1.- INTRODUCTION
Healing with Clay at the Sacred Valley is becoming more and more popular due to the search to find a connection with the spiritual. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is considered one of the most traditional and emblematic places not only of Cusco but of the Inca culture, thus it contains a great cultural, traditional and at the same time spiritual essence. It is located in the Andean region quite close to the city of Cusco and historically it has been considered as a sacred place where the activity of agriculture is constantly carried out since historical times. However, the key to this is actually that the land has a certain degree of fertility quite high and complemented by the pleasant climate, abundance of water and ancestral techniques. This has also resulted in the practice of spiritual but at the same time comforting activities for this reason the use of Sacred Valley healing clay was initiated in the search for a connection with mother earth.
Within the Andean belief it is known that the Sacred Valley healing clay has a direct relationship with the earth which is also considered as the Pachamama and its essence is the ability to absorb, balance and at the same time clean energies that may be retained in the body, in fact many of the Andean priests or shamans use the Sacred Valley healing clay as part of their healing treatments. This is how the Healing with Clay at the Sacred Valley is shown in various options of use, from versions of plasters to clay baths seeking that somehow the body has that direct connection with the mineral in order to obtain a physical healing but at the same time to obtain an energetic cleansing allowing the body and mind to find the balance between the earthly and spiritual world.
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Historically Healing with Clay at the Sacred Valley is linked to the belief and tradition of the Inca culture who had a direct and close connection with the earth and all the natural elements that somehow receive the energetic vibration capable of connecting with the health and well-being of people. It is in this way that Healing with Clay at the Sacred Valley is not only a practice of belief, thanks to the composition that has today is possible to argue scientifically what are the benefits it has on the body without neglecting the context that it also a means to repair the mental and spiritual energies finding the balance sought.
2.- THE HISTORY OF CLAY THERAPY
Healing with Clay at the Sacred Valley has an extensive tradition and origin within the formation of the Sacred Valley, even before the Inca culture many human settlements and pre-Inca cultures already inhabited this territory and although in a vague way they knew about Healing with Clay at the Sacred Valley. With the passing of time the practice was polished and the knowledge was transmitted until the Inca culture sophisticated the practice.
2.1.- Pre-Inca Origins
Ancient civilizations that existed before the Incas already knew about Healing with Clay at the Sacred Valley, of course not with all the details or the uses they could give it. Among them, the Wari culture stood out, who used Sacred Valley healing clay in the form of ointments, plasmas and even medicinal baths to treat muscular pains and even joint problems, since it was applied directly on wounds or inflamed areas. Because it was so effective in clay treatments, it was considered a unique element due to its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties.
Of course it also had a symbolism linked to belief and religion, so it was adapted and integrated into rituals that were related to the earth and fertility being classified as a natural element of healing. Especially in the people who lived in the territories that were quite close to the presence of water such as rivers or streams already knew more about the components that had clay and how its effect was positive on people.
2.2.- Medical practices by the Inca culture
It is known that at a certain point in its development the Inca culture had a great expansion throughout the American continent, in this way the knowledge that was once centered only in the center of the Andean world began to expand and the Healing with Clay at the Sacred Valley was becoming popular in every corner of the vast empire. The Inca culture was one of the greatest connoisseurs of agricultural activity but at the same time of medicine since they understood that there was a connection between the human being and the natural environment that surrounds everything, in fact their belief implied that clay not only had a physical healing purpose but also established a spiritual connection with the Pachamama or Mother Earth.
Among the Andean treatments and remedies used during the Inca culture, Healing with Clay at the Sacred Valley was undoubtedly one of the most important, adapting the practices used in previous cultures such as the Wari, however its use was much more specific since the properties contained in clay were already known and even being used to treat wounds such as burns, skin infections, joint pains and other ailments. In each sector of the Inca empire there was an expert on medicine and treatments also known as Andean priest or shaman who imparted the therapy.
2.3.- Today
Until today the Healing with Clay – Sacred Valley is practiced in a traditional way as it was done during the Inca culture, many of the traditional and local communities have inherited ancestral knowledge allowing this practice to be preserved intact so it is still used in medical therapies in various forms such as plasters, wraps and baths. Although it is clear that the essential and original is always the Healing with Clay – Sacred Valley has discovered that the clay can be found in other places but still maintains the components and healing benefits. Nowadays its use has gone beyond the medical to the aesthetic level, being incorporated into make-up and cosmetics as well as spa and alternative medicine.
You can read a little more about these options on our blog: Hidden gems of Cusco.
3.- TYPES OF HEALING CLAYS IN THE SACRED VALLEY
3.1.- Red Clay (rumi chaka)
It is considered one of the most appreciated varieties in the Sacred Valley due to its high proportions and levels of healing properties as well as the Andean connection it has with the earth. It is mainly found in places where there is a high presence of iron, which at the same time gives it its particular red color. Among its compositions are mainly iron, calcium and magnesium. However it is due to the iron content that it also has energizing and revitalizing properties, absorbs toxins and pathogens which also helps with the purification of the skin and tissues. Other common uses it is given is to combat inflammation and mild intoxications making it a valuable resource. It is mainly used for the treatment of joint pains, blood circulation, but in some communities it is used for spiritual purification.
3.2.- White Clay (Chaco)
Propularly it is known as Chaco in the Quechua dialect and is characterized for being softer, fine and natural obtained from the soils within the Andean region. Its color implies an appearance of cleanliness and purity, making it ideal for delicate treatments. Its composition is mainly aluminum based so it is mainly used for skin aspects. It also has soothing and astringent elements so it is often used on sensitive skin as it also regulates the balance of the skin by eliminating impurities. Essentially its use is in masks and plasters to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema and similar skin problems.
