Book a Cacao Ceremony

reconnect with your true self, feel yourself as a part of the whole

What Is a Cacao Ceremony?

At Yanacacao, each cacao ceremony is a sacred space for healing, connection, and remembrance — a moment to return to the wisdom of the heart.

Rooted in ancient Mayan tradition, cacao is honored as a plant medicine that opens the heart and awakens presence. Made from pure ceremonial cacao sourced directly from the Ija´tz Cacao Collective in San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala, the drink becomes more than chocolate — it is a sacred elixir that reconnects you to your body, emotions, and spirit.

During a ceremony, we drink cacao mindfully — accompanied by breathwork, meditation, sound, movement, and guided reflection. This allows the cacao to work gently through the body, releasing tension, softening emotional blockages, and awakening creativity, compassion, and joy.

Q&A: Discover the Medicine of the Heart

What does ceremonial cacao feel like?

Drinking ceremonial cacao is like wrapping your heart in warmth.
The taste is rich, earthy, and slightly bitter — deeper than chocolate, yet smooth and comforting. Within minutes, you may feel your body relax and your heart gently awaken. Cacao brings a sense of calm clarity, emotional openness, and a subtle, loving energy that connects you to your body and spirit.

Unlike coffee, which stimulates through the mind, cacao energizes through the heart — creating a state of grounded vitality, presence, and joy.

How does cacao affect the body and emotions?

Physically: it increases blood flow, oxygen, and energy through theobromine — a natural stimulant that lifts you without the crash of caffeine.

Emotionally: it boosts serotonin, dopamine, and anandamide (the “bliss molecules”), which promote feelings of love, peace, and joy.

Energetically: it opens the heart chakra (Anahata), helping you access deeper compassion, creativity, and connection to yourself and others.

This is why cacao is often called “the medicine of the heart.”

Why is cacao considered a superfood?

Cacao is one of the most nutrient-rich foods on Earth. It contains a powerful combination of minerals, antioxidants, and mood-boosting compounds that nourish body and mind.

Magnesium – Relaxes muscles, reduces stress, and supports heart health.
Iron – Strengthens the blood and supports energy levels.
Zinc & Copper – Boost immunity and balance hormones.
Calcium – Strengthens bones and supports nervous system function.
Antioxidants (Flavonoids & Polyphenols) – Reduce inflammation and protect the heart.
Theobromine – Provides calm, sustained energy.
Anandamide & Tryptophan – Enhance feelings of bliss and emotional stability.

What happens during a cacao ceremony?

In ceremony, cacao is used as a sacred ally to open the heart and connect with higher awareness. Participants drink the cacao slowly, often in a meditative or communal setting with music, movement, or guided intention.

The experience can include emotional release, heightened intuition, inner peace, or deep gratitude. Every ceremony is unique — cacao meets you exactly where you are.

Is cacao safe for everyone?

Cacao is safe for most people when enjoyed in mindful doses. However, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking heart or antidepressant medications (MAOIs/SSRIs) should use smaller amounts and consult their healthcare provider.

Because cacao increases heart rate and circulation, it’s best to listen to your body and start with gentle doses if you’re new to it.

When to Drink Cacao?

Cacao’s effects typically last 4–5 hours and begin within 20–45 minutes, depending on your stomach and metabolism.

When taken on an empty stomach, the energy and mood elevation appear faster and feel stronger.
When taken with or after a meal, the effects are gentler and last longer — perfect for a full day of creative or spiritual work.
Because cacao contains a small amount of caffeine (similar to a decaf coffee), sensitive individuals may wish to avoid doses of 28 g or more after 6PM to prevent sleeplessness.

How much cacao should I drink?

The amount of cacao you drink depends on your intention and your body’s sensitivity. When taken on an empty stomach, the energy and mood elevation appear faster and feel stronger.

Dreaming or lucid dreaming: 0.3–0.4 oz (8.5–11 g) Taken mid-sleep cycle for deeper dream awareness.

Sensitive or long-term cacao drinkers: 0.4–0.75 oz (11–21 g) Gentle, balanced energy for daily connection.

Heart & cardiovascular support: 0.75 oz (21 g) twice dailyFor long-term heart health, blood pressure balance, and circulation. After 6 months, reduce to ~15 g twice daily.

Meditation & creativity1 oz (28 g). For focused meditation, journaling, or creative flow.

Movement & mild aerobic activity: 1.2 oz (34 g)Ideal for yoga, dance, cardio, or mindful workouts.

Standard ceremonial dose1.5 oz (42.5 g) For deep inner work, emotional release, and heart-opening journeys.

Upper-limit ceremonial dose: Up to 2 oz (57 g)For experienced cacao drinkers or large-bodied individuals. (Note: around 5% of people may feel mild nausea at this amount.)