Perhaps, you have heard about Ayahuasca retreats or just have a general idea about this medicine. Or maybe, you are planning to try it on you in the nearest future? In any case, if you do or do not, this article will be interesting and helpful. Here we will provide all the information you should know about the retreat procedure.
Ayahuasca is a powerful psychoactive medicine that has been used by indigenous cultures in the Amazon Basin for centuries. Talking about Amazon Basin, we mean 3 countries, Peru, Brazil, and Ecuador, that officially were recognized as a sod of this sacral and magical plant, Banisteriopsis caapi vine – the base of the ayahuasca drink. Also, it contains a shrub (Psychotria viridis), a formula presided over by indigenous tribes to form a plant medicine that is a sacrament taken from a young age in these communities for healing purposes. They call ayahuasca “Pachamama,” or Mother Earth, a goddess they worship.
Today, many people from around the world travel to Ecuador to experience the healing powers of Ayahuasca in the form of an Ayahuasca retreat. An Ayahuasca retreat is a multi-day program that offers participants the opportunity to experience Ayahuasca’s healing and transformative effects. Typically, these retreats take place in a natural setting, such as the rainforest, and involve a series of Ayahuasca ceremonies led by a shaman or facilitator who is experienced in working with the medicine.
But is everything as that simple as it seems?
Ecuador is home to many Ayahuasca retreat centers, some of which are located in the Amazon Basin and others that are nestled in the Andes Mountains. These centers offer a range of programs, from short weekend retreats to longer, more intensive programs that last several weeks or even months. But not all of them are safe. Since there is no certification standard exists for this type of service, many dishonest “fake” shamans are offering their assistance with healing with ayahuasca.
Relying on unqualified personnel, you are seriously risking your health. The wrong treatment can cause severe mental damage, intoxication, or even death. It is very important that well-experienced shamans and assistants supervise and support a patient during the entire retreat process. It is most likely, that person taking ayahuasca for the first time will have a bad uncontrolled trip, where the shaman’s task is to avoid it and make the procedure as smooth as possible.
Many Ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador are focused on spiritual and personal growth, allowing participants to connect with their inner selves and gain insights into their lives and their place in the world. Others are more focused on healing, offering relief from physical or emotional pain, and helping participants to overcome addiction, depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
Regardless of the specific focus of the retreat, most Ayahuasca ceremonies involve drinking a brew made from Ayahuasca vine and other plants, such as chacruna, which contains the psychoactive compound DMT. The Ayahuasca experience typically lasts several hours and can be intense, with participants often experiencing vivid and sometimes challenging visions.
What to expect while trying Ayahuasca
Before, during, and after an Ayahuasca retreat, participants are often encouraged to follow a strict diet and abstain from certain activities, such as sex, alcohol, and drugs. This is done to prepare and rehabilitate the body and mind for the Ayahuasca experience and to ensure that the medicine is able to work as effectively as possible. Normally, this diet excludes fat, fried food, all species, salt, onion, garlic, and red meat. It lasts approximately 2 weeks before the retreat and one week after. Also, during this time, there should be online support by the assistant of the retreat center to prepare the patient mentally for the retreat and help him recuperate after.
Many people who have participated in Ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador report profound and transformative experiences. However, it’s important to note that Ayahuasca is a powerful medicine and should be approached cautiously and respectfully. But what is actually happening during the ceremony and the retreat in general? This is very important to know before making a final decision because many things might be shocking.
Everything starts after sunset, with drinking the brewed drink called Ayahuasca. Whether it is only you or a group of participants, you will all be supervised by an assistant and advised on how to react to any change in your consciousness. Shortly after that, you might experience nausea or diarrhea, which can last a few hours. The whole process of the trip lasts hours. Shamans play rhythmic music, burn herbs, smoke, and sing during this time. All this creates a spiritual atmosphere and helps to get a better experience.
A rumor is that ayahuasca is popular only among despaired addicts or dying from cancer, but this is nonsense. Many celebrities and powerful people come to Amazon for this practice. Among them are Will Smith, Megan Fox, Sting, Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus, Paul Simon, Jim Carrey, and many others.
In conclusion, Ayahuasca retreats in Ecuador offer a unique and powerful opportunity for personal growth, healing, and transformation. If you’re interested in experiencing the medicine for yourself, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable retreat center that is able to provide a safe and supportive environment for your journey. And we, as a respectful tour operator and travel agency, will gladly help you with that. EC-Adventures represents one of the best retreat centers in Ecuador. Follow the link to book your life-changing adventure!
You can find more information about ayahuasca in these articles.