3.3.- Black clay (Yana Allpa)
In the Andean world, black clay is known as Yana Allpa, from the Quechua language meaning black earth and is considered one of the rarest varieties that can be found as well as being the most effective. The particular color it has is due to the organic matter and minerals based on silicon and manganese that are efficient for health. It contains great absorption and at the same time detoxification properties which also helps with deep cleansing of the skin. On the other hand, its use in the regeneration of the skin was also evidenced, which helps with the elasticity and to prevent premature aging. Due to the consistency of its composition, it is mainly used in wraps and therapeutic baths to alleviate problems of muscular affections and to stimulate the body’s state of relaxation.
4.- SACRED CLAY CEREMONIES
The Healing with Clay – Sacred Valley is based on the participation of ceremonies performed essentially with the use of this mineral, in more than one sense it is considered as an expression to connect with the spiritual aspect and world looking for a healing and harmonization with mother earth. Each of the ancestral practices have been passed down for many generations seeking to balance and sustain the Andean belief using as a base the mother earth and at the same time all the elements that make up the universe and are used for the healing of each of the participants. In order to experience in an authentic way it is necessary to have several moments of preparation to finally obtain the balance between the physical and the spiritual.
4.1.- Preparation before the ceremony
Prior to the beginning of the ceremony, the environment must be implemented basing each of the acts with respect and reverence mainly towards mother earth, this ceremony mainly begins with a small ritual of purification of the environment, for this is made use of herbs considered as medicinal as the palo santo and the sahumerio. The smoke emanating from these plants is mainly used to cleanse the energies of the environment and at the same time the participants receive ritual baths using essentially water from pure springs combined with traditional herbs in order to maintain a state of clarity and peace of mind.
In the case of the fundamental element of the ceremony, clay is specifically collected from sacred or special places that have been previously selected. The Andean priest or shaman is in charge of preparing the clay before the ceremony and duly creating the mixtures that will be used during the process, for this he uses techniques such as crushing the clay and then mixing it with some herbs and essences that also participate in the ceremony and in this way create plasters or wrappings that are then delivered and used by the participants.
4.2.- Ceremony Process
When everything is ready, the participants are arranged in a circle that symbolizes at the same time the unity and balance with the universe. In the center is located the Andean priest who through chants invokes the spirits of nature contemplating mainly the mountains that are also known as Apus and of course other Andean weaknesses that will witness the ceremony in search of the connection with mother earth through other elements such as water, air and fire to complete the process.
The ceremony begins at the moment in which all participants are covered by the clay-based plasters that were previously prepared by the Andean priest, in some cases it is sought to be spread on the skin in search of finding the purification and cleansing of the body, Meanwhile it is the priest who recites some chants with the intention of invoking healing energies of nature and at the same time the energetic collection begins intertwining the physical with the spiritual in order to release emotional blockages while the clay absorbs impurities and toxins found in the body. During this ceremony all participants must remain still in a deep meditation while waiting for the clay to finish the drying process in their body giving in this way a deep state of relaxation that connects the mind with mother earth, at this moment the participants come to have the sensation of feeling mental clarity, connection with the universe and of course the inner peace that is so much sought after.
4.3.- At the end of the process
At the end of the ceremony we proceed to remove the clay that has dried on the body of each of the participants, then they are led through a final closing ceremony which involves cleansing with water and selected herbs considered sacred. This process marks the end and closing of the ceremony which at the same time symbolizes the purification of impurities through the element of water, the recommendations given to all participants is to have absolute rest, consume clean water and above all avoid the consumption of heavy food with the intention that the body can absorb natural healing energy. After a few days it is possible that many participants may experience vivid dreams and even intense emotions since at a subconscious level healing is a process that continues permanently, so it is always recommended to remain calm and reflective.
5.- MORE THAN JUST A PHYSICAL HEALTH PRACTICE
“Healing with Clay – Sacred Valley is more than just a way to heal physically in the face of a physical discomfort such as a blow or a fall, in fact within the Andean belief it is established that this is the best way to establish a connection with nature but at the same time with the spiritual menu understanding that in many ways they are constantly and deeply intertwined, learn a little more in our related article.”
6.- FAQs
- Is clay healing in Sacred Valley safe?
Yes, it is considered as part of the alternative medicine due to its high effectiveness thanks to the components that the clay possesses, fortunately it does not represent a danger for allergic people.
- How much does a traditional clay healing ceremony cost?
There are many options to choose from in terms of prices, it will always depend on the place where you want to do it. There are options from $85.00 per person depending on your preference.
- What should I wear to a clay healing ceremony?
It is recommended that for the ceremonies that involve the use of clay, it is essentially used light and comfortable clothes that can be stained without problems since the purpose is not to worry about the material or the external.
- Can I experience clay healing if I’m pregnant?
In general the clay is not dangerous in itself, however if it is a case of pregnancy is advisable to consult directly with a health professional because the composition and its properties are mainly detoxifying and healing which in some cases of pregnancy can result in a direct clash with the hormonal changes that the body has.
- How long does a typical clay healing session last?
There are several options from which you can choose, the traditional version incurs a ceremony that involves a full day considering the preparation of the environment, the performance of the ceremony and of course the rest stage after the ceremony. There are other versions that are considered similar to retreats that can last between 2 and 3 days.
Adding a spiritual aspect to your trip will undoubtedly make the experience unforgettable. Auri Peru seeks to expand the ancestral knowledge and experience that for generations has been inherited in this part of the world and now you can enjoy it, contact us now and together we will design a personalized experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
“Not all who wander are lost.”
