Connect with the Untamed Vitality within to Heal Yourself

By: Dr. Denise Renye

A person with pink long hair joyfully flipping their hair around, embodying the concept of "s’alka," which represents untamed, authentic vitality and a deep connection to nature and one's instinctual self.

Within all of creation, an untamed, authentic vitality exists, which the Quechua language calls “s’alka.” This free, untamed, and undomesticated energy usually refers to everything that is nature, Mother Earth, and the infinite spaces of the Cosmos, but as a Bay Area sex therapist and psychologist, I see parallels with the raw, instinctual aspects of the psyche.

First though, let’s unpack s’alka, which is a concept in the Andean Indigenous tradition, particularly among the Q'ero people of Peru. I learned this concept from teachers Don Américo Yábar and Gayle Yábar. Connecting with s’alka is important for people in that Indigenous tradition because it helps them achieve balance and harmony with the natural world. Practices often include rituals and meditations designed to harmonize the person’s own energy with nature’s; doing so fosters a deep connection and respect for the environment.

The connection to the energy of nature is believed to bring healing, wisdom, and a sense of unity with the earth. I obviously can’t speak with authority on the Indigenous tradition but in my work as a Bay Area sex therapist and psychologist, I can see how integrating this concept can offer psychological benefits. Again, as salka represents an untamed, authentic vitality, recognizing and embracing this energy can be a powerful therapeutic tool, fostering a deeper connection both with nature and with oneself.

In other words, integrating s’alka can promote holistic well-being.

In psychotherapy, s’alka can serve as a metaphor for the unconditioned self – the parts of us that are primal, unstructured, and spontaneous. Traditional therapeutic models often focus on regulating and refining behavior and emotions but an exclusive focus on refinement can sometimes suppress authentic self-expression. This can lead to feelings of disconnection, inauthenticity, or even dissociation.

Embracing s’alka can encourage my clients to explore and integrate these raw, natural aspects of their identity which can create a fuller, more balanced sense of self. This approach can help them break free from societal or self-imposed constraints and allow them to experience greater authenticity and freedom.

In the realm of sexual expression, the concept of s’alka can be particularly transformative. Sexuality, like s’alka, is inherently wild and instinctual. Yet societal norms and cultural expectations often impose restrictions on how individuals express their sexual selves. There are “rules” about masturbation, prejudice about being bisexual, judgment about kink, and more.  

By embracing the s’alka within, individuals can reconnect with their natural sexual energy without shame and inhibition. This reconnection can lead to more authentic and fulfilling sexual experiences because nothing is being hidden. Doing so enhances intimacy and pleasure because as I’ve said before, heightened intimacy and pleasure require more consciousness and communication.

For many, this s’alka process involves unlearning internalized messages about what is considered "acceptable" or "normal" in terms of sexual behavior and instead honoring their true desires and impulses. To be clear, as long as your sexual behavior is consensual, there’s nothing wrong with your desires and impulses.

S’alka in the realm of psychotherapy can extend beyond the internal self and can encompass appreciating your body and its natural rhythms. This perspective can foster a healthier body image and a more holistic view of sexuality as an integral part of your overall well-being.

As a Bay Area sex therapist and psychologist, incorporating s’alka into my practice means guiding clients in exploring their untamed energy, encouraging a journey toward self-acceptance, liberation, and a deeper connection to their inherent vitality. This approach not only nurtures individual growth but also cultivates a sense of unity and harmony with the broader natural world.

If you’d like to work with me, contact me.