Ayahuasca is extremely safe when used responsibly.  In other words: following a disciplined approach in observing safety protocols at all times, not serving medicine to guests whose medical conditions are contraindicated, and having expert healers with years of experience leading the ceremonies.

Ayahuasca is not a magic cure-all overnight pill. It is a powerful tool that has been sought out by spiritual seekers for its visionary properties as well as for its ability to treat medical conditions of the mind, body and spirit.

Traditionally, it was the village shamans who would drink the ayahuasca brew and then diagnose the “sober” patient, with the plant spirit directing the shaman to the correct plants to use as medicine and the course of treatment for healing.

Nowadays, researchers are investigating claims, some of which remain anecdotal.  There’s compelling evidence that shamanic healing works and is especially effective for emotional, psychological and physical issues such as: chronic depression, anxiety, addiction and alcoholism, trauma related afflictions, and sexual abuse among others.

We highly recommend taking the time to prepare your mind and spirit in addition to your body.   This will be time well spent and it will allow you to get the most of your experience.    A good starting point is to ask yourself what your true intention for the retreat is: what you want to get out of the experience.  Having a clear direction enables clear results.

It is helpful to renounce all expectations; when you do research and come across testimonials, understand that those are someone else’s experience.   Remember to always trust the process and know that the medicine will give you not what you want, but what you need.   Be aware that the process is not always pleasant but it is always beneficial.   Surrender and give yourself completely to the experience with an open mind and heart.  

On a practical level, it is highly beneficial to practice yoga or meditation in your daily routine.  Disciplines that will help you quiet the mind so you can take a deep dive inside during the retreat.

For more information on how to get ready, click here or read our dietary recommendations.

Yes, people who have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder are not good candidates for ayahuasca.  As a policy, we do not serve medicine to people with these conditions as it may bring about unwanted manic episodes.    As much as we want to help everyone, we do not want to worsen anyone’s condition.

People with chronic epilepsy, high blood pressure, heart conditions or diabetes must consult with us before booking a retreat.  Eligibility to participate is determined on a case-by-case basis and is based on each individual’s risk factors.

Some people experience strong visions, some people connect with medicine on the physical level to receive healing.

Sometimes visions may be distractful, in this case, the medicine may guide you through physical sensations such as: yawning, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, crying, and sweating. In any case, you should know that the medicine is working on you in a way that suits you the best. All you have to do is to breathe, relax your body and let the medicine do its magic.

Purging is one of the most important stages of the ceremony since purging is considered to be a cleansing process. Everyone is experiencing different types of purging. Here are some of the most common ones: yawning, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, crying, and sweating.

Along with the shamans, you will be accompanied by an incredible team of facilitators that are well-trained in helping you with anything you need during each ceremony. Just turn your flashlight on, and one of us will come to help you.

One of the most important aspects of preparing for a retreat is nutrition.  By observing the Dieta in advance you are starting the process of cleansing and deepening your ability to connect with the medicine. 

During the 2 wks prior to the retreat, we recommend:

• Staying well hydrated, eating healthy: lots of fruits and veggies

• Avoiding pork (very important) and red meats in general 

• Minimizing salt, sugar and irritants (caffeine, spices, alcohol)

For more information:
https://www.arkanainternational.com/ayahuasca-dieta/