Part 5- Energetic Reset: Exploring the Practice of Energy Cleansing

This post is part of my series, “From Stillness to Cacao: My Mexican Wellness Journey,” where I try different wellness practices and share what I learn along the way.

During my pre-travel research into Mexican spirituality, I came upon Annie from Healing Tribes and felt an instant connection to her work.. Her genuine approach, particularly her work with women, immediately caught my attention. I was eager to immerse myself in an authentic Mexican spiritual experience, though I wasn’t sure what to expect. With an open heart and mind, I decided to book a session with Annie, trusting that whatever came up would be exactly what I needed.

Notes From the Field

I have to admit, watching Annie transform my hotel room with herbs, candles, and musical instruments made me briefly question what I’d signed up for. Yet, her kind smile and calm, grounded presence quickly put me at ease. She explained that the session would be an energy cleanse, a practice intended to release energetic blockages and restore balance. Using sacred herbs, smoke, and prayer, she would also tune into her spirit guides to help her understand what I needed most.

The session began with Annie gently blowing tobacco smoke over different areas of my body. I was then asked to lie down while she moved around the room, using various tools and instruments. At times, I drifted into a half-awake, half-asleep state, lulled by the soothing rhythm of her singing. At other moments, I noticed my nervous system responding more actively, particularly when I heard sharp whistling sounds that seemed to stir something deeper.

As the ceremony came to a close, Annie shared that she had cleared blockages from my legs to help me move forward in my journey. She also offered a message from her guides: to use my voice through singing or sound as a tool for grounding during times of stress. This aligned with my own understanding of emotion regulation. I often recommend humming or singing to stimulate the vagus nerve which in turn activates the para-sympathetic system (responsible for rest and digest). Perhaps ancient traditions and modern day psychology are more aligned than we think.

Before leaving, Annie gave me a bucket of cleansing solution made with the herb rue to be used in a ritual bath following the session. While I didn’t notice any immediate energetic shifts after using the rue solution, the ritual itself encouraged a deeper sense of mindfulness and intention.

What the Data Says

Mexican energy cleansing ceremonies like many other ancient spiritual practices have received little formal research attention. As a result, their effectiveness as a treatment for mental wellness is difficult to assess through conventional scientific methods. Having experienced a cleanse firsthand, I find it hard to imagine how such a deeply personal and intuitive ritual could be meaningfully captured in a clinical study. While self-report measures might offer some insight, they come with limitations such as subjectivity, bias, and the challenge of standardising spiritual experiences. That said, the absence of data does not equate to the absence of value. In many cultures, healing is understood in holistic terms beyond symptom reduction. Perhaps it is here that science has more to learn than to measure.

Personal Reflections

The energy cleanse was, without a doubt, one of the most unique wellness practices I’ve ever experienced. Although I can’t fully explain what took place during the session, I left feeling noticeably grounded and at ease. What surprised me most was how accurately Annie's post-session insights reflected key aspects of my own healing journey. Her suggestions felt thoughtful and genuinely helpful. It led me to question whether the healing process is sometimes more intuitive and energetic than we tend to acknowledge in clinical practice. Is there wisdom within ancient healing traditions that modern therapeutic approaches could benefit from? This question continues to sit with me, encouraging me to stay curious and open to the many ways healing might take shape.

Are you curious about how you can incorporate more wellness practices in your day to day life to support mental wellness? Let's explore it together. Reach out to book your free discovery call today https://www.isabellarosenthalpsychology.com.au/contact

Stay tuned for Part 6 as I explore whether wellness retreats are worth the hype.

Please note: This blog is intended for general information and reflection, and does not constitute psychological advice or treatment.