Preparation Guidelines and Integration

Real preparation, integration and a sincere setting, loyal to and understanding of, the sacredness of the medicine, are important and vital elements of the healing work with Ayahuasca.

Psychological and Spiritual Preparation

A retreat or process with Ayahuasca can be deeply transformative and become a turning point in one’s life and existence. It is natural for fear, nervousness and anxiousness to surface in the time leading up to the experience. This tends to be a sign that things are moving within you and that you are on the way to unfolding new understandings, healing and awakening.

If you have made the decision to join the retreat, you can be confident that you are ready for the experience. The only thing that is needed from you is to show up as you are, with respect, openness and dedication to the medicine and to your own healing journey. Ayahuasca will meet you where you are and guide you where you need to go. This is a process of communication and communion with Spirit, where true and lasting healing and understanding is being uncovered from the depth of your own being and primordial wisdom. 

Below are a few points that can help you prepare mentally in the time leading up to the experience.

Leave all expectations and pre-conceived knowledge behind

Leave your expectations and knowledge behind and come like a blank book, seeking to live the experience without preconceptions or over analysis. Ayahuasca is not going to ask you how much you read on the subject of psychotropics or the experiences of others, but will work more deeply and harmoniously in an open mind that can live the wonder and experience in all its magnitude. The most efficient way to arrive at this, or any other spiritual process, is to unlearn what you have read or been taught, and instead open to learn from the heart – your own direct experience.

We live in a time of information but also of lies and confusion. Although technology allows us an interconnected humanity, opening knowledge and possibilities in the field of previously hermeneutic paths and spiritual knowledge, now the ability to capture all forms of information through networks is very easy. Also, this information is easily falsified and cheapened. The abundance of “shamans” and centers of Ayahuasca is unparalleled in human history. It has no relation to the traditions or the reality of the so-called shamanism, if we really understand what it means. So, much of the resulting information is unfortunately false and confusing.

Having said this, it is very important to look for serious authors, books or articles that can give you truthful information if you are in need of intellectual support.

The greatest preparation is through seeking silence, meditation, connection with nature, and to rest in the real and essential.

Purity of Intention 

The decision to take Ayahuasca must come from a genuine search for healing and / or understanding. It is a sacred opportunity that involves surrendering to forms of knowledge that are not intellectual or easily transmitted.

Remember and internalize that Ayahuasca is a medicine of the soul and the process is one of sincere and, at many times, challenging interior work.

An intention of healing and understanding that resonates with sincerity in your heart is a pure intention. Feel the intention as something applicable, if you find yourself with many intentions, look for the root of them. It could be for example forgiveness, love, compassion, self-love, the healing of self-destruction etc.

Intention Practice:

For about ten minutes a day, sit quietly, watch your breath and place one hand on your heart and the other on your stomach. Relax your body from the top of the head and down. Feel your body, your breath, and surrender to what is. Let everything be. Then, feel your intention and simply breathe with it and allow yourself to find courage and confidence in this intention and in the universe that is calling you to give yourself to this process of transformation, healing and awakening. Ten minutes later, finish with gratitude towards yourself, for responding to this call.

Commitment to the Healing Process

 

When deciding to take Ayahuasca or another master plant, you establish a commitment or pact with the plant entity and the process. The shaman or guide also maintains a pact or commitment that allows him or her to transmit the “plant frequencies” through sound (mantras or icaros). 

The most important rule is to understand that you are before an entity or divine intelligence incarnated in the plant. You need to assume this with respect, openness and humility. It is important to establish a sincere commitment of respect and understanding towards the process that you are going to live.

Deeply examine your being and take some time to reflect on this significant step, which may involve leaving your comfort zone behind. Your decision must be based on the understanding of Ayahuasca as a medicine of the soul, an experience in our lives that can change all our life concepts, enrich them and transform them.

We must be aware that we are going to go through a purging process that can be physically and mentally challenging, in confrontation with our problematic self, and that fundamentally differs from the process of traditional western medicine. Symptoms such as nausea, pain, diarrhea, can be part of the healing in the work with plant medicine.

