Ceremonial Cacao

Ceremonial Cacao… No, we aren’t talking about industrialised commercial chocolate made by Mars, Hershey’s or Kraft, or any other company that load their confectionaries with milk, sugar, fat and who knows what. It has been shown that the more cacao is processed, the more of its goodness is lost.

So, what we’re talking about here is 100% cacao beans ground down to become ‘cacao liquor,’ which has historically been known for its numerous health benefits supporting physical and psychological well-being.

Physical Benefits of Cocoa

Natural stress relief is provided by cacao because it contains potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, and magnesium that contribute to cardiovascular health.

Cacao helps soothe symptoms of depression and premenstrual syndrome by triggering the release of dopamine and phenylethylamine. Chocolate’s ability to relieve emotional stress has now been scientifically proven.

Among its benefits is the presence of anandamide, also known as the bliss molecule. It is a natural pleasure molecule that binds to the cannabinoid receptors on neurons when you feel a workout “high.” Anandamide is an endogenous ligand that your body produces when you feel a workout “high.”

Besides powerful antioxidants, cacao also contains significant amounts of chromium, which regulates blood sugar levels. By increasing blood flow to the brain, mental agility, awareness, and focus are improved.

Emotional and Spiritual Benefits of Ceremonial Cacao

As a powerful plant medicine, cacao has a wide range of health and psychological benefits. Plant Medicine helps us release emotional blockages that no longer serve us, find forgiveness in ourselves and others.

It also shows us the way forward when we are stuck or afraid of making necessary changes in our lives. As a result, we can gain access to buried emotions, conditionings, patterns of behaviour, and addictions.

Mesoamerican and South American cultures, including the Mayans and Aztecs, have always considered cacao to be a powerful aphrodisiac, exotic food, and medicine.

The Greek name for cacao is Theobroma Cacao, literally meaning ‘Food of the Gods‘, Thea (god), Broma (food), with the Maya word Ka’kau.

The neurotransmitter modulating agents found in cocoa act as natural antidepressants. Due to its high valeric acid content, it inhibits stress hormones while releasing dopamine, anandamide and endorphin phenylethylamine, all of which are considered ‘bliss molecules’.

Cacao also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that increases the production of serotonin, a brain chemical associated with happiness and positivity. Cacao also contains neurotransmitters that remain in the bloodstream longer, creating a natural antidepressant, while caffeine and theobromine increase energy levels.

Chocolate in its natural form can be a powerful medicine.

Anarchy Chocolate provide ceremonial cocoa to Chocolate Talks in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Here’s a little about their workshops in their own words and their contact information if you would like to connect and take part in their next ceremonial cocoa workshop:

Chocolate Talks in Chiang Mai

Chocolate Talks provides communication and team building workshops utilising the mood-boosting and heart-opening power of cacao to build stronger communities.

We’ve done earth connection and self-reflection rituals, connection-building games, and workshops on a range of topics such as interpersonal communication and relationship skills, cross cultural communication, and mindfulness/meditation. Activities are tailored and designed based on the needs of the participants.

Why Cacao?

Cacao has been used for its positive effects on mood for millennia. When you consume around 40 grams of cacao, it has mild to moderate psychoactive effects. That’s because it contains…

• Anandamide: Literally “the bliss molecule”
• Theobromine: A stimulant that dilates your blood vessels – including the inferior vena cava, the biggest blood vessel in your body, which leads to your heart. Cacao is a literal heart opener.
• Tryptophan: Helps increase levels of serotonin, one of the key feel-good chemicals, in your brain

That’s just the tip of the iceberg – cacao is full of compounds that can have a positive effect on mood and emotions. This delicious cocktail helps many people feel more open to sharing and connecting, making it a powerful addition to any event that aims to strengthen cooperation and collaboration.

For more information about Chocolate Talks, visit their Facebook page here.

Calabash Ceremonial Bowl

The calabash tree (Crescentia cujete), a native of South America, produces large spherical, non-edible fruits, up to 50 cm (20 inches) in diameter. The hard shells of which are useful as bowls, cups, and other containers when hollowed out.

The Mayans made elaborate ceremonial bowls from calabash tree gourds to drink their cocoa during ceremonies.

We grow calabash trees in our food forest and on Anarchy Farm. If you would like to fashion your own bowls for ceremonial cocoa workshops, contact us for more information.

Anarchy Chocolate has 100% dark chocolate mass available for ceremonial cocoa workshops, chefs and bakers. Our organic, dark chocolate is made from tree to bar right here at Anarchy Farm in Trat, Thailand.

For all inquiries, please contact us today.

Consider supporting this blog by visiting our Anarchy Chocolate store.

We have a fine selection of delicious and nutritious Thai organic craft chocolates, husk tea and cocoa nibs.

We deliver world-wide and now accept payments in several cryptocurrencies.

Ceremonial Cacao