LA LIMPIA – THE QUECHUA HEALING METHODS

I often asked about La Limpia, the Andeans' ancient traditional energy cleansing and rejuvenation ritual, which I was taught and performed. Shamans use it to maintain physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. It is performed when people get sick, suffer from emotional distress, get depressed, or when have bad luck with their relationships, business, jobs, or other misfortunes.
The goal of La Limpia is to balance and clear the egg-shaped energy field (illuminating body) surrounding us as well as the physical body that is affected by negative energies. In the ceremony, every element and tool is accompanied by a spiritual symbolism and scientific explanation.
The energy field in which we live is contaminated by traumas, memories, attachments, ancestor connections, and negative energies. It can also be polluted by entering negative geographic locations or by the energy that is sent intentionally or unintentionally to the person, such as anger, curses, envy, bad air, energy attachments, and spirit possession. Negative energy is heavy, so if it isn't removed, it can sink into our skin and then penetrate deep into our tissues, organs, and bones. Shamans believe that this contamination is responsible for all sicknesses and misfortunes. Clearing or extracting those old and negative energies brings in a new surge of positive energy, which allows for new clarity and true healing.
The goal of La Limpia is to balance and clear the egg-shaped energy field (illuminating body) surrounding us as well as the physical body that is affected by negative energies. In the ceremony, every element and tool is accompanied by a spiritual symbolism and scientific explanation.
The energy field in which we live is contaminated by traumas, memories, attachments, ancestor connections, and negative energies. It can also be polluted by entering negative geographic locations or by the energy that is sent intentionally or unintentionally to the person, such as anger, curses, envy, bad air, energy attachments, and spirit possession. Negative energy is heavy, so if it isn't removed, it can sink into our skin and then penetrate deep into our tissues, organs, and bones. Shamans believe that this contamination is responsible for all sicknesses and misfortunes. Clearing or extracting those old and negative energies brings in a new surge of positive energy, which allows for new clarity and true healing.
The stages of La Limpia ceremony:
Greetings
Welcoming the client and allow time for energetic scanning.
Diagnostic and Divination
Through reading the flame of a white candle that was rubbed against the client's body and a palm reading, the shaman learns about the client's source of illness or misfortune and decides what process to use.
Consultation
Discuss the issues raised by the reading and learn the client’s life and cultural belief system.
Energy removal and Extraction
With Trago (sugar cane rum), green leaf branches or dry leaf broom, plants/herbs, blowing of fire, smoke, rubbing of eggs and sulfur.
Rejuvenation
Replace old and stale negative energy with new positive light energies, by blowing Aqua Florida (Flower water cologne) using red and white carnations or roses and flowery aromatic oils.
Protection
Seal the physical body with volcanic healing stones, Chunta spears and tobacco smoke.
Harmonizing Vibrations
Using a bell and other musical instruments over the body.
Calling back Spirit
Using a ceramic ocarina melody behind the person's neck.
Embrace
A healing hug, heart to heart
Candle Blowing
Release of the stored bad energy in the wax to the universe by blowing out the flame through an open window with a personal prayer.
Final Consultation
Discuss client’s experiences and visions. Give prescription of different rituals, ceremonies and special diets to be done after the ceremony and at home
Greetings
Welcoming the client and allow time for energetic scanning.
Diagnostic and Divination
Through reading the flame of a white candle that was rubbed against the client's body and a palm reading, the shaman learns about the client's source of illness or misfortune and decides what process to use.
Consultation
Discuss the issues raised by the reading and learn the client’s life and cultural belief system.
Energy removal and Extraction
With Trago (sugar cane rum), green leaf branches or dry leaf broom, plants/herbs, blowing of fire, smoke, rubbing of eggs and sulfur.
Rejuvenation
Replace old and stale negative energy with new positive light energies, by blowing Aqua Florida (Flower water cologne) using red and white carnations or roses and flowery aromatic oils.
Protection
Seal the physical body with volcanic healing stones, Chunta spears and tobacco smoke.
Harmonizing Vibrations
Using a bell and other musical instruments over the body.
Calling back Spirit
Using a ceramic ocarina melody behind the person's neck.
Embrace
A healing hug, heart to heart
Candle Blowing
Release of the stored bad energy in the wax to the universe by blowing out the flame through an open window with a personal prayer.
Final Consultation
Discuss client’s experiences and visions. Give prescription of different rituals, ceremonies and special diets to be done after the ceremony and at home
Photography by Miranda Lichtelstein