WHAT IS AYAHUASCA?
Ayahuasca is a sacred psychedelic drink that has been used throughout the Amazon for centuries. No one knows for sure how long its use has been practiced, but artifacts have been discovered suggesting its use as far back as 2000 BC. The Western world discovered ayahuasca in the mid-19th century and it has captivated ethnographers, chemists, botanists and pharmacologists because of its benefits. unique properties. Ayahuasca is made by combining two plants, usually the vine (B. Caapi) and a plant containing DMT (Charcruna or Cholitenga), and simmering them over low heat for many hours. If each plant were consumed separately, there would be no effect on the user, but the specific combination of plants allows the body to absorb and process the infusion to induce a visionary state. Due to the immense biodiversity in the Amazon, with thousands of plant species, it is still unclear how indigenous people knew which two to use. Many claim that they received knowledge from the plants themselves. This mystery only adds awe and admiration to ayahuasca.
Traditionally, ayahuasca is used under the guidance of an ayahuasquero (or shaman) in a ceremonial setting to cure spiritual and physical illnesses. In the Western world, it has gained a reputation as an increasingly popular tool for treating depression, anxiety, addictions, and PTSD. It has been featured on many prominent television and news shows, including the BBC, CNN, HBO's VICE, and Newsweek, and the message is clear: ayahuasca has incredible potential.
The visionary state of ayahuasca is different for each person, although many common themes are reported, such as interaction/communication with nature, animals, deities and spirits. The spirit of ayahuasca is said to be feminine, divine, maternal and comforting. An ayahuasca experience can be beautiful and euphoric, but it can also be dark and difficult. Ayahuasca shows us the truth in every sense, in the world and in the deepest corners of our soul. Facing truth and honest reflection can often be difficult and uncomfortable, but it is through suffering that we grow.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS Ayahuasca can radically change a person's perception of reality. Most people report that the experience is intense, deep, and spiritual. Ayahuasca allows you to "wake up", leaving behind old ideologies and creating a sense of unity with all life. Many users report vivid and elaborate experiences that lead to profound revelations. These revelations can be anything, but they are often related to the essence of life: who we are, where we come from, why we are here, how we interact with other lives (both human and nature), and how everything is connected. Some even report access to other dimensions and interacting with spirits. Ayahuasca, as a plant teacher, reveals itself differently for each person, but almost all users describe it as one of the most positive and profound experiences of their lives.
PHYSICAL EFFECTS Ayahuasca requires that you follow a diet in preparation for the experience. The first concern is medications that could have a negative interaction with the MAOIs in ayahuasca. You should always disclose any medications you are taking to ensure safety. Each center will have different guidelines and a level of adherence to the traditional ayahuasca diet: no salt, no red meat, no dairy, no sugar, no sex. Regardless of whether or not you follow the diet, consuming ayahuasca involves a purging process that is considered an essential part of the experience. Purging manifests itself in the form of vomiting and diarrhea. The intensity of the purge varies from person to person, but its purpose is the same for everyone: to cleanse and purify. The purge represents the release of negative energies and a cleansing of the body, mind and spirit.