HOW TO PREPARE
FOR AYAHUASCA CEREMONY?

At our Ayahuasca retreat center, we provide all participants with access to our dietary guidance books to ensure a safe and optimal experience. These resources will assist you in making dietary choices that prevent any harmful interactions between Ayahuasca, food, and any medications you may be taking.

Once you sign up for your retreat we share the link with you to access our resources and prepare yourself for the upcoming encounter with Ayahuasca.

Ayahuasca, a powerful traditional medicine used by indigenous people of the Amazon, has garnered attention worldwide for its profound healing properties. For those preparing to drink ayahuasca, an essential part of the process is adhering to a specific diet and it is crucial to understand what is the ayahuasca diet and its significance in relation to the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the experience.

Physical Benefits: The ayahuasca diet is an integral part of ayahuasca preparation, ensuring the body is ready to receive the plant medicine.
It is vital to ensure that you are not taking any pharmaceutical and recreational drugs that interact with ayahuasca and can cause life threatening side effects.
The food diet consists of clean, natural, and unprocessed, tyramine-free foods, which are beneficial for the body in several ways.
Firstly, it reduces the likelihood of adverse reactions by minimizing potential interactions between the diet and the ayahuasca brew.
Secondly, it helps cleanse the body of potential toxins, promoting optimal digestion and absorption of the medicine.

Mental Preparation: Preparing for an ayahuasca ceremony involves more than just physical cleansing; it requires mental and emotional preparation as well. In the weeks leading up to the experience, individuals are encouraged to engage in self-reflection, set clear intentions, refrain from disturbing information and communication. It is as well advised to focus on the upcoming experience by reading related literature about traditional shamanism and psychological and spiritual aspects of the experience.
This mental preparation allows for deeper insights and understanding during the ceremony, enhancing the overall healing potential of ayahuasca.

Spiritual Aspects: The spiritual significance of the ayahuasca diet cannot be overstated. By adhering to the ayahuasca guidelines, participants demonstrate their respect for the sacred plant medicine and their commitment to personal transformation. The diet also helps to create a strong energetic foundation, allowing for a more profound connection with the spirit of ayahuasca.

Why is the Ayahuasca Diet Important? The ayahuasca diet is a fundamental aspect of the overall ayahuasca journey, offering a range of benefits that contribute to a more fruitful and transformative experience. Here are some reasons why it is essential to follow this diet:

1. Enhanced receptivity: The ayahuasca diet helps prime the body for the plant medicine, ensuring that it is in the most receptive state possible. This allows participants to fully absorb the healing properties of ayahuasca and maximize the benefits of the experience.
2. Emotional grounding: As individuals commit to the ayahuasca diet, they create a foundation for emotional stability. By refraining from habitual products and spices as well as focusing on natural, nourishing foods, participants cultivate a sense of groundedness and trigger the process of introspection that supports them in navigating the emotional complexities that may arise during the ceremony.
3. Greater discipline: Following the ayahuasca diet requires dedication and discipline. This commitment to personal well-being and spiritual growth can extend beyond the ceremony itself, fostering long-lasting positive habits and lifestyle changes that support overall health and well-being.
4. Harmonizing with nature: The ayahuasca diet encourages a deeper connection with the natural world. By consuming clean, unprocessed foods, participants align themselves with the healing energies of the Earth, enhancing their bond with the spirit of ayahuasca and the environment.
5. Community building: The shared experience of following the ayahuasca diet can foster a sense of unity and camaraderie among ceremony participants. This collective commitment to personal growth and transformation creates a supportive environment, enhancing the overall healing experience.

The ayahuasca diet is a vital component of the preparation process, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond the physical realm. By adhering to the diet, individuals cultivate the optimal conditions for a truly transformative and meaningful ayahuasca journey.

The Ayahuasca journey is significantly enriched by adhering to a particular diet and lifestyle leading up to the ceremony. To optimize the experience, it is advised to follow these systematic guidelines:

1. 2-4 weeks prior to the retreat: Refrain from using drugs (both recreational and pharmaceutical), alcohol, and certain medications (particularly antidepressants, stimulants, sleeping aids, and pain relievers). This precaution helps avert negative reactions and potential hazards.
2. 5-7 days before the retreat: Begin a dietary regimen to decrease the tyramine levels in your system, which may cause adverse symptoms when combined with the Ayahuasca vine.
3. 5 days before the retreat: Commit to a sexual abstinence, including masturbation. This practice helps balance the energy of Ayahuasca, fostering a harmonious connection with the plant.
4. 5 days before the retreat: Refrain from disturbing contact and communication. It will help to create a proper mindset for the upcoming experience.

