Yoga and cacao, at first glance, may seem worlds apart. Still, when combined, they can create a profound healing experience. Incorporating cacao, an ancient plant medicine, into your yoga routine can significantly enhance your practice by promoting focus, clarity, and a sense of connection.

Indigenous cultures in Central and South America have used cacao for centuries. It’s revered for its healing and spiritual properties and is often used in ceremonies as a form of medicine.  Densely packed and rich with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, Cacao naturally stimulates the production of endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals in our brains. Moreover, cacao contains theobromine. This mild stimulant boosts energy and focus without the jittery side effects that some people experience with caffeine.

When the potent benefits of cacao are combined with a yoga practice, the mind-body connection is further enhanced and can create deeply transformative experiences.

How to Incorporate Cacao into Your Yoga Practice

Create a Cacao Ritual

Before beginning your yoga practice, it can be really powerful to create a cacao ritual. Begin by selecting high-quality cacao. We recommend the 120g or 500g block of the Bali or the Guatemalan ceremonial-grade sacred cacao from Cacao Wisdom.

Next, as you prepare the cacao, take a moment to reflect and set a purposeful intention for your forthcoming yoga practice. This intention could be a personal goal, a mantra, or a simple affirmation. Once your cacao drink is ready, find a quiet, peaceful space to sit undisturbed. Cradle the warm cacao and place it at your heart center.  Whisper your intention into the cacao and imagine your first sip as a liquid prayer.  Feel the creamy texture of the medicine pass your lips and reach your tongue and back of your throat, and then travel, leaving a warm trail of richness down your esophagus and through your heart center. 

This act of creating and partaking in a cacao ritual helps in grounding your intention and makes you more present and aware. It also sets the tone for your yoga practice, providing a clear, focused mindset that enhances your connection to the practice while your intentions move through your body.

Use Cacao to Enhance Focus

The subtle yet effective properties of cacao can significantly enhance your level of concentration during your yoga practice. This superfood, adored for its myriad health benefits, can be a powerful ally in deepening your connection with the practice. As you gracefully transition from one asana to the next, the cacao works in synergy with your movements, helping you to maintain a heightened sense of presence. 

Furthermore, the cacao aids in tuning into your body’s physical sensations with amplified clarity. This heightened sense of body awareness can help you to better understand and respond to your body’s needs, making your practice more effective and fulfilling. 

Harness the Heart-Opening Properties of Cacao

Cacao, an ingredient known for its rich and delightful flavor, is often called a “heart-opener.” This is because it has the unique ability to stir up emotions of love and compassion. Consuming cacao isn’t just about the taste but also the emotional experience it brings. You can enhance these effects by incorporating cacao into your routine, especially in conjunction with heart-opening yoga poses (camel pose, dancer’s pose, backbends, forearm stands, etc.). This combination of cacao and yoga elevates your physical well-being and activates your heart chakra. By connecting with your heart chakra, you can release stagnant and heavy emotions and tap into a wellspring of feelings that emit the frequency of love, empathy, and compassion. 

Incorporate Cacao into Meditation

Cacao, known for its calming and therapeutic effects, can significantly enhance the quality of your meditation, a crucial element of any yoga practice. Cacao’s unique properties can help calm the mind, making it easier for you to enter a state of deep tranquility.

After you have completed your yoga practice and settled into your meditation, allow the cacao to continue working its magic. The calming effects of cacao can assist in quieting the mind, eliminating any distracting thoughts, and, of course, keeping you in an open-hearted state. As you allow cacao to deepen your experience, connect your original intention.  And before closing your practice, in the spirit of reciprocity, don’t forget to offer thanks and gratitude to the medicine!