My Experience Inhaling Paricá in the Amazon Forest

Sacred Tradition and Healing of Paricá in the Amazon

Traditional Indigenous house in the Amazon Rainforest } Photo by Nomad Phil

Hey there. It's great to be back traveling as a nomad.

I chose to come to Manaus mainly because it is located around the Amazon Forest. Coming here allowed me to use the holiday I had last week to explore the rainforest, which was the best decision I could make after my surgery.

I did a three-day immersion in the forest, and it was eventful, but one day stood out. The day I visited an Indigenous community.

Usually, I avoid this type of tourism because it often feels like a tourist trap, but this visit was different. The Indigenous people genuinely wanted to share their culture, and money wasn't a priority for them. They lived harmoniously with the forest and wanted to teach us their way of life. They performed rituals, played instruments, and shared their lunch with us. They never asked for money, and I felt a deep sense of acceptance and equality.

While there, I participated in a healing ritual where the Shaman applied a Paricá powder to my nose. It produced feelings of lightness and cleansing. After a few minutes, I started sweating profusely. It was uncomfortable as if my body was expelling all the toxins. Still, I felt fantastic afterward, as if I had taken a shower after a long time. When talking with the Shaman, he explained that we must pay a price to use the powder. I assumed he meant money, but he laughed and clarified that he was referring to the discomfort I experienced. We both laughed while I felt foolish for assuming money was substantial in that context.

Indigenous people applying Paricá (Rapé) in each other } Photo by Nomad Phil

It's hard to describe how unique this experience was. I felt more connected with these people than with some long-term friends while I was in São Paulo. It's great to be talking about more than work and being promoted. There's a deeper meaning in life if you seek it. I'm not saying people can't be happy without seeking deeper meaning; it's just that I couldn't be satisfied without it.

I hope sharing this experience inspires you to explore beyond the usual and discover what brings you genuine fulfillment. Sometimes, stepping away from what is expected can lead to the most meaningful experiences.

Thanks for reading,

Nomad Phil