Below are essential blocks of different food that YOU CAN combine into dishes due to your diet.

• Proteins: chicken, white meat fish, (sole, tilapia, halibut, trout, snapper), eggs;
• Grains: rice, quinoa, wheat berries, amaranth, whole wheat, spelt, kamut;
• Veggies: ALL vegetables EXCEPT onions, garlic and leeks;
• Fruits: berries, apples;
• Beverages: Herbal teas, coconut water, nut milk, water.
*(This list does not include ALL possible food, please take it as an example and sample, not a holy script :) )

We suppose you can easily make some great dishes from this food. Try not to fry your foods but boil, bake or steam.


THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS ARE RESTRICTED 5-7 DAYS BEFORE THE RETREAT:

High-tyramine foods
Certain types of food have a high tyramine content, especially foods that are:

• Fermented;
• Cured;
• Aged;
• Spoiled.

Here is a well-done list of restrictions:

• No salts (e.g table salt, soy sauce, fish sauce, etc.);
• No sugar or artificial sweeteners (stevia, aspartame, agave, honey, etc);
• No pork/red meat (for fourteen days before a ceremony);
• No shellfish;
• No caffeine (coffee, soda, chocolate);
• No animal fat (lard, etc.);
• No dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt);
• No oil (except coconut/olive oil very sparingly for cooking);
• No seaweed, kelp, dulce, arame;
• No hot spices/chilies/pepper;
• No citrus;
• No vinegar or pickled foods;
• No fermented foods (kimchi, tofu, tempeh);
• No onion or garlic;
• No avocado (3 days prior to ceremony);
• No yeast or yeast extracts (simple unleavened, unsalted bread are okay);
• No sexual activity, including masturbation;
• No discordant music, reading, media, or movies.

Below is a list of substances that you should NOT take 14 days before and 2 weeks after taking Ayahuasca.

Very dangerous:

• Sleeping pills;
• Anesthetics;
• Antidepressants / SSRIs;
• Migraine medication;
• Allergy medication;
• Over the counter cold medicines;
• Cocaine;
• Amphetamines;
• MDMA (XTC);
• Mescaline cacti: peyote and San Pedro;
• Alcohol;
• DMT;
• Ephedra and ephedrine for example in products such as Ephedra Super caps, Super stacker, Ultra Boost;
• Pseudoephedrine;
• Macromerine;
• Phentermine;
• MAO inhibitors;
• LSA: morning glory and baby Hawaiian Woodrose seeds;
• MDA-related herbs: nutmeg, sweet flag;
• Chocolate (in big quantities);
• Caffeine: coffee, tea, cola, guarana, energy drinks;
• Ginseng;
• St Johns wort;
• Other drugs that interact with MAOIs and psychoactive substance and entheogen.

In preparation for an ayahuasca retreat, it is essential to engage in various practices that foster mental and emotional readiness, creating an environment conducive to a transformative experience. Here is a comprehensive list of guidelines to follow in the days leading up to the ceremony:

1. Sexual abstinence: Starting five days before the retreat, commit to sexual abstinence, including masturbation. This practice helps balance the energy of Ayahuasca, fostering a harmonious connection with the plant.
2. Mindful communication: Refrain from disturbing contact and communication five days prior to the retreat. This encourages a proper mindset and focused intention for the upcoming experience.
3. Meditation: Incorporate regular meditation sessions into your daily routine to cultivate mental clarity and self-awareness. This practice can help you become more receptive to the insights and teachings of the Ayahuasca ceremony.
4. Journaling: Spend time journaling your thoughts, emotions, and intentions for the ayahuasca experience. This self-reflection process can help you gain clarity on your goals and expectations for the ceremony.
5. Time in nature: Connect with the natural world by spending time outdoors, engaging in activities such as hiking, gardening, or simply enjoying the beauty of your surroundings. This practice can help you attune to the energy of Ayahuasca and the healing properties of the Earth.
6. Mindful breathing: Practice conscious breathing techniques, such as pranayama or simple deep-breathing exercises. This helps to reduce stress, calm the mind, and cultivate a sense of inner peace, all of which are beneficial for the ayahuasca journey.
7. Yoga or gentle stretching: Engage in yoga or gentle stretching exercises to release tension, improve flexibility, and connect with your physical body. This practice can enhance the mind-body connection and support the integration of the ayahuasca experience.

By embracing these practices, participants can ensure they are mentally and emotionally prepared for the profound and transformative journey that ayahuasca ceremonies offer. This comprehensive approach to preparation creates an optimal environment for personal growth and healing.

