The contraindications of Ceremonial Cacao

When considering ceremonial cacao, it's important to be aware of potential contraindications. While ceremonial cacao is very gentle and generally well-tolerated by most individuals, there are some contraindications to be mindful of.

the difference between Ceremonial Cacao, Cacao & Chocolate

First it is important to recognise that there are some large differences between these three foods & therefore the effects on the body are different. Whilst all three originate from the same place, the cacao bean, native to South America the process from bean to final product is quite different.

Ceremonial grade Cacao

Is grown on sacred land by farmers that uphold ancient traditions that honour the land & plant medicine. It is hand picked & fermented keeping the potent health benefits & nutrients

Cacao

Is not grown in the same ritualistic way as ceremonial cacao & the process of low heat roasting & processing looses many of the health benefits. Unless it is specified as organic and no GMO there may have been chemicals used to grow the crop.

Chocolate

Is mass produced often using chemicals & pesticides. The beans are then roasted which changes the chemical structure of the plant. One combined with fat & sugar almost all benefits of this plant are lost.

What are the contraindications of Ceremonial Cacao

SSRI’s antidepressants (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

Please avoid consuming cacao if you are taking high doses of SSRIs. Cacao releases serotonin, so it works as a mild antidepressant. When taken with SSRIs that release serotonin chemically it can lead to serotonin syndrome.

Those on low doses of SSRIs and who drink coffee regularly, may choose to start on 10g cacao daily, and see how you get on. If you start getting a headache, or any other symptoms please stop and check with your doctor.

Individuals taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) should avoid consuming ceremonial cacao due to potential interactions.

Pregnancy

It is recommended you reduce or cut out consumption of caffeine & stimulants during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. If you already consume these you may choose to consume cacao but at a lower dose of 10 grams. Many women chose to work with Cacao as a heart opener and a way to increase love & good feelings whilst pregnant or breastfeeding.

Adrenal Fatigue

Regular high doses of ceremonial cacao can also lead to adrenal fatigue

Pre-existing heart conditions or on heart medication

Cacao works on the heart & blood vessels so please speak with your doctor before consuming

High blood pressure or medication for blood pressure

Cacao works on the heart & blood vessels so please speak with your doctor before consuming

If you have a sensitivity to caffine

If you drink coffee, green tea or black tea, you should be able to drink cacao. Perhaps start with a smaller dose to begin with. Don’t consume on an empty stomach and leave a gap before going to sleep e.g. no caffeine after 12pm daily.

Certain psychiatric conditions

Cacao releases serotonin, endorphins and dopamine so generally creates feelings of wellbeing and euphoria. It has supported many people who feel anxious, stressed & depressed. However, it is advised you speak with your medical professional before consuming.

It's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating ceremonial cacao into your wellness practices, especially if you have any underlying health concerns or are taking medications.

Where to begin

If you are new to drinking cacao it is wise for you to begin with a smaller dose (around 10 grams) and gradually build up your dosage.

Ceremonial dose is 42 grams.

Daily meditational dose is 20 - 25 grams.

It is not recommended that you drink ceremonial doses daily & if you would like to work with cacao on a daily basis and replace other drinks such as coffee, black tea or energy drinks use a meditational dose of 20 - 25 grams a day.

Buy Ceremonial Cacao

If you would like to purchase Organic, Non GMO, Fair trade cacao I am the proud ambassador of Ritual Cacao which sells Ecuadorian Tsatsayaku cacao. Use my ambassador link & get 10% off using the code CASEY10 - I will receive a small commission on all sales using my link.

The Harmony of Entrainment: Sound Healing and Meditation

Effortless meditation

Sound Healing has been nicknamed the ‘lazy man’s meditation’ by he world reknown sound healer Tim Wheater (one of the leading sound healers in the western world) because through a phenomenon called Entrainment we can change brainwave states.

If you have tried meditation before but struggled with a busy overactive mind then you are not alone! In this blog you’ll learn that you can swap meditation for sound healing or use them together to achieve the same results.

Introduction

In a busy world filled with constant stimulation, finding moments of inner peace is a precious luxury. Fortunately, both sound healing and meditation offer pathways to tranquility and wellness. These practices harness the power of entrainment, a phenomenon that synchronizes brainwaves and promotes deep relaxation. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of entrainment and delve into how sound healing and meditation are intertwined in their ability to enhance our well-being.

Understanding Entrainment

Entrainment is the process by which one rhythmic system influences another, causing them to synchronize and harmonize. It can be observed in nature, where the rhythmic sounds of ocean waves or chirping birds can induce a sense of calm within us. Entrainment also occurs within our own brains, as neural oscillations align with external rhythms, bringing about a state of resonance and balance.

