Retreat Contraindications 

Ayahuasca is safe when experienced in a ceremonial setting with a genuine shaman and facilitators with real experience and knowledge of how to work with the medicine. At Sinchi Runa we have not experienced any serious complications during our 10 years as a healing center. To ensure you a safe retreat, it is important that you let us know about any of the following contraindications: 

• Heart conditions or chronic diseases: Ayahuasca and the Purge may cause strong emotions to surface, leading to increased heart beats. This may in some cases mean a risk to people suffering from heart conditions, as well as those with high or low blood pressure.
  In most circumstances even those with heart conditions can safely participate, but must have a medical evaluation from their doctor, and must inform Sinchi Runa beforehand so we can evaluate the situation.
• Consumption of any Psychiatric Medications & Prescription medications or MAOI inhibitors (amongst others antidepressants, anti-anxiety, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, anti-parkinson’s drugs etc.)
• Consumption of any Narcotics, Drugs, Alcohol, Psychoactive and Psychiatric medications, are strictly contraindicated and must be informed, including cocaine, MDMA, ecstasy, amphetamines, opioids
• Other medications or supplements you are taking must be informed (prescribed or otherwise). 

Please be aware that it is your responsibility to openly and honestly disclose any medications, narcotics or other substances you are currently consuming, or have consumed in the past, as well as disclosing any physical/psychological conditions or addictions you may be suffering from or have suffered from in the past.

If you come to a retreat whilst taking medication or consuming substances, without letting us know, you are placing yourself at risk of physical and psychological harm.

We are able to provide assistance in the process of leaving the medication and aid you in safely participating in one of our retreats. In the case of most contraindicated substances, you need to leave enough time to be able to wean off the medication and be completely free from it for at least 4 weeks before the retreat. This means the last dose of the medication must be taken at minimum 4 weeks before, not ‘starting to wean off’ 4 weeks before. Be sure to account for this when planning to wean off any medication.

If you have any doubts about the safety or potential contraindication of any condition or substance with plant medicine, or need assistance with stopping substances safely, then it is important that you consult with us. Please note that it is your responsibility to check any doubts about substances directly with us in time for the retreat.

If you require assistance then please get in touch with us through our contact form.