The Journey "Hapay, Rapé, Hapeh" FAQ
Best ways to store rapé?
Rapés are very finely powdered snuffs, that easily absorb moisture. Airtight containers work best. If possible, we recommend keeping them in their original container. Keep it stored away from direct Sunlight. Be mindful of things like water and damp environments.
Applicators and how they work?
Traditional pipes are made from bone or bamboo. There are 2 types of applications traditionally from Brazil. The common version seen in many photos of rape ceremonies lead by Shaman, are called a “Tepi”. This is a longer blow pipe administered by one person to another. It is essentially a bridge from one person’s mouth (longer end) to the others nostril/s (shorter end). The self-applicator is called a “Kuripe”. This is a V-shaped applicator where you use the shorter end in your mouth and the longer end into your nostril. In ceremony, rapé is applied with either pipe by being blown into the nostrils. It is especially important it is delivered as a blown acceptance rather than a forced inhale. In metaphorical tradition, you always blow into the left nostril first and then the right nostril following. This is to signify life and death into rebirth.
Usage and dosage?
It is recommended when working with rapé, start with once per day and not more than 2 applications/ceremonies. Depending on each person’s experience, ability to maneuver the energy and the individual’s personal situation. Many people choose to use it more frequently at times of being sick, stressed out or needing other support. Individuals may choose to use it several times a week or reserve it as a counterpart to for other ceremonies like Ayahuasca or plant medicines. On occasions of deep and intensive work for healing, there may be even broader amounts used. Pay attention to how your body feels, your breathing, your intuition, and your guides. Start slow but ultimately you will find your preferred usage as you further your experience with it. Traditionally you can start with a half pea-sized amount of the rapé for each nostril when you begin your Journey. This is generally safe for most beginners and you can move up from there gradually after prolonged use of one type of rapé. Remember, each person is their own makeup of many different things so some people may require smaller doses or larger doses just depending on their natural tolerance. Feel free to experiment personally to find what works for you.
Ceremony, Intention and guidance…
Rapé is a very power teacher and guide amongst the plant spirits. Setting a specific intention, energy, or even asking for help with a specific area can be incredibly supportive in your sittings with rapé. In respecting the sacredness of this teacher, develop a relationship with it each session rather than, simply using it as a tool. We are very blessed to have access to such rare medicines and when treating them with love, gratitude, and honor, they always seem to create more depth in your sacred space. Creating or finding ceremony and practice for self-care has never been so important.
Mucus, Phlegm and Nasal drip?
If you get a build up of mucus or phlegm in the back of your throat or into your mouth, please spit it out into a bucket immediately, as this may be toxic or negative energy that is being released and should be expelled. To help prevent it from dripping into your throat, keep your head down.
SHOULD I KEEP THE RAPÉ IN MY NOSTRILS OR BLOW IT OUT?
You should try to keep the rapé in your nostrils for as long as comfortably possible so the medicine can be absorbed through the bloodstream. It is best to breathe in through the nose if possible, for this. Then, you can blow your nose with tissue as many times as it is necessary for you.
IS IT NORMAL TO EXPERIENCE VOMITING, SPITTING AND BOWEL MOVEMENTS DURING/AFTER RAPÉ SESSION?
Yes, it is quite common – most rapés have a very deeply cleansing effect on the body, energetic field, emotions, mental stress, confusion, and spiritual alignment. Therefore, you may experience deep purging and releasing on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. Also, it can be a deep release of long held sickness in the body, psyche, emotional field, and ‘soul loss’. Please allow your physical and energetic bodies to release, re-align and re-configure. You will need a bucket, tissue, drinking water and toilet nearby. Also, if it has been an extraordinarily strong session, then you may need to lie down and rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour after the rapé session to allow time for integration and deep re-alignment. If you feel dizzy or ungrounded afterwards, then please drink natural fruit juice or herbal tea with honey (ideally mint or chamomile – no caffeine), and rest. The natural sugars will help to ground you, and the liquid will re-hydrate you, and slowly bring you back into ‘normal’ reality.
WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?
Once purchased, we do not return Rapé or other perishable products. This is to make sure you will always receive a verified product from us and not something that has been returned.