The Cacao Ceremony
The Cacao plant produces an oval shaped fruit that is yellow on the outside and has a white, stringy texture inside supporting the seeds. These seeds are harvested from the fruit, dried, sometimes slightly fermented, and then ground into a powder.
The healing power of raw cacao has been tapped by cultures near the equator (where it grows) for centuries due to its ability to create a sense of relaxed alertness. It is a common misconception that cacao contains caffeine. However, it has a similar chemical called theobromine, which increases blood flow by dilating the cardiovascular system. Cacao also contains anandamide, a fatty acid neurotransmitter, sometimes called the “bliss molecule” from the Sanskrit word “ananda,” because it stimulates the “happiness hormones” in the brain. Raw Cacao is considered a superfood because it is also rich in antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, flavonoids, enzymes, fiber, protein, and a variety of other vitamins and minerals
I first participated in a Cacao Ceremony in a yoga teacher training in Costa Rica. To this day, it is one of the most memorable experiences of my life. As I drank the cacao elixir I felt a profound, yet subtle, energy spreading through my body which brought a feeling of deep connection to my authentic self and to those sharing in the ceremony.
The Cacao Ceremony
by Aris Seaberg