremonial raw cacao is known for its healing properties that nourish both the body and the mind. Here are some of the key properties of ceremonial cacao:
Heart-opening: Cocoa contains theobromine, which stimulates the heart and creates a natural euphoria. This heart-opening effect can help to release emotional blockages and increase the feeling of love and connection. Theobromine also strengthens the coronary arteries and the inner walls of the blood vessels. It can therefore help reduce the risk of heart attack.
Mood enhancing: Cacao is rich in tryptophan (which is immediately converted to serotonin in the body), dopamine, anandamide and phenylethylamine, which improve mood and promote a feeling of well-being. These natural "happy chemicals" are our brain's neurotransmitters and can help relieve depression and boost overall mood.
Promotes mental clarity: Cacao contains flavonoids that improve blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. This can support mental clarity, concentration, and memory, which is especially useful in meditative and ritual practices.
Energizing: The natural theobromine content in cocoa is invigorating and energizing, without the jittery energy or crash effects often associated with caffeine. This gentle stimulation supports endurance during long ceremonies, meditations and dance movements.
Anti-inflammatory: Cocoa is rich in antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help the body recover from stress and boost the immune system.
Supportive in healing emotional trauma: Through the opening of the heart and mood-lifting effects, ceremonial cacao can serve as a powerful tool for emotional healing work. It can enable deeper levels of understanding and forgiveness, which contributes to the healing of old wounds. For example, cacao can be used to support trauma therapy in combination with breathing techniques to achieve emotional depth.
Connection to the spiritual realm: Many cultures believe that cacao can form a bridge between the physical world and the spiritual realm. Consuming ceremonial cacao in a ritual context can heighten intuition and promote a deeper spiritual connection.