Shamanic Sexual Healing
Most shamans regard sexuality as sacred. Shamanism provides many tools to address the spiritual aspects of healing sexual issues, trauma, and shame.
I have previously written a post touching on the intersection of shamanism and sexuality, where I briefly touched upon shamanic healing for issues of sexual origin or nature. I intend to expand upon that to address healing more directly.
First, I shall explain that spiritual healing does not replace medical care or professional therapy. Shamanic healing addresses the underlying spiritual causes of issues.
Healing Sexual Trauma
Psychological and spiritual trauma happens any time someone has a deeply disturbing or threatening experience. As a shamanic healer, I see sexual trauma as more common in our culture than many people think. We know that sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse are underreported crimes.
There are many encounters where people don’t think they “should be” traumatized, and so may not seek healing. I was sexually assaulted by a coworker and didn’t recognize as such for over two decades because “I’m a man, and she was a woman.” Even though I felt a deep sense of violation and humiliation that stuck with me.
We often block out memories of sexual abuse - particularly in childhood. This is a protective mechanism, but not remembering a trauma doesn’t mean you aren’t affected by it. The good news is that you also don’t have to remember or relive a trauma to heal from it.
Shamanic healing can play a profound role in the journey toward healing from the wounds of sexual trauma. With its roots in ancient wisdom and connection to the spiritual realm, shamanic practices offer a unique approach to addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of sexual trauma.
From a shamanic perspective, trauma, sexual or otherwise, can lead to a condition called “soul loss.” This is a fragmenting of the self that doesn’t resolve itself. Through a tool called shamanic soul retrieval, shamans retrieve lost soul fragments and help the client re-integrate them. I have seen and experienced profound healing from soul retrieval.
Common Symptoms of Soul Loss Related to Sexual Trauma
Here are some of the most common symptoms seen by shamans concerning soul loss. It’s important to note that many of these symptoms may have organic causes, so seeking medical advice should be done before and in concert with shamanic healing.
Feeling Incomplete or Disconnected: A pervasive sense of something missing within oneself or a disconnection from one's emotions, body, or life.
Chronic Emotional Issues: Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or numbness that seem resistant to typical therapeutic approaches.
Memory Gaps: Unexplained lapses in memory, especially around the time of the trauma.
Dissociation: A feeling of detachment from oneself, one's body, or the surrounding environment, often as a coping mechanism for overwhelming experiences.
Difficulty in Relationships: Challenges with intimacy, trust, and establishing or maintaining healthy relationships, possibly stemming from the trauma.
Low Self-Esteem: Persistent feelings of unworthiness or shame may be directly linked to the traumatic experience.
Chronic Physical Illnesses: Unexplained physical ailments or chronic conditions that don't respond well to conventional medical treatments.
Recurring Nightmares or Flashbacks: Re-experiencing the trauma through nightmares or flashbacks, a common symptom of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Loss of Vitality or Passion: Feeling a lack of enthusiasm, passion, or purpose in life.
Self-Sabotaging Behaviors: Engaging in harmful or counterproductive behaviors, often unconsciously, which might relate to feelings of guilt or unworthiness.
Sexual Dysfunction: This can include hyperactive libido or complete lack of libido, risky compulsive behavior, or unhealthy paraphilia.
Shamanic healing can provide a safe and transformative space for survivors to embark on healing, self-discovery, and reclaiming their innate sense of wholeness and vitality.
Healing Sexual Shame
Shame is the feeling or belief that you're mistaken, broken, or flawed. Shame is a toxic psycho-spiritual complex that prevents us from living life fully and can lead to mental and physical illness.
Shame often comes from our culture, education, or upbringing and is internalized. Look at all the terms for sexual shaming we have - “slut-shaming,” “kink-shaming,” and “body-shaming.” Social creatures depend on others for survival, so the pressure to fit in with society is immense.
In my opinion, shame is a hidden epidemic. Shame makes us keep parts of ourselves hidden away. It is the most significant contributor to our shadow.
And it’s hard not to feel shame when our culture sends us such mixed messages about sex. There are religious messages such as "sex outside of marriage being a sin that will get you tortured in hell for eternity. Some advertisements and media use sex as a sales tool. There is easy access to pornography. There are the sexual attitudes of our families and our spirituality.
