The Voodoo Curse of Elbow Rubbing in New Orleans. You’ve heard of voodoo dolls and gris-gris bags, but have you ever heard of elbow rubbing? This lesser-known voodoo practice is believed to transfer energy — blessings or curses — through the crook of the arm. And in New Orleans, where the veil is thin and spirits walk among us, the stories of what happens after that brush still linger.Voodoo in New Orleans has deep roots, blending West African traditions with French, Spanish, and Creole influenc