During a sound healing the brain wave states change from busy day-to-day beta & alpha into slower states like (Theta & Delta) which are the same brainwave states that are achieved when you are in dreaming, deep healing and meditation. These brainwave states reduce stress hormones the body and repair itself from injury & illness. 

Image from wellandgood.com

Sound Healing: Harmonising with Vibrations

The practice of sound healing utilizes the power of specific frequencies and vibrations to restore harmony in our bodies and minds. Through the use of various instruments like singing bowls, gongs, and tuning forks, sound healers generate resonant tones that penetrate deep into our being, shifting our brainwaves into a state of coherence.
Much like meditation, sound healing induces a relaxed mental state, allowing our minds to let go of stress and enter a state of deep awareness. As we surrender to the vibrations surrounding us, our scattered thoughts become still, and our bodies begin to unwind. With each resonating sound, we feel our entire being attuning to a natural rhythm, promoting a sense of balance and peace.

Meditation: The Symphony of Mindfulness

Meditation, a practice that dates back thousands of years, serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery and stress reduction. By focusing our attention and quieting our minds, we enter a state of mindfulness, creating space for inner exploration and tranquility.
Just as sound healing embraces the power of vibrations, meditation relies on the rhythmic flow of our breath or a repeated mantra to anchor our wandering thoughts. While our brainwaves initially fluctuate, as we relax and deepen our meditation, they begin to align with a slower, calmer rhythm, inducing a meditative state.

The Intersection of Sound Healing and Meditation

Sound healing and meditation share a common goal: to achieve a state of heightened awareness and inner calm. Both practices utilise entrainment to synchronize our brainwaves and promote a sense of equilibrium. As we immerse ourselves in healing soundscapes or meditative states, the vibrations and rhythmic patterns guide our minds into a state of resonance, encouraging deep relaxation and focus.
Moreover, sound healing and meditation are complementary practices. Prior to meditation, sound healing sessions can serve as a gateway to stillness, preparing the mind for deeper introspection and facilitating a more profound meditation experience. Conversely, meditation nurtures receptivity, allowing us to fully absorb the healing vibrations present during a sound healing session.

Embracing Serenity in a Harmonious World

In the realm of entrainment, sound healing and meditation stand as valuable tools for finding serenity in an often chaotic world. By harnessing the power of harmonising vibrations and rhythmic patterns, both practices help release tension, foster inner awareness, and promote overall well-being.
As you explore the realm of sound healing and meditation, remember to approach these practices with an open heart and an open mind. Allow yourself to experience the transformative power of entrainment, and discover the profound harmony that awaits within you.

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Unlocking the healing power of sound healing - How to get the most of your session

In this blog, we will delve into the captivating world of sound healing and uncover the secrets to maximizing its incredible therapeutic potential. Whether you are new to this ancient practice or have already experienced its wonders, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to get the most from the experience & help you enjoy the benefits long after it has finished. 

Attending a sound healing can be a magic experience for many, but for those who suffer with anxiety going into a new environment can add to those anxieties & concerns.

Before your sound healing experience

Commit to the session

Switch off from work & stressful things before your session.

Eat a light meal

The heavier the meal the more likely you are to fall asleep. That’s ok is that is what you want, the sound healing will still work even if you are asleep. But to make the most of the session, follow along and be aware of the experience a light meal is best.

No drugs or alcohol

Sound Healing is a way to go inward & explore yourself & allow deep healing & transformation. Drugs & alcohol can interfere with this process. Many people describe sound healing experiences to be quite trippy and psychedelic anyway so adding substances to this can increase this feeling and be unsettling for both the user and other participants. Prescription drugs are the exception.

Dress for comfort & warmth

Your body temperature will drop once you are lying down. It is best if you dress in layers and if it isn’t provided in the session have something to cover you over like a blanket.

Have an intention for the session

Be that deep rest, to enjoy the experience or to gain clarity. Having an intention will help sculpt the experience & if the session includes crystal singing bowls the crystals help with manifesting amplification.

During the sound healing 

Try not to compare your experience

Some people may fall asleep instantly or share their wonderful relaxing experience. You always get what you need from a sound healing, even if that means a busy monkey mind throughout. Try to approach the session with an open heart & mind. Setting an intention for the session can be a great way to help shape the experience but also know that if you want & expect to fall asleep & don’t, that it is ok, the sound vibrations are still working on you in so many other ways.

Accept all sounds as part of the sound scape

That could be someone snoring or a belly grumbling as they move into ‘rest & digest’ the calm state of the nervous system. Or a dog may be barking in the background. All sounds are exactly where they are supposed to be and if your mind if wandering during the session, use these sounds & noises to anchor you back into the moment. Bring your attention back to your breathing, back to your intention & back to the sounds. 

