Among the indigenous tribes of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, Rapé has been known for centuries. The process of preparation and consumption of Rapé is carried out with deep respect to the traditions of the ancestors. Since ancient times, it has been used both for spiritual and ceremonial purposes as well as a remedy for the physical body. Rapé strengthens the synaptic connections in the brain and helps in the treatment of psychosomatic diseases.

The tobacco and medicinal plant ingredients are absorbed by the mucous membranes immediately after being blown into the nose and enter directly into the bloodstream. It reaches the paranasal and frontal sinuses to eliminate deposits that may have been accumulated for years, causing diseases such as sinusitis or migraines. Rapé relieves headaches, states of dullness or excessive tension by effectively regulating blood pressure in the skull.

Another part of the medicine travels all the way down to the stomach, eliminating parasites in the digestive tract, and then continues into the intestines, where, by supporting peristaltic movements, it removes the excess impurities gathered there.

It is also shown to be effective in supporting the respiratory system – especially in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Moreover, it brings relief from asthma and helps support the cleansing of the lungs by expelling phlegm and foreign bodies. In addition, it has a relaxing and antipyretic effect, soothes allergy symptoms, fatigue, and pain; as well as reduces hunger and thirst. Rapé has Tobacco so using it increases blood flow to the brain and influences the release of various neurotransmitters that have antidepressant and stimulating effects. It is also a remedy for the spirit. It promotes the process of purifying the mind by stopping inner dialogues and making it easier to become truly present.

A person taking Rapé can quite effortlessly enter a deep state of meditation and, in this realm, recognise their true needs by removing negative thoughts and emotions. It helps to remove energetic entities and impurities from the body and allows you to achieve a state of calmness and deep concentration.

GERA MARİMANKE
Special Host

Gerardo is a Chilean citizen descended from the “Diaguita” tribal clan. He has studied Composition and Arrangements in Popular Music, studies in Administration and Agricultural Production and has a degree as a Therapist in Deep Muscle Therapy and Neuropuncture. Creator of CELLULAR MEMORY RELEASE THERAPY. He has worked as a cameraman, editor, producer and post-production in indigenous documentaries.

His path in traditional medicine begins in 1991 with grandfather Wachuma (SanPedro) for 5 years. Then he started a purification and discipline for 4 years guided by his first Mentor Loto Ojeda, Teacher of Walks on Fire from the Mapuche tradition and Zen Meditation Master. Advanced studies in Angiology and in the Mayan Calendar. He became a disciple of the Indian Master Vasant Paranjpe and specialised in Vedic Fires and their agricultural applications with Homa Therapy. Daily Sadhana practices, Meditations, Kundalini Yoga and White Tantric Yoga. He travelled to India in 1997 where he was adopted by his Guru Shri Mahant Krishna Giri Maharaj of the order of Swamis and was initiated as a disciple at the end of Khumb Mela 1998. He graduated as an Instructor in Kundalini Yoga in 2003. Studies Healing and Body Therapies, Yogic Massage, Sacrocranial, Deep Muscle Therapy, Neuropuncture and develops the holistic healing therapy CELLULAR MEMORY RELEASE THERAPY.

He returns to the medical path learning with spiritual leaders from Chile, Bolivian, Shipibo and Quechua shamans from Peru, Shuar, Chachi and other teachers from Ecuador, Taitas from the Cofán and Siona tradition and other medicine men from Colombia, along with indigenous people. Piaroa and Wayuu from Venezuela, with leaders from Guaraní, Pajés Huni Kuin and Yawanawa from Brazil. Thus he is dedicated to studying the path of Wachuma and Ayahuasca with different healers. He was recognized as a ”Curandero” (healer) and authorized to share Ayahuasca ceremonies in 2009 and then authorized to share Wachuma Ceremonies in 2010. He carries the Amazonian-Andean altar of the Chakana, an ancient emblem of the Inka empire. He conducts retreats, cleansings, diets, detox baths, traditional ceremonies, and individual consultations. He got taught in the Doctrine of Santo Daime in the Church of Chave de São Pedro and participates in different spiritual centres of Umbanda in Brazil. He has been authorized to share studies of the Church of Santo Daime and works of Umbandaime where ever is called.

On another side, Gerardo started to participate in Peyote ceremonies in 2002 in Chile, and then also in Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico and the United States. After completing his 4, the year of Vision Quest in 2006, he got recognized as a member of the council of the Sacred Fire of Itzachilatlan and custodian of the Canepa bundle (Lakota sacred Pipe), and in 2007 he receives the bundle of the Traditional Lakota Sweatlodge from Sioux linage and also the Temazcal Mexica. He has been dedicated to sharing Song Circles, as well as supporting different Vision Searches in Chile, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. He began his commitment as a drummer at the SunDance in Brazil in 2003 and became a Sundancer in 2009. He got invested as a Man of Medicine and Spiritual Leader in 2010 and keeper of the Half Moon Peyote Altar. Share the teachings of the Olowampi (songs of Dance of the Sun) and participates in Lakota Sun Dance in Colombia, Lakota Sun Dance in Amatlán and Nayarit Mexico, Navajo Sun Dance in Tallpine Arizona, Lakota Sun Dance in the Pine Ridge Reservation and Lakota Sun Dance in the Crowdog Paradise Rosebud Reservation, South Dakota. In the same way and under the guidance of his Marakame, Eugenio López Carrillo, he participates and organizes traditional Wixarica ceremonies and makes offerings for him in the Viricuta desert and other sacred places.