The Ergon practice a form of infusion called imbibing, wherein an elixir is consumed and they allow that element to flood their system. Elixirs are ritually distilled from the natural environment by shamans during special ceremonies. It is their version of passive conveyance since they are drawing the fumes and leftovers from natural processes. The imbibing of an elixir is not done lightly and gives tremendous benefits similar to infusion via injection. There is no additional tralaticon needed other than the focus used by the shaman. The elixir takes hold of and amplifies the existing element in the imbiber's body, resulting in an imbalance rather than a permanent change in element makeup.
An Ergon who imbibes an elixir is considered imbalanced in their element makeup and must be cleansed or rebalanced via a Rejection ritual upon return to their community. Until then they are not allowed to physically interact with other members of society. They are not themselves, even after the obvious benefits of an elixir have worn off. Once they complete the Rejection ritual, they are welcomed back with open arms.
Elixirs are also used as medication administered by shamans. A rejection ritual is not required when an elixir in any dose is prescribed by a shaman because it restores the imbalance which caused the sickness. The only element that cannot be imbibed is Fire, the spark of life. An experienced shaman with all three element elixirs at their disposal can save someone from most wounds or sicknesses, but if the person loses the will to live or the spark is extinguished, there is no amount of the other three elements that can save them.
The proportions of elements given for medicine is complex and the passing on of traditional recipes is an extremely important part of a shaman’s training. To rediscover the correct mixtures would require trial and error and necessarily result in wasted elixirs and needless deaths. In general, Earth is used to slow, sustain, and fortify the body, Water to flush, cleanse, and hydrate, and Air is used to expand and increase metabolism. Some of the effects of the elements are at cross purposes, so the combination, timing, and dosage is of paramount importance.