What is a Cacao Ceremony?
A cacao ceremony is a sacred gathering where participants consume ceremonial-grade cacao in
a ritualistic setting. Unlike a casual cup of hot chocolate, the cacao used in ceremonies is pure,
unprocessed, and sourced with intention. It is often revered as a plant medicine with the power
to open the heart, facilitate deep inner work, and foster a sense of connection—both with
oneself and with others.
The ceremonies at Reset Remedy will be held in our beautiful Temple Tent set in an area of
outstanding natural beauty. Louisa supported by Mother Cacao and her spitit guides, will hold a safe space for you to feel at peace. Away from the busyness of the outside world, we will gather
from intimate circles of close friends, business colleagues or individuals looking to find a quiet
place to explore. The Cacao ceremonies will each be unique to the participants attending that
day, but will include meditation, guided journeys, music, sharing circles, or simply a space for
quiet reflection. The common thread is the use of cacao as a tool to enhance mindfulness,
emotional openness, and spiritual exploration.
Preparing for Your First Cacao Ceremony
The beauty of a cacao ceremony lies in its simplicity, but a little preparation can help you enter the experience with an open heart and mind.
1. Set Your Intention: Before attending the ceremony, take a moment to reflect on why you’re participating. Are you seeking clarity, healing, or a deeper connection with yourself or others?
Setting a clear intention helps guide your experience and allows the cacao to work with you in a focused way.
2. Hydrate and Eat Lightly: It’s a good idea to stay hydrated and eat a light meal a few hours before the ceremony. Cacao can have stimulating effects, similar to coffee, so it’s best to avoid heavy or rich foods beforehand.
3. Dress Comfortably: Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Our ceremonies involve lying down for extended periods, so choose clothing that allows you to relax fully.
4. Bring a Pillow, Blanket and extra layers: the Temple tent has heating but during meditation where you will be laying down, your body may experience a change in energy as you go deeper and process.
5. Bring your own Mug: we will supply the heated cacao, but please bring your own mug to drink from. You may want to use a mug dedicated just to sacred cacao.
6. Arrive with an Open Mind: Whether you’re familiar with spiritual practices or not, come with an open mind and a willingness to experience something new. There’s no right or wrong way to
participate, so let go of any expectations or worries about “doing it right.”
What to Expect During the Ceremony
Every cacao ceremony is unique, but there are common elements you can expect to encounter.
- Opening Circle: The ceremony typically begins with an opening circle where participants are invited to introduce themselves, share their intentions, and set the tone for the gathering. This is a time to connect with the group and create a sense of community.
2. The Ritual of Drinking Cacao: The cacao is prepared with care, often accompanied by blessings or prayers. As you drink the cacao, you may be encouraged to savor each sip, focusing on its taste, texture, and warmth. The act of drinking cacao is seen as a sacred ritual, a moment to honor the plant and its journey to your cup.
3. Guided Meditation or Journey: Many ceremonies include a guided meditation or journey, led by Louisa. This might involve visualizations, breathwork, or simply sitting in silence. The cacao helps deepen your meditative state, allowing you to explore your inner landscape with greater clarity and openness.
4. Sharing Circle: After the meditation, there’s often a time for sharing. Participants are invited to speak about their experiences, insights, or anything that came up during the ceremony. This is a space for vulnerability and connection, where each person’s voice is valued and heard.
5. Closing Ritual: The ceremony usually ends with a closing ritual, which might involve picking an oracle card for your onward journey, gratitude, grounding exercises, or a final round of sharing. This is a time to integrate the experience and carry the energy of the ceremony with you as you return to your everyday life.
The Health Benefits of Cacao and the difference with Cocoa
Health Benefits of Cacao & the difference between Cacao & Cocoa. Modern research has highlighted several potential health benefits associated with consuming cacao and its derived products, particularly dark chocolate with high cocoa content. Here are some of the key health benefits of cacao as a plant medicine:
- Rich in Antioxidants:
Cacao is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids such as flavanols (like
epicatechin and catechin). Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, protecting cells from oxidative damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Cardiovascular Health:
Regular consumption of dark chocolate or cacao has been associated with improved cardiovascular health. Flavanols in cacao can help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the heart and brain, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Brain Health and Cognitive Function:
Cacao flavonoids have neuroprotective effects and may support brain health. They can enhance
cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain, improving memory, and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
- Mood Enhancement and Stress Reduction:
Cacao contains compounds like phenylethylamine (PEA) and theobromine, which can stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain. These “feel-good” chemicals contribute to mood enhancement, stress reduction, and overall emotional well-being.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Some studies suggest that cacao and dark chocolate possess anti-inflammatory properties due to their flavonoid content. Regular consumption may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to various chronic diseases.