Ayahuasca: A Sacred Path to Self-Discovery:
Ayahuasca is not just a mere recreational substance, but rather a revered medicine that promotes holistic balance and wellness. It should not be viewed as a mere 4-hour psychedelic trip, but as a meaningful interaction between the self and the spirit.

Embrace the Journey, Not the Challenge:
The Ayahuasca ceremony is not a test to be conquered, but a dialogue between the individual and the divine. It may evoke a range of emotions, from fear to joy, but every experience is a gift from the medicine. Sometimes the most challenging moments offer the greatest opportunities for transformation and growth. To reap the full benefits of Ayahuasca, approach it with trust and respect.

Maintaining Control:
Contrary to popular belief, individuals should not lose control during an Ayahuasca ceremony. On the contrary, the ceremony is a form of focused concentration achieved through surrendering to the process. This surrendering is key to accessing shamanic wisdom.

Accepting Responsibility:
Participation in an Ayahuasca ceremony entails asking the medicine for guidance and support. In return, it is crucial to show respect and discipline by adhering to dietary restrictions and following ceremony protocol. The real test comes in integrating the lessons learned into daily life.

The Call of the Medicine:
To fully benefit from Ayahuasca, one must heed the inner call to change. This is a natural process for spiritual beings and the mind and body are equipped to handle the experience.

Safety First:
It is vital to ensure that the Ayahuasca ceremony is conducted by a reputable shaman with extensive knowledge and experience. The use of pharmaceutical or recreational drugs in combination with Ayahuasca can have negative consequences. It is important to be open and honest with retreat centers about any substance use to ensure safety.

Transcending Religion:
Ayahuasca transcends religious boundaries and is open to individuals of all beliefs.

Preparation is Key:
Proper mental and physical preparation, including dietary restrictions, is essential for a safe and fulfilling Ayahuasca experience. Do not underestimate the importance of this step in establishing a connection with the medicine.

Surrender to the Process:
At some point in the ceremony, individuals may face their inner fears, including the fear of death. It is important not to resist or fight the experience, but rather to surrender to it. By letting go of doubts and fears, one can receive the greatest gifts from the medicine and realize that endings can often lead to new beginnings.

The Power of Trust, Respect, and Surrender:
By approaching the Ayahuasca ceremony with trust, respect, and surrender, individuals can embark on a transformative journey that is both powerful and fulfilling."

Dieting before an Ayahuasca ceremony is much more than just interacting with chemical compounds. It is a holistic process that involves cutting out certain aspects of life, such as food, sex, and drugs, to allow for introspection and forming personal intentions for the retreat. This process serves to detox the body and mind, demonstrate respect for the Ayahuasca experience, and ultimately enhance the quality of the ceremony.

Setting an Intention for the Ceremony: Participants are encouraged to establish a clear intention for their Ayahuasca journey. This may seem daunting for those new to the experience, but the medicine works in tandem with the individual. To fully realize the benefits of Ayahuasca, one must actively seek answers and understanding through the journey. This is not a recreational experience but a profound and meaningful process.

A lack of intention can result in a lackluster experience with limited spiritual and emotional growth. The intention should be deeply personal and rooted in one's emotions rather than logical thinking. The Ayahuasca experience is not just about visual stimuli but a transformative and introspective process.

Finding Information About Ayahuasca: A Delicate Balance

The question of where to find information about Ayahuasca is a complex one. On the one hand, it is essential to understand what the Ayahuasca experience entails and why you have chosen to participate in a ceremony. On the other hand, having too many preconceived notions and expectations can create a mental barrier that hinders your openness to the journey that Ayahuasca will take you on. The truth is that even after extensive research and reading, you may still be wrong about what to expect from your own personal Ayahuasca experience.

Our advice is to educate yourself through reading and research, but avoid forming rigid expectations and remain open to the unknown. To get started, we recommend exploring the following 3 books that approach Ayahuasca and shamanism from different perspectives.

Also you can visit Kahpi website and subscribe for Ayahuasca Courses. A lot of information on their website is incredibly helpful for the right understanding of Ayahuasca as a Medicine:

Embarking on an Ayahuasca Journey: A Covenant of Respect and Gratitude

When you choose to participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony, you are asking the spirit of the medicine for guidance and support. To honor this request, it is essential to demonstrate respect, discipline, honesty, and gratitude. The foundation of a successful Ayahuasca experience begins with proper preparation, and we are here to guide and support you every step of the way, from the moment you arrive at our retreats. Let us help you on your transformative journey.