Many of our cultural and religious rules about sex are deeply rooted in patriarchy, property rights, and control of the masses. They are not there to help us live fulfilling lives and feel good about ourselves. The message is that if our desires or preferences don’t fit within accepted norms, something is wrong with us.
I should add that while shame is toxic, there are things we should never do because they are harmful to others. Consent is the key. Any consensual activity between adults is wonderful.
How do Shamanic Healers Help With Sexual Shame?
A good shamanic healer creates a safe, non-judgemental container for clients to explore the source of their shame about sex. It begins with a comfortable, confidential conversation where clients feel free to express themselves. A good shaman knows how to “hold space” and speak to clients using “medicine language.” This simple conversation is incredibly healing.
Beyond that, there are several healing tools that a shamanic practitioner can bring to bear. Some tools may include ancestral healing, clearing toxic emotional energy or thought forms, and actions to heal the energy body. Shame is often stored in the lower part of the energy body.
Healing Sexual Dysfunction
As a shamanic healer, I want my clients to live whole and happy lives. Many people desire a fulfilling sex life, but it may be prevented by sexual dysfunction. Shamanic healing may help with sexual dysfunction, though medical advice and diagnosis should always be sought first. I always tell clients that shamanic healing addresses the spiritual sources of ailments.
Only a licensed medical professional can diagnose medical conditions.
Here are some forms of sexual dysfunction that some individuals might seek to address through shamanic healing:
Low Libido: A decreased interest in sexual activity, which might be seen as a loss of vital energy or spirit.
Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection, potentially viewed as a blockage of energetic pathways.
Premature Ejaculation: Challenges with control over ejaculation, which could be interpreted as an imbalance in emotional or energetic regulation.
Delayed Ejaculation: Difficulty in achieving ejaculation, possibly perceived as a disruption in the flow of energy.
Anorgasmia: The inability to reach orgasm, which might be approached as a sign of disconnectedness from one's body or emotions. This could indicate soul loss as well.
Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Experiencing pain during intercourse, which could be seen as a manifestation of physical or emotional trauma.
Vaginismus: Involuntary spasms of the vaginal muscles that prevent penetration, potentially linked to psychological or emotional factors.
Sexual Aversion Disorder: A strong aversion to or avoidance of sexual contact, often related to past trauma or anxiety.
Lack of Sexual Confidence: Feelings of inadequacy or nervousness regarding sexual performance or desirability.
Psychological Impact of Infertility: Emotional and spiritual distress related to infertility issues.
In shamanic practice, these dysfunctions might be treated through soul retrieval, energy cleansing, spirit animal guidance, herbal remedies, and rituals to restore balance and harmony. The focus is often on healing the whole person—emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
If you are interested in shamanic healing, please get in touch with me.
From Roots to Wings: Balancing Your Root Chakra for a Sacred, Stable, and Soaring Life
Many people in Western culture have issues concerning their root chakra. Very often, we carry shame here, disrupting our connection to the Earth, our body, and abundance. Accepting and working with this critical energy center can enhance health, wealth, and spirituality.
Balanced chakras are essential in maintaining our overall well-being in the journey of personal and spiritual growth. Chakras are energy centers within our bodies that regulate various aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. When these energy centers are in harmony, we experience a sense of equilibrium and vitality, enabling us to thrive in every area of life. Conversely, when our chakras are imbalanced, we may encounter various challenges and difficulties that hinder our progress and prevent us from reaching our full potential.
The root chakra holds a unique and foundational position among these energy centers. The root chakra, located at the base of the spine, is associated with the color red. It symbolizes our connection to the Earth, sense of security, and basic human needs. A well-balanced root chakra serves as a solid base from which we can grow and develop, much like the roots of a tree, providing strength and nourishment to its branches and leaves. When our root chakra is out of balance, we may feel ungrounded and fearful and struggle to establish a sense of stability in our lives.