This commitment implies rules that have traditionally been followed for communication with Ayahuasca and the healing process, as well as other rules with a backing of biochemical contraindication. As mentioned earlier, following these rules is an important contribution to the process, your healing work, and your direction in seeking to establish a relationship of communication with a form of cosmic or divine intelligence. In this way you open yourself up in respect, to receive what you are seeking, be it the need of healing and / or the search of a truth and a way.

Trust and Surrender

We cannot rehearse for the unknown, but we can prepare for it by cultivating humility and the ability to surrender in trust. Surrender is not to be understood as leaving your will behind and giving your power away to someone or something else. It is the open availability to what is. To surrender is to let your guard down, to open up, to listen, and to stop resisting what is.

Fears may arise before and during the retreat and ceremonies, some of the more common ones are: I could die, I am dying, I could go mad, I am going mad, will I stay like this forever? etc. None of these fears are real. They are attached to leaving the confines of our mental comfort zone that gives us an idea of being in “control” of our world and perceptions. Ayahuasca can drastically open our perceptions and we will be able to perceive much more than in our habitual state of consciousness and see the illusion of our own creation, receive healing and awaken to our inner wisdom.

By deeply trusting the universe and yourself, which have brought you to this opportunity, and by giving yourself fully to the process, leaving resistances behind, you will be able to take this sacred opportunity and avoid unnecessary thoughts that might otherwise disrupt and interfere with the process. The only true control we have is in how we face each situation. By maintaining equanimity in an attitude of surrender and humble listening we will be able to enter into the sacred world of Ayahuasca.

Solitude and Silence

Silence, solitude and introspection are important factors going into a process such as this. Through these we are able to build the foundation that allows us to wholeheartedly open up, tune in and listen to what is truly happening within ourselves without the natural tendency to self-distract. We are able to face and go beyond the unnerving restlessness that pulls our attention in so many different directions. Through silence, we are able to experience life through a raw, unique, naked and healing presence. We arrive to the stillness and harmony of nature; reconnecting with the natural and loving movement of pure presence. We are able to open up and finally come into direct intimacy with life itself. In order for this to happen, each person needs a space that completely nurtures their own reconnection with themselves without the distraction or preoccupation of what is happening outside of them.

To honor, protect and respect the participants and the work with the plants, in the case one interferes with the space or silence of another participant while he or she undergoing a plant diet/shamanic diet, one will be required to leave the retreat without receiving a refund. 

Commitment to the healing process

The mission of Sinchi Runa is to simply serve truth with love and we ask that you come with respectful understanding and genuine dedication to your own process. In order to do this, you should understand that there may be times that this may not be comfortably pleasing to the ego.

Our role is not to cater to, satisfy, or fulfill egoic desires or expectations. This would only prove to be compromising and weakening to the process.  It is important that you understand that there may be moments when both physical and psychological challenges appear, which requires your sincere dedication and commitment. We serve by holding a safe and loving space for you to deeply live and feel your wounds and fears so that they can be transmuted and healed. Challenges and inner conflicts may appear. Therefore, we ask you to understand that a genuine process with master plants is not only a pleasant and joyful journey but that it often involves deep and sincere shadow work.

This is a delicate and challenging healing work that requires proper closing and harmonization. We therefore ask you to consider deeply your readiness before committing to the process.

Relationships, sexuality and energy protection

The work of the master plants is a continuous reorchestration of energies; these energies often leave you open, vulnerable, susceptible, and with heightened sensitivity. This sensitivity is vital for the healing process so that you can open up and listen to the plants and universe. It allows the flow of higher understanding and healing to move without disturbance. This requires a safe and protected space of introspection and silence. Lessening both verbal and physical contact allows you to summon and utilize your energy in a way that is conducive to the healing work of the plants.

During your process you must abstain from any kind of sexual interaction with others and with yourself, as well as any intimate close physical contact. This is not a moral rule, but based in the knowledge of this delicate work. After the process, all social and sexual relationships can go on as normal.

Food restrictions

Working with master plants requires a special and specific diet. The food we serve is in accordance with this.  It is strategically served at predetermined times to ensure the safe and effective intake of the master plants and the participation in purges and ceremonies. We ask you to not bring any outside food or snacks; only eating the meals provided at the retreat.

Use of electronic devices and communication

Electronic devices and communication through telephones and internet is not compatible with the plant work. Upon arrival, we will ask for all electronic devices; storing them safely until the end of your process.

