Wellness Corner 56: La Limpia Espiritual

Hey Falcons,

In Latin America, a popular way to “be well” and cleanse oneself of negative energies is to undergo a “limpia espiritual,” or spiritual cleansing.

It is drawn from Mayan, Aztec, and Andean practices, and depending on the country you go to, there are various unique variations of the practice. The common thread in these rituals is the belief that individuals can accumulate negative energies or spiritual imbalances, which can manifest as physical or emotional ailments. The limpia appeals to spirits to bring positivity into an individual’s life. 

In many plazas across Mexico, healers and shamans practice limpias. The body is scrubbed with herbs (like sage, copal, or palo santo), flowers, stones, and candles and incense are lit on the side. Sometimes, feathers or eggs are used to provide specific remedies (resolving a divorce, for example). The limpia cannot be complete without the sound of drums or the snail conch, which symbolize the natural elements. Wellness benefits of a limpia espiritual are seen as holistic, with participants often reporting feelings of physical and emotional lightness, improved mental clarity, and a sense of renewal. The practice is still widely embraced in Latin American communities and has gained recognition in holistic and alternative medicine practices around the world. It has been passed down through generations as a way to maintain physical and spiritual well-being.

Would you try a limpia espiritual?

Stay well,

Eshaan