Calm mind, strong heart
Cacao Ceremony
Below is some information on cacao and what to expect during our cacao experience. I have included a variety of info for those with an interest and curiosity!
However, BE SURE TO READ the last two paragraphs on possible medication contraindications and event preparations.
Our cacao journey:
Cacao is the less processed form of chocolate. It is full of powerful nutrients and is especially helpful in helping us settle our minds and open our hearts.
The plan for our gathering:
sip a cup of warm cacao together (I mix a few spices and maple syrup),
activate our connection to the medicine wheel that I work with.
settle into your “nest” for a guided meditation with music.
have time for journaling & sharing.
Cacao enhances your ability to place your mind on pause while you experience realms of higher consciousness. Allowing you to connect more deeply with your heart chakra. With this plant medicine, you set the intention and then let the cacao assist in guiding you where you want to go.
Cacao as a “Heart-Opener”. watch this quick 1 min 43 sec. video by Dr. Arinn Testa , a licensed clinical psychologist about why Keith’s Cacao is a “heart-opener”.
What Makes Cacao a Superfood—Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds.
Cacao is amongst the world’s most nutritionally dense and complex food, and its power comes from its unique combination of nutrients and bioactive compounds that: improves cardiovascular health, builds strong bones, is a natural aphrodisiac, elevates your mood and energy, heightens focus, enhances creativity, supports performance, increases longevity, and deepens spiritual practice.
Cacao as a “Heart-Opener” Dr. Arinn Testa , a licensed clinical psychologist why Keith’s Cacao is a “heart-opener” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nugS1Au9N9Q
Event Preparations: suggestions and recommendations from Ellen.
Do your best: to not have eaten 2-3 hour prior to enjoying the Cacao - try to arrive not too full and not too hungry.
Also for best absorption of cacao nutrients, it’s recommended to avoid dairy cow products on the day of ceremony. If you want to have coffee earlier, do so. Cacao is low in caffeine but if you are sensitive, maybe have less coffee. Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Possible Medication Interactions:
Cacao is sometimes not recommended for people who are taking heart medication or high dosage anti-depressants as it contains tryptophan, tyramine, MAOi inhibitors and theobromine that can interfere with those medications.
If you are taking one of the above medications, please contact Ellen at riveroakscacao@gmail.com to discuss how to prepare ahead of time. Often it’s not a problem or you can consume less cacao.
Cacao is also a detoxifier, so if your liver function is compromised and you have high levels of toxins in your system, please consult your doctor before drinking cacao.
About Ellen - Ellen Adams of River Oaks Cacao– Journeys of the Heart is a Certified Ceremonial Cacao Practitioner, Retreat Facilitator, Licensed Professional Counselor and Reclaiming Tradition Priestess.
https://risewellnessyork.com/affiliate/ellen-adams-lpc/
riveroakscacao@gmail.com
instagram at @cacaojourneys
mobile 540/671-3187
I only serve the highest-grade ceremonial organic, Criollo Guatemalan cacao made from exceptional quality cacao beans that have been, lightly toasted and milled very finely but not roasted or processed in any other way. This quality is ensured by using a wild variety that is traditionally grown and hand-prepared by indigenous Mayan people in the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala.
This is the variety and preparation method used by the ancient Mayans to ensure full potency. This cacao is grown and processed without any chemicals and the men & women who prepare the cacao receive fair pay for their work.
I have a direct relationship with my cacao source and in February of 2023, I met not only the cacao trees but the indigenous Mayan people responsible for preparing this incredible plant medicine for you.
Nutritional Components: Cacao is the number one source of:
Theobromine: Almost exclusive to Cacao, this stimulant supports the cardiovascular system; it is gentle lifting mood and energy for an extended period, provides mental focus, relaxes smooth muscle tissue, dilates blood vessels (vasodilator) and acts as mild diuretic.
Magnesium: creates mental clarity, promotes bone & health heart, osteoporosis prevention,
- metabolizes carbs and glucose, prevents Type 2 diabetes, relief from constipation, PMS and anxiety.
Antioxidants: slow damage to cells by free radicals, support cardiovascular and cognitive health, relax blood vessels, improve blood flow and lower blood pressure- blood thinner like aspirin
Maganese, Chromium, and also extremely high in Iron
Bioactive Compounds: Cacao is high in psychoactive neurochemicals (which are different from psychedelic or hallucinogenic found in other plant medicines):
Phenylethylamine (PEA): ‘Love Chemical’, a compound that stimulates the brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. PEA can deliver heightened focus and attention, goal-directed behavior, enhanced sense of well-being and optimal cognitive performance. PEA’s amplification of key brain chemicals is thought to slow down rate of brain and body aging and extend health span.
Anandamide: ‘Bliss Chemical’, body’s naturally occurring form of cannabis that is part of the endocannabinoid system (homeostatic regulator, part of unconscious system, to keep mind and body in state of balance, regulating mood, happiness, fear, anxiety, and ability to endure stress).
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Neurotransmitter inhibitors which extend the effect of psychoactive neurochemicals (such as PEA, Anadamide, Serotonin, and Dopamine) by slowing down metabolism of these bioactive compounds. This can cause contraindications with certain mood-altering drugs (see section below for details on contraindications).