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The Healf Source
What Can Cacao Do For Your Chakra? A Divine Connection
Written by: Pippa Thackeray
Written on: January 22, 2025
Cacao has its roots in ancient rituals. Originating in the sacred traditions of Mesoamerica, it has now become a global phenomenon famous for its spiritual significance.
Traditionally celebrated for the ability to “awaken the chakras,” spinning energy centres that influence our emotional and spiritual wellbeing, this article explores cacao in light of intriguing contemporary practices and emerging scientific intelligence.
Choc and chakras: Where it all began
A cacao ceremony is a sacred ritual with ancient origins in Mayan and Aztec traditions. Once used to unite communities and set intentions for abundance, it also honoured cacao as a spiritual and medicinal gift. Today, this practice is embraced in wellness circles as an opportunity to find balance in our energy centres and to activate any energy that is becoming stagnant.
But what gives cacao its unique power to connect, both to our inner world and the lives of others? The answer lies in both its science and its spiritual heritage.
Is there science behind cacao for chakra alignment?
Whilst cacao ceremonies began in Mesoamerica, known as modern-day Mexico and Central America, the origins of chakras have their place in ancient Hindu philosophical texts. In the present day, there are also many different schools and chakra variations extending across the schools of Buddhism. Yet, the current Western conception of chakras is largely uniform, and can be described simply as seven energy centres along the spine.
Each chakra corresponds to different aspects of physical and emotional health. For instance, the sacral chakra, located below the navel, is tied to creativity, sensuality, and emotional balance, while the heart chakra is known for love and compassion.
If you were to attend a cacao ceremony, it is most likely that the heart chakra will be mentioned above any others. As noted by The Conscious Club, "Cacao aims at gently touching and opening up the emotional center of our body — our heart chakra."
Cacao is said to have this effect by allowing a greater flow of energy through these chakras. Several known compounds are said to be responsible for these effects.
Theobromine: increases blood flow and energy by inhibiting phosphodiesterases and blocking adenosine receptors, enhancing cardiovascular and neurological functions.
Phenylethylamine: boosts feelings of connection and joy by elevating dopamine and serotonin levels through trace amine-associated receptor activation, promoting neurotransmitter release.
Both of these effects attributed to these compounds are believed to be particularly potent for the heart and sacral chakras, which thrive on openness and emotional release.
A seven-step guide to align your energy with cacao
Using cacao in your energy work can help clear blockages and activate your chakras. These steps, adapted from the School of Cacao, guide you through the process:
Root chakra – grounding: Prepare a warm cup of cacao, focusing on its earthy qualities. The colour red and associated hues are linked to the root chakra. So, visualise a red light glowing at the base of your spine. Imagine roots extending into the earth, anchoring you in stability. Affirming to yourself, “I am grounded, safe, and I am secure.”
Sacral chakra – creativity: Add warming spices like cinnamon or ginger to your cacao can further awaken your senses. Visualise an orange light swirling in your lower abdomen, igniting your creative energy. Affirm, “I embrace joy and creative flow,” while engaging in creative activities like drawing or dancing.
Solar plexus chakra – empowerment: As you drink your cacao, you may also allow your focus to fall on a golden light glowing at your solar plexus. Picture this light radiating outward, reinforcing your confidence and self-worth. Affirmation: “I am confident, powerful, and radiant.”
Heart chakra – love: Feel the cacao softening emotional barriers and opening you to love and compassion. You may say out loud or in your mind, “I am open to love, deeply understanding of others and connected with everything that exists around me.”
Throat chakra – expression: As you sip your cacao, focus on its ability to support authentic self-expression. Visualise a blue light glowing in your throat, working through any blockages. You may affirm here: “I speak my truth with clarity and confidence.”
Third eye chakra – intuition: Prepare your cacao with the intention of raising your intuition. To do this, invite yourself to visualise an indigo light at your brow, allowing the cacao to deepen your insight and wisdom. Affirm, “I trust my intuition and inner guidance.”
Crown chakra – connection: Engaging in a cacao ceremony with focused intention can enhance your connection to higher consciousness—an elevated state of awareness beyond ordinary perception, linked to spiritual insight and universal energy. As you mindfully drink the cacao, visualise a violet or white light at the top of your head, representing the crown chakra. Lastly, affirming, if it feels natural to do so: “I am connected to the divine and one with the universe.”
Does science support the concept of chakras?
Studies have identified correlations between chakra points and major nerve plexuses, such as the cardiac plexus aligning with the heart chakra. These findings support the idea that chakras are not merely metaphorical but may represent bioelectromagnetic energy centres. For example, during meditation focused on specific chakras, weak light and high-frequency oscillations were detected, supporting the notion that these energy centres interact with the physical world.
Therefore, the physiological effects of cacao and its role in increasing blood flow and promoting neurochemical release, could be said to complement the biofield theories of chakras.
Just as meditation or other biofield therapies aim to “open” these energy centres, cacao’s heart-opening qualities, among others, may be recognised by science for their capacity in harmonising the bioelectromagnetic energy associated with chakras.
What to look for in ceremonial cacao
Not all cacao is created equal. When choosing a product, look for:
Source transparency: Go for cacao sourced ethically from small farms.
Minimal processing: Ensure it’s free of additives so that it retains all the natural nutrients.
High vibrational quality: If you are interested in the spiritual element of cacao, many producers imbue their cacao with blessings, strengthening its spiritual potency.
Nourish your energy and spirit: Shop cacao at Healf
These cacao products at Healf offer a blend of quality and spiritual depth:
Aduna Super-Cacao Premium Blend: Rich in antioxidants, it’s a doorway to enhanced emotional well-being and mindful moments.
Anima Mundi Heirloom Cacao: Designed for inner exploration, this elixir supports subtle energy activation.
The journey starts here
Ceremonial cacao offers a delicious path to balance, whether you are following the spiritual or the scientific route. In this article we have explored the evidence for both arguments to be understood in harmony.
So, if you do find yourself sipping it in a circle of like-minded souls or using it to deepen your meditation, ceremonial cacao may offer a delicious path to balance, connection, rejuvenation and healing.
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf
Pippa is a content writer and qualified Nutritional Therapist (DipNT) creating research-based content with a passion for many areas of wellbeing, including hormonal health, mental health and digestive health.
As a contributor to The Healf Source, she regularly attends seminars and programmes on a plethora of contemporary health issues and modern research insights with a drive to never stop learning. In addition, interviewing experts and specialists across The Four Pillars: EAT, MOVE, MIND, SLEEP.
In her spare time, she is an avid swimmer, mindfulness and yoga lover, occasionally bringing a raw, honest approach to the topics she faces. You may also discover some personal accounts of eye-opening wellbeing experiences amidst the reality of a disorientating, and often conflicting, modern wellbeing space.
- 1. Choc and chakras: Where it all began
- 2. Is there science behind cacao for chakra alignment?
- 3. A seven-step guide to align your energy with cacao
- 4. Does science support the concept of chakras?
- 5. What to look for in ceremonial cacao
- 6. Nourish your energy and spirit: Shop cacao at Healf
- 7. The journey starts here
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