Premium rapaés from the tribes of South America and the Sacred Valley of Peru brought to you in the highest of intentions.
The sacred shamanic medicine rapaé has been used for thousands of years by many tribes in the Amazon areas of South America. It’s made with many medicinal herbs and can often have a tobacco base. The tobacco is the sacred tobacco which is blessed as it grows and cleaned to not harbor molds. It’s grown with intention for the type of rapaé it will be used for. Different seeds and leaves can be used depending on the blend of rapaé for the desired healing effects that are intended. Rapaé is also referred to as hapé, happeh, hapi, rapé, rapeh, and rapay depending on where you are and the modality of the community. Westerners lean towards “ra-PAY” and in Brazil “ha-PAY” due to the r pronounced as an h. lvinar dapibus leo.
Rapaé is a powerful plant medicine used to center the mind, clear the body, and align the energies. It’s completely legal and used often in meditation practices and plant medicine communities. It can quickly snap you into the “now” and assist the body in healing while calming and clearing the mind. Each blend of rapaé has a personality and a “feeling” to it. Some focus on the third eye and crown chakra while others may be more heart centered or grounding. What works for one person may be very different for another – therefore, experimenting with what works for your body chemistry and your energy can be part of the discovery process. Use what works for you.
Typically, rapaé is administered using a tool and blown into the sinuses. There are many pipes and tubes but most often the traditional tools used in Amazonia are used – the kuripé and the tepi. The self applicator for personal use is V-shaped and is called a kuripé. One end is placed in a nostril and the other in your mouth. With a blast of air through the kuripé the rapaé is delivered into the sinuses starting with the left nostril and repeating on the right. The tepi is used when you are sharing a rapaé session with a friend or a facilitator. The facilitator blows the rapaé in the same manner through the tepi to the receiver.
Sharing rapaé is becoming more and more popular as more and more people turn to natural medicines and conscious communities emerge. Sharing rapaé with a close friend or group can create closeness and bonding in a healthier way than alcohol or other substances. This can be a beautiful practice to share – but it must be done in the right way to honor the medicine and keep it sacred.
The right way to practice rapaé
Those who practice rapaé use it differently. We usually suggest twice per day. Some use it a few times a week while others only in ceremony work. How you use it is up to you and your intentions. Appreciation and setting are very important.
Choose a setting where you won’t be disturbed. Turn your phone off and approach your sitting as if you were about to meditate. Keep loud noises and disruptions away from you as this is your time to connect. Have tissue handy, a bad or waste basket handy, some water, and have access to a bathroom close by. You will not want to be in your rapaé experience then suddenly go get these things during your process.
We suggest a half pea sized amount for each nostril. If you are new do less – barely anything – to see how your body reacts.
Types of blow:
Strong and fast – to wake you up and be alert
Slow and gentle – to bring on the effects gently
Slow at first, then string at the end – most recommended for meditation and ceremony
Being by yourself is great. That way it’s all about your energy. Using rapaé with friend in a dyad is a beautiful way to connect with your partner and share energies. But it’s extremely important that you trust this person as you don’t want to share energy with someone who you wouldn’t want to be vulnerable with.
Allow yourself at least 10 minutes or more for the session. Keep your eye closed. Do not blow your nose at this time. Rapaé is not glamorous – you may want to spit, your nose may run, eyes may water – this the need for tissue handy. If you feel it running down the back of your throat spit it out. Swallowing rapaé may lead to stomach upset. If your nose runs – blot with tissue until you need to blow your nose. Sit upright in a meditation position. If you lay down it may run down the back of your throat.
Allow the experience. At first you will feel the physical reaction of the spicy powder – but that’s just for a minute or two. Then an opening can occur. This is a great time to release concerns for the day or open yourself to the messages of the plants. Allow. Meditation also music can be helpful or silence. Sitting in nature is highly recommended.
The wrong way
These plants are sacred and each blend is highly sacred. Therefore, never disrespect these plant medicines. Rapaé is not a drug – don’t treat it as one. Never do rapaé in a noisy group of people. Never use it in a restroom or on a plane. Never snort it as this will go into the lungs where you don’t want it. It’s meant for your sinuses – not lungs. Do not use in commercial areas with lots of movement. Keep high-vibration places and people. Rapaé is not recreational. It’s like a prayer. It’s sacred. Keep it that way.
Rapaé is a clearer. You may need to visit the restroom after to clear your lower regions. Some may need some time to clear emotions. Give yourself time for these things. Don’t rush.
Storing rapaé is also a practice. Having a special box or bag is a lovely way to hold your rapaé and tools. Keeping it on an alter also is a good practice. Singing songs to it and honoring its properties will only increase its vibration. It’s a powerful ally and great teacher – please treat it as such.