Indigenous Healings at the Pyramids

The Mountain Valley

Hacienda Zuleta is home to the Caranqui culture sites and approximately 140 historical mounds made up of somewhat oval-shaped burial sites and square pyramids.  These sites were created by the Caranqui civilization dating back as far as AD 700-1500.  The mounds are clearly visible on horseback or motorized transportation and are quite unbelievable.   I’ve included the following link that goes into depth on the history of the Pyramids in Zuleta.  http://zuleta.com/history-of-hacienda-zuleta-in-ecuador/

Sacred Pyramid at the back of Pasture

This was the site for our indigenous cleansing (healing) by the local shaman Giovanni.  Giovanni was born in Ecuador in the Andean region and is highly respected healer Using his indigenous healing methods.  It has been reported that he is able to feel a person’s energy, connect and heal them by a number of rituals that are not necessarily accepted in traditional western medicine.  Regardless of what one may believe in medicinal treatment, we know that the mind is a powerful source and once tapped it could be limitless.  Coming from a traditional western medicine upbringing and working in the healthcare field, one might think that I may not be susceptible to this ‘unconventional’ medicinal method, but you would be wrong!  I’m jumping in head first! 

Healing Site with Pat

So, off we go, Pat and I for our cleansing session, like little children on an unknown, but exciting adventure.  After a short ten minute ride through the mountainous terrain, we came to a clearing where we were able to see the grassy mounds behind a pasture filled with cows.  There was the infamous pyramid.  We cautiously made our way through the pastures around the cows, stepping ever so cautiously not to land in a cow pattie.  Already there was something surreal about being in the presence of something that had been constructed by a civilization in what was considered the ‘Ecuadorian ‘Late Period’ AD700.  Not sure if it was the altitude, the cow patties I was dogging at every step or the magnitude of the mountains Surrounding is, but I felt this amazing rush throughout my body. 

Grassy Ramp to Burial Mounds

When most people hear the word ‘pyramid’ they envision this overwhelming structure.  I was one of those individuals, but lucky for me this pyramid was approximately twenty feet tall with a grassy ramp leading to the top.  Once we finally arrived at the summit, Shaman Giovanni had prepared the sacred healing site and walked us through what we would be experiencing.  Burning embers, herbs and incense filled the air with an aromatic essence and Giovanni (the healer) took us individually to start the cleansing process.  After a short question/answer session on what we wanted to focus on (physically or emotionally) the session began with a ritualistic smoke blowing, soft thwacking with bundled herbs and a focused touch to release the bad energies.  If nothing else, the wonderful smell emanating from the herbs released pressure in my head and neck.  The light and calming breeze combined with the need to appreciate all that life has to offer, allowed me to transcend myself into a zen-like state and allow my brain to accept the unknown.  It was a sense of being free, if only for a moment, and allowing myself to believe in something other than what I can see or touch. 

On Top of the Pyramid with Burial Mounds

At the close of the session, Shaman Giovanni had Pat and myself sit together touching at the knees with our hands lying gently by our legs as he clicked two metal tuning forks together that produced an echo that filled the valley of mounds.  I believe that this was to bring back our balance and focus.  After the session, which took approximately two hours, I felt completely calm and relaxed.  

 Whether one believes in what can be categorized as ‘alternative’ medicine, there is much to be said about sitting in the middle of God’s miracles realizing that there is more than oneself that can create masterpieces.  I’m the better for my cleansing and I thank you, Shaman Giovanni.