Rapé
The Medicine
The core ingredient of most Rapé is Amazonian tobacco known as Mapacho. In addition to tobacco, Rapé usually includes other medicinal plants. The tobacco and plants are ground into a fine powder, which is blown high into each nostril through a ceremonial pipe called a Tepi.
The Indigenous Peoples have long used Rapé as a form of prayer calling upon the forces of nature, the blessings of the animals, and the power of medicinal plants to heal and give strength.
Rapé can help you in the following ways:
Grounding
Focus and sharpening of the mind
Clearing negative energies
Clearing your energetic field
Detoxifying body and mind
Clearing sinuses of mucus and bacteria
Providing a calming and grounding effect
Can induce a physical purge
Can be used in conjunction with other treatments
THE CEREMONY
Before sharing Rapé, I do a short blessing. Unless the person is experienced in using Rapé and has their own style of receiving, I usually direct them to take a deep breath in, a deep breath out and then to hold their breath while I gently (unless otherwise specified) blow the rapé into their nostrils. The person is then asked to focus on their intention as I chant the 108 Names of Ma Anandamayee.
After receiving the medicine you may experience sensations such as pins and needles in areas of the brain and a burning sensation in the nostrils or third eye. The sensations can traverse throughout the body. Your eyes may tear up, you will likely discharge mucus through the nose and sometimes through the throat in your saliva. You may feel nauseous, start sweating, vomit or need to use the bathroom.
Although this is admittedly an uncomfortable part of the experience, some people say the pain is an integral part of the spiritual and physical cleansing process- by purging deep-seated toxins, you come out feeling calmer, focused, and more aligned with your True Self.