We provide all contact information needed for family, friends, and loved ones. We will happily be in correspondence with whomever is concerned to ensure that you are are safe and well.

Drugs, medicines, vitamins and natural supplies

No drugs, medicines, vitamins or natural supplements may be brought to the retreat without first consulting us in order to know that they are safe and compatible with the plants. We are working with strong yet delicate plants that demand the importance of your transparency to assure that you have a safe and healing process.

Cosmetics and toiletries

We ask you to not wear cosmetics or jewelry during your process. Only bringing natural toiletries with weak or no odor that do not interfere with the work of the plants or contaminate the natural surroundings.

Participation in Ayahuasca Ceremonies are Voluntary and Free of Charge

The use of Ayahuasca is not illegal in Portugal, so long as everyone takes responsibility for their own cup of Ayahuasca, from the brewing process to the ingestion. We ask that each participant sign an agreement before taking part of the retreat stating that this is understood. This is simply to allow us to have a legally safe practice for all parties involved.

The payment for the retreat is for accommodation, food, facilitators and people working to create a healing and life changing experience. Sinchi Runa does not charge for the Ayahuasca medicine itself. Participation in ceremonies are voluntary and free of charge. Sinchi Runa is offering a space where Ayahuasca can be experienced in a safe, therapeutic and sacred context. Each participant is responsible for their own cup of Ayahuasca, from the brewing process to the ingestion of the medicine.

Preparation and Post Diet

 

Ayahuasca is a medicine, an intelligence, and a Maestra, who’s compassion allows us to comprehend and heal. The pre and post diet serves as a way of showing our respect towards the spirit of the plants, the Cosmos, and our own soul and body. It also serves as a way of attuning ourselves with the plant medicine so that the healing process can unfold with least interference possible.

These are the dietary and general restrictions to adhere to for at least ten days leading up to the retreat and for one week after the retreat:

  • Abstain from dairy in all its forms, especially cured cheeses.
  • Abstain from processed foods and canned food.
  • Abstain from pork and red meats (you can eat fish and eggs.)
  • Avoid eating citrus fruits (you can use some lemon if have a flu process)
  • Refrain from saturated fats, fried foods and spicy foods as well as ferments or vinegars.
  • No sweets, ice creams or very sweet foods (small amounts of honey or other natural sugars is fine). Lower the salt intake. No carbonated sodas.
  • Cigarettes (in the case that you are smoking cigarettes, you can continue smoking natural tobacco instead, but not common cigarettes with additives.)
  • Sexual abstinence is very important, including masturbation, at least one week before and after the process. This is not a moral rule but based on the understanding that the work with the master plants is a continuous reorchestration of energies. These energies often leave you open, vulnerable, susceptible, and with heightened sensitivity. This sensitivity is vital for the healing process, so that you can open up and listen to the plants and the universe. It allows the flow of higher understanding and healing to move without disturbance. This requires a safe and protected space of introspection and silence. Lessening both verbal, physical, and especially sexual contact, allows you to summon and utilize your energy in a way that is conducive to the healing work. After the process, all social and sexual relationships can go on as normal.
  • It is essential not to take any contraindicated medication, narcotics, substances or supplements before the retreat, under the guidance of your medical practitioner. Please read more below under “Contraindications”. Note that it is your responsibility to inform us of any substances you are using.

There is a lot of varied information to be found regarding the Ayahuasca dietary restrictions online. What to avoid can vary from source to source, and some of the lists are more extensive than others. We assure you that you will be well prepared as long as you follow the dietary restrictions we have mentioned above.

Let’s remember that the healing process with Ayahuasca does not belong to this western context and is adapting to it. Amazonian food, for example, is monothematic, based primarily on bananas, rice, coconut, fish, and only a few tropical vegetables and fruits. A diet of food without preservatives, no alcohol and recreational drugs, only small amounts of meat from small jungle animals, and no chemical or synthetic medicine. The traditions vary with the context of the people coming to the process. The state of “nakedness” and silence of the indigenous mind is very different to that of the overburdened western mind.

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 in time for the retreat.

If you require assistance then please get in touch with us through info@sinchiruna.com

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