Energy Cleansing: An Ancestral Act of Healing
Energy cleanses, or limpias, are ancient practices that help us release heaviness, protect ourselves and restore balance. They remind us that our energetic body needs care just as much as the physical and emotional ones.
There are deep cleanses that require preparation and experience, but there are also simple practices suitable for anyone wishing to begin connecting with intention, protection and renewal.
Smudging: a medicine that works on multiple levels
Smudging is one of the oldest and most universal tools for energetic cleansing. Its smoke transforms, uplifts and harmonizes.
It works on three levels:
- Physical
Purifies the air, supports the skin, releases tension and promotes overall wellness. - Emotional
Brings clarity, calms intense emotions such as sadness or anger, and invites presence and serenity. - Energetic
Dissolves dense or stagnant energies, opens new pathways, and restores flow.
What is smudging?
Smudging is much more than burning herbs.
It is cleansing, transforming, protecting.
It is a sacred gesture that unites intention, presence and spirit.
The smoke connects sky and earth, matter and subtle realms. There is no single “correct” way to smudge; what matters is sincerity and the intention behind the act.
You can smudge with herb bundles, resins, incense, charcoal or ceramic burners, always with respect and safety.
Ways to smudge
- Smudge bowl or copalera
Ideal for deep cleanses, ceremonies and longer rituals. - Clay plates or burners
Perfect for home cleansings and personal rituals without complex preparation. - Herb bundles
For quick or daily cleanses. They can replace a bowl in simple rituals.
Protecting and opening the space
Before cleansing a person or space, protection is essential.
You may use ceremonial tobacco, Florida water, or a personal prayer.
The person opening the sacred space usually does so with an intimate invocation to the elements, ancestors or higher guidance. Cleansing during the day is usually recommended.
Preparing to smudge
- Choose an appropriate time and place.
- Create a simple altar with meaningful items.
- Gather your herbs, charcoal, fire tools and accessories.
- Prepare an offering for closing the ritual.
- Avoid smudging under the influence of alcohol, strong medication or substances.
During the smudging ritual
Begin with a clear intention.
If cleansing for someone else, speak their full name and your purpose.
To cleanse a home or space:
- Clean and tidy the space physically.
- If the home has several floors, start with the lowest.
- Cleanse the people first, then the space.
- Close windows facing the street; open drawers and interior cupboards.
- Start at the main door, moving to the left and circling back to the right.
- Pay attention to corners, behind doors and under furniture.
- Seal the ritual by spraying Florida water or a natural essence.
- Open doors and windows to let the energy flow out.
- Bury the ashes.
After the smudging
- Thank and close the sacred space.
- Dismantle the altar if used.
- Bury the offering and the ashes.
- Take a shower and wash the clothes you wore—symbolizing renewal.
Herbs for smudging
- Bitter or strong herbs
Sage, rue, rosemary.
For deep cleansing, protection and cutting energetic cords. - Sweet or soft herbs
Lavender, mint, passionflower, flower petals, cinnamon.
Bring harmony, tenderness and peace. Ideal after strong cleanses. - For blooming or energetic recharge
Lemon balm, rose mallow, verbena, passionflower, citrus peels.
Ritual elements (Sumay)
- Sage bundles
Strong purification and protection. - Defumation bombs
Easy, effective and ideal for large spaces. - Palo santo
A sacred aroma that elevates vibration. - Handmade copaleras by Isa
Unique ceramic pieces designed to safely hold fire and smoke during rituals.
Smudging is a bridge between worlds.
It reminds us that we belong to nature, and that she offers us her medicines to heal, protect and reconnect with ourselves.
At Sumay Cacao, we believe every ritual deserves beauty and intention.
Explore our collection of smudging accessories and Isa’s handcrafted ceramic censers to accompany you in every cleansing, protection, and moment of connection.
