# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Cacao, Psychedelics & Neuroplasticity: Ancient Rituals Meet Modern Science
- **Event Start and End Date**: Fri, 09 Oct, 2026 at 06:00 pm – Fri, 09 Oct, 2026 at 08:00 pm (+13:00)
- **Event Description**: Join Dr Corin Storkey (PhD Med Chem) for an immersive exploration of how 7,000-year-old Peruvian cacao traditions and shamanic practices intersect with cutting-edge neuroscience. Discover the sacred role of ceremonial cacao — from its origins at the ancient temple of Montegrande to its use in visionary rites — and how it influences brain chemistry, supports neuroplasticity, and facilitates emotional healing and expanded awareness.

Learn about the latest research on neurotransmitter pathways and transformational change, and experience personalised insights through Cacao Personality Maps (developed via biochemical profiling with Otago University). Explore how cacao can also support the integration of altered states and enhance Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT). This workshop bridges ancestral cosmovision with modern science, offering practical tools for deeper inner work, mental wellbeing, and conscious living.

Key Highlights:

The Sacred Role of Cacao Explore the origins of cacao at the ancient temple of Montegrande and Chavín de Huántar, Peru — key sites of shamanic initiation dating back over 7,000 years. Shamans used cacao to connect with the divine and often combined it with San Pedro cactus to induce visionary experiences.

Cacao & Neuroscience Understand how cacao influences brain chemistry, supports spiritual awakening, and enhances neuroplasticity. We’ll examine the latest research on neurotransmitter pathways and cacao’s remarkable capacity to facilitate transformational change and brain rewiring.

Cacao Personality Mapping Through biochemical profiling developed in partnership with the University of Otago, experience personalised “Cacao Personality Maps” that help you tailor cacao to your unique needs — whether for healing, insight, emotional clarity, or integration.

Launch of Shansho Ancestral Cacao – World’s First Discover the development and launch of Shansho, Seleno Health’s groundbreaking raw, unfermented ancestral cacao. Inspired by the sacred Shansho bird of Amazonian cosmovision and crafted through direct trade with Peruvian communities, Shansho retains exceptional levels of polyphenols, theobromine, PEA, and other bioactives. Learn why this novel form of cacao offers a superior vehicle for both ceremonial work and everyday neurochemical support.

Integrating Tradition & Modern Science See how ancient practices are validated and amplified by contemporary neuroscience, and discover practical ways cacao (especially Shansho) can deepen inner work, support mental and physical health, and enhance Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.

If you’re passionate about cacao and curious about its transformative potential, this workshop will expand your understanding and deepen your connection with this sacred plant. Whether you’re a cacao lover or a seeker on a spiritual path, this experience opens the door to healing, awakening, and lasting change.

Date: Friday 9th October, 6:00 - 8.00 pm

Location: Piko Wholefoods (upstairs studio)

Tickets: Book online from $10-30 (ultra early bird - late pre-sales)

Extras: Get a FREE ceremonial cacao elixir plus - 10% off all Seleno Health products after the event.

Presenter:

Dr Corin Storkey (PhD – Med Chem) has over 20 years of academic and research experience, specialising in understanding how plant medicines interact with the brain and body. He holds a PhD in medicinal chemistry from the University of Melbourne. He has previously overcome chronic fatigue syndrome and promotes an integrative and holistic approach to managing chronic health conditions. He currently leads the New Zealand based Andean/Amazonian plant medicine research program that studies ancestral plants and substantiates their traditions through biochemical analysis.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/christchurch/cacao-psychedelics-and-neuroplasticity-ancient-rituals-meet-modern-science/200030765379721
- **Event Categories**: science-fair, health-wellness, workshops, spiritual
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 12

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Christchurch
- **state**: CA
- **country**: New Zealand
- **location**: Piko Wholefoods Co-Operative
- **lat**: -43.5264511
- **long**: 172.645462
- **full address**: Piko Wholefoods Co-Operative, 229 Kilmore St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand, Christchurch

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Cacao, Psychedelics & Neuroplasticity: Ancient Rituals Meet Modern Science
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events7/banners/e7af4920ea8b560fb7ca3655bec475e3b89b85360e6bb58d9d3100be81300936-rimg-w940-h788-dce8d8c8-gmir?v=1791011541

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Cacao, Psychedelics & Neuroplasticity: Ancient Rituals Meet Modern Science being held?
  - **A:** Cacao, Psychedelics & Neuroplasticity: Ancient Rituals Meet Modern Science takes place on Fri, 09 Oct, 2026 at 06:00 pm to Fri, 09 Oct, 2026 at 08:00 pm at Piko Wholefoods Co-Operative, 229 Kilmore St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand, Christchurch.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Cacao, Psychedelics & Neuroplasticity: Ancient Rituals Meet Modern Science?
  - **A:** Cacao, Psychedelics & Neuroplasticity: Ancient Rituals Meet Modern Science is organized by Seleno Health - The Maca and Cacao Experts.
- **Q**: What has been the experience of attendees at Seleno Health - The Maca and Cacao Experts's events?
  - **A:** Attendees have given Seleno Health - The Maca and Cacao Experts a rating of 4/5 based on reviews from early attendees on AllEvents. Seleno Health - The Maca and Cacao Experts has a verified profile on AllEvents where you can read reviews and explore their upcoming events.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Cacao, Psychedelics & Neuroplasticity: Ancient Rituals Meet Modern Science is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Christchurch, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Cacao, Psychedelics & Neuroplasticity: Ancient Rituals Meet Modern Science sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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