This blog post will explore balancing the root chakra to create a stable and soaring life. By nurturing and strengthening this foundational energy center, we can foster a sense of security and groundedness that empowers us to navigate life's challenges and embrace new growth opportunities confidently. As we delve into various techniques and practices to bring harmony to the root chakra, you will discover how these tools can transform your relationship with yourself and provide a strong foundation for your spiritual journey, enabling you to spread your wings and soar to new heights.
Understanding the Root Chakra
Location and Associated Color
The root chakra, also known as Muladhara in Sanskrit, is located at the base of the spine, in the area of the perineum - the space between the anus and genitals. It is the first of the seven primary chakras. It serves as the starting point for energy flow throughout the body. The root chakra is associated with red, representing strength, courage, and vitality. This vibrant color symbolizes the life force energy that pulsates through this chakra, connecting us to the Earth and anchoring us in the present moment.
Connection to Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Aspects
As the foundation of our energetic system, the root chakra plays a crucial role in governing our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Physically, it is connected to the adrenal glands, spine, kidneys, and the lower parts of the body, such as the legs and feet. On an emotional level, the root chakra is linked to our sense of security, survival, and ability to meet our basic needs, including food, shelter, and financial stability. Spiritually, a balanced root chakra provides a strong base for personal and spiritual growth, enabling us to explore higher states of consciousness with confidence and grace.
Symptoms of an Imbalanced Root Chakra
Many factors can lead to an imbalance in the root chakra. I see these symptoms frequently in clients who come to me with a history of trauma. Trauma, especially, seems to affect the root chakra - particularly concerning the sense of safety, boundaries, and connection to the self.
Basic Human Needs and Sense of Security
An imbalanced root chakra can manifest as an inability to meet basic human needs, such as food, shelter, and financial security. This can result in instability, anxiety, and fear, affecting our relationships, work, and overall well-being. A lack of balance in the root chakra can also lead to overemphasizing material possessions or needing external validation to feel secure. By working to heal and balance the root chakra, we can cultivate a sense of security and stability that comes from within, allowing us to navigate life's challenges and uncertainties better.
Connection to the Earth and Grounding
When the root chakra is out of balance, we may feel disconnected from the Earth and our physical bodies, making us feel ungrounded or dissociated. This can manifest as difficulty focusing, feeling spaced out, or needing more presence in the present moment. It may also result in a disconnection from our environment and an inability to appreciate the beauty and abundance of the natural world. By bringing balance and harmony to the root chakra, we can strengthen our connection to the Earth, grounding ourselves and enhancing our ability to live fully and mindfully in the here and now.
Importance of Self-Care and Mindfulness
An imbalanced root chakra can also affect our ability to care for ourselves and our bodies, leading to neglect of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This may manifest as poor eating habits, lack of exercise, or a disregard for the importance of self-care practices, such as meditation and mindfulness. By nurturing and healing the root chakra, we can recognize the importance of self-care and mindfulness as essential components of a balanced and fulfilling life. As we cultivate a strong foundation within ourselves, we are better equipped to handle life's challenges and embrace opportunities for growth and transformation.
Techniques to Balance the Root Chakra
Grounding Exercises
One of the most effective ways to bring balance to the root chakra is through grounding exercises that help to connect us to the Earth's energy. Here are three simple yet powerful techniques to help you feel more rooted and centered:
Walking barefoot in nature: Spending time in nature can be incredibly healing, especially when you allow your bare feet to directly contact the Earth. As you walk, visualize your feet rooted into the ground, drawing up the Earth's energy to nourish and stabilize your root chakra. This practice can release any negative energy that may be causing an imbalance in this energy center.
Visualization techniques: Find a quiet space to sit or lie down comfortably. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Visualize a grounding cord extending from the base of your spine, connecting you to the Earth's core. Imagine this cord anchoring you firmly, allowing you to draw up the Earth's nurturing energy. With each breath, feel your root chakra becoming more balanced and secure.
Hugging a tree or sitting on the ground: Connecting with trees or simply sitting on the ground can help to ground your energy and bring balance to your root chakra. As you make physical contact with the Earth or a tree, imagine any negative energy being released and replaced with a sense of stability, security, and connection to the Earth.
Meditation and Breathing
Guided root chakra meditation: Many guided meditations are available online explicitly designed to help balance the root chakra. These meditations often use visualization techniques, affirmations, and focused breathing to help you connect with and heal this energy center. Set aside time each day to practice a guided root chakra meditation. Notice the changes in your sense of stability and groundedness over time.
