At Sapan Inka, we are committed to constantly ensuring your well-being and providing you with all the necessary elements to access a transformative and deeply healing experience. We honor the traditional use of Ayahuasca, considering it a sacred medicine and showing profound respect in the Ayahuasca ceremonies we organize. Part of this respect involves providing comprehensive information that can allow you to be fully prepared for your healing journey.
While Ayahuasca offers immense potential for personal healing and self-discovery, it is a powerful medicine that one must approach with great respect. The experience one might have while participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony could be very intense and challenging, and it is essential that you are aware of the possible physical and psychological effects, as well as certain important medical and psychological considerations.
The Ayahuasca experience often involves a process known as "purging" or "purification," which is traditionally considered an essential aspect of the cleansing and healing process. The possible physical effects you might experience can include:
Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea: These are the most common physical reactions, as the body works to release toxins, emotional burdens, energetic blockages, and spiritual intoxications. While these reactions are uncomfortable, they are often considered a necessary and beneficial part of the process.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: As your consciousness changes, you may experience temporary sensations of dizziness or a feeling of physical lightness. It is also possible to experience cramps, numbness, spasms, and involuntary movements.
Temperature Fluctuations: Some people may experience sweating, chills, or alternating sensations of hot and cold as the medicine acts within the system.
Increased Heart Rate or Blood Pressure: A temporary and mild increase in heart rate and blood pressure can occur.
The psychological effects of Ayahuasca manifest differently in each individual and can vary from profound bliss to a very intense and challenging experience. These may include:
Vivid Visions and Insights: Participants often perceive various images in the form of visions and access different understandings or revelations that can offer clarity on personal issues, past traumas, and life's purpose.
Intense Emotional Release: Ayahuasca can bring suppressed emotions (such as grief, fear, anger, or sadness) to the surface for processing and release. Although this can be challenging in the moment, it is a crucial part of emotional healing. This is why it is very important to approach Ayahuasca ceremonies with the appropriate psychological maturity.
Anxiety or Fear: Moments of anxiety, fear, or even paranoia can arise, especially if one resists the experience or faces difficult aspects of their subconscious. Our experienced guides are present to provide energetic and spiritual support and help navigate these moments. We use icaros, cleansings with perfumes and tobacco, and other energetic and shamanic techniques as part of our philosophy of minimal interference during your process.
Ego Dissolution: A temporary dissolution of the ego or sense of self can occur, leading to a feeling of interconnectedness or unity with everything. While often transformative, this can be disorienting for some people.
Reliving Past Traumas: The medicine may bring up memories of past traumas. Our transpersonal approach and post-ceremony integration sessions are designed to help process these experiences collaboratively.
For your safety and the well-being of all participants, it is absolutely crucial that you are completely transparent about your medical and psychological history in the registration questionnaire that we provide you before you make your reservation. Ayahuasca can have serious interactions with certain medications and pre-existing conditions.
You MUST inform us if you have or have had any of the following conditions:
Psychiatric Conditions: A strong personal or family history of severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or borderline personality disorder. These conditions are generally considered contraindications.
Heart Conditions: Any pre-existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular issues.
Neurological Conditions: Epilepsy, seizures, or other significant neurological disorders.
Liver or Kidney Conditions: Severe liver or kidney disease.
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Ayahuasca is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Ayahuasca contains Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) that can interact dangerously with many medications, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions like Serotonin Syndrome. It is essential that you declare ALL medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal supplements, and recreational drugs) you are currently taking or have taken in the last month.
Common contraindications include, but are not limited to:
Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs): These are a major contraindication and require a significant tapering period under medical supervision before a retreat.
Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin).
Certain Pain Medications (e.g., Tramadol).
Antibiotics.
Decongestants, cold/allergy medications with certain active ingredients.
Illicit/Recreational Drugs: Cocaine, MDMA (Ecstasy), amphetamines, opiates, etc.
Alcohol: Must be avoided for a significant period before and after the retreat.
Sapan Inka is not a medical institution, and our guides, despite being duly certified psychotherapists, are not medical doctors. We cannot provide medical advice or instruct you to stop taking medications. It is your exclusive responsibility to consult with a qualified health professional (your personal doctor) to discuss your health history and any medications you are taking BEFORE you consider participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony and BEFORE making any changes to your prescribed medication.
Our commitment to your safety and well-being is the core of our practice. We mitigate potential risks through:
Thorough Medical and Psychological Evaluation: Your detailed questionnaire is meticulously reviewed by our experienced team to assess your suitability.
Experienced Guides and Curanderos: Our team of experienced guides and traditional curanderos is trained to hold a safe and energetically sound space, providing compassionate support throughout your journey. We support you energetically and spiritually during your Ayahuasca experience for as long as is necessary.
Intimate Group Size: Limiting groups to six participants guarantees personalized attention and a nurturing environment where individual needs can be closely monitored and addressed.
Comprehensive Preparation and Integration: Our online preparation sessions and post-ceremony integration therapies are designed to help you navigate challenging experiences and integrate insights in a healthy way.
By understanding these potential effects and considerations, you can approach your Ayahuasca journey with greater awareness, ensuring a safer and more deeply transformative experience.
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