How to prepare before your Ayahuasca ceremony?
The preparation before Ayahuasca retreat is a crucial step and is typically addressed on several levels: physical, psychological, and social. The goal is to purify the body and mind to receive the medicine as safely and deeply as possible.
It is very important that you always consult with the specific shaman or ceremonial center where you will be participating, as their instructions may vary slightly.
Here is a summary of the most common recommendations:
1. Physical Preparation (Diet)
The diet is often referred to as the “Ayahuasca Dieta” and is generally started 2 to 5 days before the ceremony, though some centers recommend up to two weeks, especially for pork and alcohol.
Foods and Substances to Avoid (Crucial Due to Interactions):
Ayahuasca contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), so avoiding foods rich in tyramine is crucial to prevent hypertensive crises.
Alcohol and Recreational Drugs: Absolutely prohibited (days or weeks before).
Medication: Consult your doctor about any prescription medication, especially antidepressants (MAOIs or SSRIs), as the combination can be dangerous.
Heavy Meats: Especially pork and red meat.
Aged, Fermented, or Cured Foods: Aged cheeses, tofu, tempeh, soy sauce, miso, sauerkraut, etc.
Fried, Fatty, Spicy, and Processed Foods.
Caffeine: Limit or eliminate.
Processed Sugars and very sweet foods.
Dairy and heavy dairy products.
Overly ripe fruit (especially bananas and avocado).
Excessive salt and oil.
Recommended Foods:
A light, simple, and easy-to-digest diet.
Fresh vegetables and fruits (avoiding overly ripe ones).
Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal).
Legumes and vegetable proteins (lentils, light beans).
Lean protein (chicken, eggs or fish, if consumed, should be light).
Plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated.
2. Psychological and Spiritual Preparation
Intention: Ask yourself why you want to participate. What do you seek to heal, understand, release, or learn? A clear intention helps you focus on the process.
Humility and Openness: Approach the experience with respect, without rigid expectations, and with the willingness to accept whatever the plant shows you, even if it is challenging.
Meditation and Relaxation: Practicing meditation or relaxation exercises can help you be more centered and in harmony.
Rest: Ensure you are well-rested before the ceremony.
Avoid Sexual Relations: Sexual abstinence (days before) is often recommended as part of the energetic cleansing.
3. Social and practical aspects
Research: Make sure the location and the spiritual guide (shaman) are trustworthy, safe, and recognized.
Disclose Your Health: Be completely honest about your medical history, allergies, and any medications you are taking.
What to Bring: Comfortable and warm clothing (preferably light colors), a blanket, a water bottle, and a notebook to write down reflections.
Ready to explore the healing power of ayahuasca as medicine? Contact us today to learn more about our retreats and how we honor this sacred tradition in the heart of the Amazon.