After the sound healing 

The effects can continue to work for 24-48 hours after the session

Which means you could feel a little ‘floaty’, lighter, more relaxed afterwards. Often clients will message me the next dy to tell me about the wonderful sleep they have had or the wild dreams. Some may feel more sensitive afterwards so go easy on yourself, take the rest of the day/evening to engage in peaceful relaxing activities and remember that the rest of the world hasn’t had a sound healing so give yourself space from triggering situations & places.

Stay off technology

This is helpful both before, during & after a sound healing. Technology is constantly sending signals that unbalance our nervous system and make our body feel it is in a stressed state, this in turn affects our sleep, mood, digestion & overall wellbeing.

Try grounding techniques

Often some of the more ethereal sounds like crystal singing bowls & chimes can take the energy upwards & almost out of our bodies. This can leave a person feeling floaty & ungrounded. A way to solve this problem is to practise grounding techniques such as:

• Walking barefoot in nature

• Giving the feet a massage

• Taking some deep breaths

• Eating whole some natural foods 

• Having a bath or shower

• Going to sleep

Integrate your experience

Some things may not make sense or you may have downloads & creative ideas. A great way for you to gain a deeper understanding, bring your learnings into your everyday life and to benefit from these experiences are to journal, share & discuss and reflect. No sound healings are the same but if you want to explore your experience further, try to attend another sound healing experience soon after and set your intention to delve deeper and learn more. 

Expand your practises

Wellbeing isn’t linear and it is about finding the practises that work well for you. Sound Healing compliments:

• Breathwork

• Meditation

• Yoga Nidra

• Tai chi

• Qi Gong

• Yoga 

• Massage

Regular practice of well-being makes it easier to drop into them. Not only will you have a better understanding of what to expect and can relax easier you’ll have less build up of stress and anxiety etc which can slow you down getting into the deeper relaxation states. Work with me regularly by attending my public sound healings. Book a private 121 session. Request a personal Sound Healing recording or purchase my sound healing recordings. 

Effective Workplace Strategies for Enhancing Team Well-being: Small Changes with Big Impact

Effective Workplace Strategies for Enhancing Team Well-being: Small Changes with Big Impact

Top 10 things you can start doing today to support your teams wellbeing

In today's fast-paced and demanding work environments, prioritising employee well-being is paramount to ensure a thriving and motivated workforce. While major overhauls may seem overwhelming, implementing small changes can have a significant positive impact on the overall well-being of your team. This blog will explore effective workplace strategies that can be easily incorporated to enhance team well-being, fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.

1 - Embrace Fresh Air in the Mornings

Boost vitality and alertness by opening windows to allow invigorating fresh air to permeate the workspace. Increased oxygen levels can enhance mental and physical well-being.

2 - Encourage Stand-Up Breaks

Normalize the practice of taking short breaks to stand up and stretch. By promoting these breaks, individuals benefit both physically and mentally, while reducing time spent idling near the coffee machine or photocopier.

3 - Incorporate Non-Allergenic Plants

Enhance the aesthetics and air quality of the workplace by selecting low-allergen plants. These not only beautify the environment but also cleanse the air, infusing it with oxygen.

4 - Harness the Benefits of Salt Lamps

Consider incorporating salt lamps, as they have been praised for their ability to draw out negative electric energy from the surroundings. Moreover, they are believed to support lung health.

5 - Mitigate Electromagnetic Frequencies

Given the omnipresence of technology in our lives, employ electromagnetic frequency blockers to provide reprieve from harmful blue light emissions, radiations, and vibrations emitted by digital devices. These measures help alleviate the stress imposed on the body.

6 - Mood-Enhancing Music

While not everyone may work effectively with music playing constantly, consider playing soothing tunes during specific times, such as lunch breaks or at the end of the day, to gently signal the passage of time. For instance, when implementing standing breaks, a soft song such as some sound healing could be played every hour as a reminder to take a break.

7 - Foster Group Activities for Wellness

Introduce activities like sound healing sessions, which can contribute to a sense of well-being and cohesion among team members.

8 - Engage in Well-being Challenges

Encourage participation in well-being challenges, such as walking to and from work, substituting coffee with non-caffeinated alternatives, quitting smoking, or adopting healthy habits. These challenges promote personal growth and a healthier lifestyle.

9 - Organise Group Exercises

Arrange group exercises like sponsored swims, fun runs or bike rides such as the London to Brighton. These activities foster team spirit while promoting physical fitness and boosting team morale.

10 - Provide Health Incentives

Motivate healthy choices by offering incentives, such as providing nutritious lunches or rewards for engaging in wellness-related behaviors. This cultivates a supportive environment for making positive health decisions.

By implementing these 10 essential strategies your workplace can create a formal and motivating environment where team wellbeing is prioritised and thrives, resulting in increased productivity & performance, higher job satisfaction, and decreased turnover rates.

Transform & support your teams mind and body with the power of sound – book your corporate sound healing session today and embark on a journey of deep relaxation and rejuvenation.