Ayahuasca preparation: How to prepare for your ayahuasca ceremony
Ayahuasca has the potential to guide you on an incredibly profound journey, but this can only happen if you’re willing to meet the experience with openness and commitment. Also it is important to prepare for this experience. By engaging in thorough preparation, you demonstrate your readiness to explore your innermost depths and face the challenges that may arise along the way. Preparing for an Ayahuasca ceremony means not only following the dietary and lifestyle guidelines but also nurturing your emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. It involves creating the space for introspection, setting clear intentions, and cultivating a sense of trust in the process. This preparation helps you to dissolve the barriers that may otherwise hinder your progress and allows for deeper self-discovery and transformation. Ultimately, the level of preparation you undertake can mean the difference between a life-changing experience and one that barely scratches the surface of your potential for growth and healing. By taking the time to prepare, you honor the power of Ayahuasca, embrace the opportunity for transformation, and maximize the benefits that the ceremony can offer you. Key takeaways: Ayahuasca is a strong medicine, therefore it is important to prepare your body, mind and spirit for the experience. Different traditions have different ways of preparing for Ayahuasca. In Colombia the recommendation for the body are simple. One week before stop eating red meat and garlic 3 days before stop with lactose and coffee Don’t eat citrus fruits on the day of the ceremony. Of course abstain from drugs and medications that contradict Ayahuasca Stop your coping mechanism one week before your ceremony. Whatever you are doing when you are bored, angry, frustrated, lonely – in many cases scrolling on social media, eating sugar (you know for you what it is) – stop doing it. That forces you to start to be with yourself. Table of Contents Let’s start with who cannot drink Ayahuasca and what to avoid. Who should not drink Ayahuasca Ayahuasca is not suitable for everyone, as certain individuals may face increased risks or negative interactions when participating in Ayahuasca ceremonies. It’s crucial to be aware of these contraindications to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved. Antidepressants (especially SSRIs) Individuals currently taking antidepressants should abstain from Ayahuasca due to the potential for dangerous interactions between the plant medicine and their prescribed medication. Both Ayahuasca and many antidepressants affect the levels of serotonin in the brain, which could lead to a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This risk is particularly high for those taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Heart / respiratory disease Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions and respiratory diseases (in many cases,,, asthma is ok, make sure you consult with a professional) should also exercise caution and consult with their healthcare provider before considering Ayahuasca. Ayahuasca is known to increase heart rate and blood pressure, which could exacerbate existing heart problems or create new ones in susceptible individuals. People with psychiatric conditions Individuals with psychiatric conditions, particularly bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia should refrain from participating in an Ayahuasca. Epilepsy Epilepsy is another medical condition that that is a contraindication to participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony. What should I avoid before drinking Ayahuasca: Hard drugs Individuals who are currently using hard drugs should avoid Ayahuasca ceremonies. The presence of these substances in the body can create unpredictable and potentially harmful reactions when combined with Ayahuasca, jeopardizing the safety of the experience. Cannabis, alcohol and cigarettes One important recommendation is to abstain from alcohol, cannabis and cigarettes for a week before the ceremony. This pause allows your body and mind to clear any lingering effects and prepares you to fully engage with the Ayahuasca journey in a more focused and present state. Psychedelic substances Mixing various psychoactive compounds can result in unpredictable reactions, potentially overwhelming the individual or even leading to dangerous physical and mental consequences. By refraining from the use of additional psychedelics, you can create a clean slate for the Ayahuasca experience, allowing the plant medicine to work its magic in the most optimal way. Consult with a doctor about your situation For any other medical concerns, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable healthcare professional before joining an Ayahuasca ceremony. In countries like Colombia, where Ayahuasca is a more established practice, there may even be doctors who have personal experience with the plant medicine and can provide informed guidance. However, regardless of your location, it’s vital to seek advice from a qualified medical professional to ensure that Ayahuasca is a safe and appropriate choice for your specific situation. What are the recommendations for Ayahuasca There are many different traditions and different approaches to the Ayahuasca diet. The preparation in Peru is generally quite strict, while in Colombia there are not a lot of limitations. Of course, you have to be medically cleared to be able to drink Ayahuasca, and it is important that you prepare your body and mind / spirit before going on an Ayahuasca ceremony. Recommendations to prepare for Ayahuasca are to engage in a mindfulness practice, slow down, find an intention before your ceremony. However, the preparation is a big part also what you cannot do and should avoid. . When should you start your Ayahuasca diet: In Colombia the recommended time to start your Ayahuasca diet is one week before the ceremony. If you want to you can go longer, but it is just going to make a minor difference. Many times it is also more of a belief set from somebody (I have been dieting for x weeks, I am ready to connect with Ayahuasca). And maybe that belief set can serve them but it is more of a belief than factual reality. Ayahuasca diet: one week: red meat, garlic, nuts, 3 days: Coffee, dairy Day of the ceremony: Citrus fruits Meat is ok So it is pretty basic. There are many places (especially in Europe) that recommended to not eat meat. Which is