Breathing exercises to connect with the Earth: Find a comfortable sitting or lying position. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. As you inhale, imagine drawing up the Earth's energy through the soles of your feet, up your legs, and into your root chakra. As you exhale, release any tension, fear, or negativity stored in this energy center. Continue this focused breathing for several minutes, allowing yourself to become more deeply connected to the Earth and your own sense of security and stability.
Overcoming Challenges with Root Chakra Work
Working with the root chakra can provide valuable insights into the fears and obstacles that may hold us back in various aspects of our lives. We can cultivate resilience, self-worth, and a greater sense of stability by addressing these challenges through root chakra healing.
One of the challenges with root and sacral chakra work is that these energy centers are located adjacent to erogenous zones. While shame is more associated with the second chakra, there can be conditioned shame or blockages from trauma or cultural conditioning related to these body parts. Gradually, there can be healing by working with these chakras and opening up to the energy flow.
Identifying and Releasing Fears
Many of our fears and anxieties stem from an imbalanced root chakra, which often relates to our sense of security and basic needs. Through meditation and self-reflection, we can begin to identify the fears that may be blocking our progress and release them. As we work on healing our root chakra, we can develop a greater sense of trust in ourselves and the universe, allowing us to let go of unnecessary fears and embrace a more confident, courageous approach to life.
Building Resilience through Grounding Practices
Life is full of challenges and unexpected events that can shake our sense of stability. We can strengthen our root chakra and build resilience to better navigate these challenges by engaging in regular grounding practices, such as those mentioned earlier. A robust and balanced root chakra allows us to remain centered and grounded, even in the face of adversity, helping us to bounce back more quickly and effectively from setbacks and obstacles.
Cultivating a Strong Sense of Self-Worth
A balanced root chakra can also help us to cultivate a strong sense of self-worth and self-esteem. As we work on healing and strengthening our energetic foundation, we develop a deeper connection to ourselves and a greater appreciation for our unique gifts and abilities. By fostering this sense of self-worth, we become more confident and empowered in our personal and professional lives, allowing us to pursue our goals and dreams with incredible determination and enthusiasm.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of root chakra work can be a transformative and empowering experience. As you explore various techniques and practices for healing and balancing this foundational energy center, you will begin to notice its profound impact on your overall well-being, sense of security, and personal growth.
By investing time and effort in nurturing your root chakra, you are laying a solid foundation for your spiritual journey and creating the conditions necessary for a stable and soaring life. A balanced root chakra helps you face life's challenges with resilience and courage and allows you to cultivate a strong sense of self-worth, fostering greater confidence in your abilities and aspirations.
I encourage you to dive into the world of root chakra work and embrace its many benefits. As you progress on this path, remember that healing and personal growth are ongoing processes that require patience, dedication, and self-compassion. May your journey towards a balanced root chakra bring you the stability, strength, and inner peace needed to spread your wings and soar to new heights in your spiritual and personal life.
What is a wounded healer?
You may have heard the term wounded healer before, particularly in relationship to shamanism. It’s fair to wonder what that team means. The following is my own explanation but comes from my experience in shamanic healing of others and myself.
The wounded healer is an archetype, a thoughtform. The idea is that in being wounded, healing capabilities are opened up. I find this to be true for me and many others, and this post will explain how that works.
Traditional Shamans
In many indigenous cultures, where shamanism is still practiced, those fulfilling the role of a shaman are chosen, and not self selected. One thing that is very common is that those selected have been through some kind of serious trauma.
This trauma, might be physical, like a life-threatening illness, or even an emotional trauma. There are cultures where certain mental illnesses, as defined by Western medicine, would be seen as the beginnings of a path as a healer or prophet.
There are even stories of cultures in South America where being struck by lightning is a prerequisite for being chosen as a shaman.
Other cultures put potential shamans through ordeals - like vision quests, exposure to physical extremes, or lengthy and dangerous trials.
All of these things, whether chosen trials or involuntary traumas are initiations. I’ll speak more about initiation in a moment.