- Improved Skin Health:
The antioxidants in cacao can benefit skin health by protecting against sun damage, improving blood flow to the skin, and promoting collagen production. Cacao butter, derived from cacao beans, is also used in skincare products for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
- Mineral and Nutrient Content:
Cacao is a good source of essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. These minerals are important for various bodily functions, including muscle function, energy production, and immune health.
- Blood Sugar Regulation:
Moderate consumption of dark chocolate with high cocoa content has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation, which may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Gut Health:
Cacao contains fibre and prebiotics that can support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is associated with improved digestion, immune function, and overall well-being.
Contraindications;
While cacao is a gentle heart-opening plant medicine, there are some cases where caution is needed. People on antidepressants (SSRIs or MAOIs – see below)) should consume cacao in small amounts, as cacao contains MAO inhibitors and high levels of theobromine, which can interact with medications and increase heart rate or cause headaches. Individuals with heart conditions or high blood pressure should also be mindful, as cacao is a vasodilator and can put extra strain on the cardiovascular system. Those with a sensitive nervous system, anxiety, or PTSD may find cacao overstimulating and should start with a lower dose. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can generally consume cacao in moderation but should avoid high doses. Lastly, people with a history of migraines may need to be cautious, as theobromine and tyramine in cacao can be potential triggers.
Always encourage participants to listen to their bodies, start with a small amount, and seek medical advice if they are unsure.
SSRIs and MAOIs:
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) – A class of antidepressants that increase
serotonin levels in the brain by preventing its reabsorption. Examples include Fluoxetine
(Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa), and Escitalopram (Lexapro).
- MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) – An older class of antidepressants that prevent the
breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Examples
include Phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate), and Isocarboxazid (Marplan).
Since cacao contains MAO inhibitors, it can amplify serotonin levels and may interact with SSRIs and MAOIs, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome, which can cause high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and agitation. That’s why it’s recommended to consume small amounts and lead up to ceremonial doses if taking these medications.
The difference between Cacao & Cocoa
The terms “cacao” and “cocoa” are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different stages and forms of the same plant, Theobroma cacao. The main differences between cacao and cocoa lie in their processing methods and final products:
Cacao: Raw or minimally processed form: Cacao refers to the raw or minimally processed products derived from the cacao bean. This includes cacao beans (the seeds of the cacao fruit), cacao nibs (pieces of cacao beans), and raw cacao powder.
Nutrient-rich: Cacao in its raw form is considered more nutrient-dense because it undergoes minimal processing, preserving its natural antioxidants, flavonoids, minerals (like magnesium and iron), and other beneficial compounds.
Bitter flavour: Raw cacao products tend to have a more intense and bitter flavour compared to processed cocoa products. They are often used in raw desserts, smoothies, and health-focused recipes.
Cocoa:
Processed form: Cocoa is the term used for cacao that has been processed at higher temperatures and typically undergoes fermentation, drying, roasting, and grinding. This processing reduces the bitterness of raw cacao and creates a more palatable flavour.
Lower in nutrients: The processing of cocoa can lead to a reduction in certain nutrients and
antioxidants compared to raw cacao. However, cocoa still retains health benefits, especially if it is minimally processed and not heavily refined or sweetened.
Versatile ingredient: Cocoa powder is commonly used in baking, cooking, and making hot chocolate drinks. It is often combined with sugar and other ingredients to create chocolate bars, candies, and desserts.
Summary
In essence, the primary difference between cacao and cocoa is the level of processing. Cacao refers to the raw or minimally processed form of the cacao bean, while cocoa refers to the processed form, typically in the form of cocoa powder or chocolate products. Both cacao and cocoa can offer health benefits, but raw cacao products are generally considered more nutrient-dense due to minimal processing and higher levels of antioxidants and flavonoids. However, both forms can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, depending on personal taste preferences and culinary uses.
Chocolate Today
Most modern chocolate is highly refined and mass-produced, although some chocolatiers still make their chocolate creations by hand and keep the ingredients as pure as possible. Chocolate is available to drink but is more often enjoyed as an edible confection or in desserts and baked goods. While your average chocolate bar isn’t considered healthy, dark chocolate has earned its place as a heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich treat.
For more background information:
Keith Wilson – Chocolate Sharman (July 30, 1948 – January 14, 2024)
