Beginner's Guide to the Ayahuasca Ceremony

Ayahuasca is an ancestral medicine and a profound spiritual practice. Proper preparation, both physical and mental, is key to a safe and transformative experience.

1. Before the Ceremony: The Preparation (Diet and Mindset)

🌿 Physical Preparation (The Dieta)

It is essential to follow a strict diet, known as the “Ayahuasca dieta,” for at least 3 to 7 days before the ceremony (the longer, the better). This helps cleanse the body and increase sensitivity to the plant.

STRICTLY TO AVOID	WHAT YOU CAN CONSUME
Alcohol, recreational drugs, and cannabis/marijuana.	Light and natural diet: Fresh fruits, vegetables, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, legumes.
Caffeine and stimulants.	Plenty of water and herbal teas.
Red meat and heavy meats (especially pork).	Simply cooked foods (boiled, steamed).
Fermented, aged, or pickled foods (aged cheeses, miso, tofu, soy sauce, sauerkraut).	Chicken or Fish
Fermented, aged, or pickled foods (aged cheeses, miso, tofu, soy sauce, sauerkraut).	chicken and fish eggs
Refined sugar and sweets.
Sexual contact (minimum 48 hours before; longer in some traditions).

⚠️ Important Note on Medications:

Consult your doctor before stopping any medication.
Honestly inform the shaman/guide about any prescription medications you take or have recently taken (especially antidepressants like SSRIs), as well as any pre-existing medical or mental health conditions. Certain medications and conditions are contraindicated and can be dangerous when combined with Ayahuasca.

✨ Mental and Emotional Preparation

Set a Clear Intention: Ask yourself: Why do I want to have this experience? What do I seek to heal, understand, or release? A clear intention will give you an anchor during the session.
Humility and Openness: The plant will show you what you need, not always what you expect. Go without rigid expectations, willing to accept whatever comes, even if it is challenging.
Do Your Research: Make sure you choose a safe location and an experienced, ethical shaman or guide.

2. During the Ceremony: Respect and Trust

Respect the Environment and Instructions: Follow the shaman’s directions and respect the space and silence of the other participants. Silence and concentration are fundamental.
Comfort: Wear comfortable and light clothing (light colors are often suggested). Bring a blanket or shawl to keep warm, as it can get cold at night or you may experience chills.
The Purge (La Purga): Vomiting or diarrhea (known as “the purge”) is an essential part of the physical and energetic cleansing process. It is not a sign of sickness, but of release/liberation.
Trust and Surrender: The experience can be intense or even terrifying at times. Remember that you are safe and that the shaman is there to guide you. Trust the process and the plant’s wisdom. Do not try to control the experience.
Recall Your Intention: If you feel lost or overwhelmed, return to your intention.
Essential Items to Bring:
- Comfortable and warm clothing.
- A water bottle.
- Natural insect repellent.
- A small flashlight (headlamp or hand-held) for moving in the dark.
- A notebook and pen (to be used after the session).

3. After the Ceremony: Integration

Take Your Time: The ceremony does not end when the session is over. You may feel emotionally sensitive or stirred up. Give yourself space to process.
Integration: The following days or weeks are crucial. Write down your reflections or messages that emerged. Try to understand how to apply the learnings in your daily life.
Post-Ceremony Diet: It is important to maintain a light diet for several days (3 to 7 days is ideal) after the intake to allow the medicine to settle in the body.
Share Carefully: If you have a trusted circle, you can share your experience, but avoid overanalyzing or forcing comprehension right away. Understanding often comes with time.

Our Recommendations