Modern Shamanism
There is no governing body of shamans in the modern world. Literally anyone could read a book on shamanism and call themselves a shaman. I’ll note that, in my tradition, one does not call oneself a shaman.
Most people I know who are shamanic healers, have years or decades of training and apprenticeship, however. But people generally self-select roles and aren’t assigned them. Shamanic practitioners choose their path.
Most of the practitioners I know are wounded healers. Most have been through serious illness, near death experiences, or other serious traumas. In my own case, I had a foot amputated, and was diagnosed with PTSD later in life. I believe that the traumas I endured made me well suited for shamanism.
Initiation
To initiate is to begin. In the world of shamanism, all of life, and even death, is a series of initiations. We are always beginning something. When we go through severe difficulty, often it is preparing us psychologically and energetically for what comes next.
My own experience is with trauma. Modern psychology will say that one of the major symptoms of trauma is dissociation. It’s like part of the psyche breaks off to protect itself from what’s happening. This makes sense when experiences are too threatening or intense. Dissociation is a defense mechanism.
In shamanic terms, part of the soul escapes, in order to protect itself. If that piece of the soul does not return there is a splitting, a loss of energy, physical and psychological symptoms. We call that soul loss.
The main practice of a shaman is called a journey. In a journey, a shaman uses tools like drumming or sacred plants to induce trance. Once trance is induced, part of the soul departs to do the work in what we call non-ordinary reality (NOR).
I believe that early dissociative experiences can prepare potential shamanic healers for journeying. It’s like the soul has a looser hold on the parts. That being said, to be effective, a shaman must go through their own healing first.
When I teach journeying, if a student has trouble, often it’s the result of soul loss. A soul-retrieval ceremony can help.
It is in the wounding and healing process that we become energetically prepared for the work to help others.
How Do Shamans See And Treat Trauma
Shamanism is particularly useful for addressing the effects of trauma.
Personal disclosure - I originally got involved in shamanism in order to treat the PTSD I had been diagnosed with. Originally I thought, "Oh, I'll just take these courses and learn how to heal myself."
What I wasn't exactly prepared for was becoming a "wounded healer." Some of my symptoms, particularly dissociation, actually helped me with shamanic journeying. Soon, I found people coming to me for help.
And I'm happy to report that I live essentially symptom-free these days. I can't claim to cure anything (the FDA or whoever would not be pleased).
What is Trauma?
When I speak of trauma, I'm talking primarily about psychological and spiritual trauma. For physical trauma, a good shaman would apply first-aid and call 911.
To simplify, trauma is something which causes psychological shock or overwhelm. Violence, abuse, natural disasters, even just witnessing these things can cause what we'd call trauma. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a form of ongoing trauma that have significant effects on the health and well-being of adults. Surgery, violent words, grief - can all also have a traumatic effect.
Trauma can present as any number of psychological conditions - most often as depression and anxiety. But dissociation - the state of feeling like things are unreal or that you are outside your body, is a telltale symptom of trauma.
We know that trauma affects the brain and the body on a physical level. The danger warning systems in the brain can become hyperactive, and there can be muscular tension and an inflammatory response in the body.
I believe that is useful to think of trauma as a systemic injury to the body, mind, and spirit - even if the medical model would disagree. What helped me, personally is treating the whole self.
From a shamanic perspective, during trauma, part of the soul escapes to safety. You dissociate. I can remember this happening to me during childhood during times of extreme danger. The issue is that part, which we call an essence, may get lost, or stuck and may not come back right away. There can also be a "slow leak" of soul essence if there is ongoing danger or stress or abuse.
This creates a fragmented self. The symptoms of soul loss are many but include depression and anxiety, loss of energy, loss or creativity. It may also bee that you go through periods where you recreate the trauma.
How Do Shamans Treat Trauma?
In many shamanic cultures where soul loss is recognized, there is a ceremony known as soul retrieval. The practitioner, with the help of spirit allies, locates, calls back, and returns the soul essences.
The actual ceremony may vary by culture, but the action and effect is the same.
I have seen very profound changes in people after a soul retrieval ceremony. I have personally experienced significant healing from soul retrieval.
I love this practice so much, I have made it one of my specialties.