PREPARING FOR THE EXPERIENCE

We recommend avoiding the following for a a minimum of 3 days prior to your arrival. The longer you avoid, the deeper your experience will be:

• Alcohol
• Processed foods, processed sugar, preservatives, color additives
• Fermented, aged or pickled foods
• Red meat, pork, heavy fats and processed meat
• Dairy products with high levels of lactose
• Overly ripe fruits
• Supplements and over the counter herbs
• Spicy and fried foods
• Limit salt, oils, sugars, caffeine and other natural stimulants

We recommend you eat as clean as possible a minimum 3 days before coming, however 7-14 days would be optimal.

Recommended foods:

• Lean meats (chicken and fish)
• Lentils
• Beans (beware of  the sugar in canned beans)
• Grains
• Cereals low in sugar
• Drink lots of water

Ayahuasca can have interactions with certain drugs and medications.  Any medication that contains MAO inhibitors (MAO-Is) are known to cause dangerous side effects when taken in conjunction with Ayahuasca and should be suspended. Any medication that has an effect on the serotonin system, including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), can induce serotonin syndrome with Ayahuasca. We advise that SSRI medications be suspended two weeks prior to a retreat to allow the system to clear in time. Some of these drugs may cause side effects when you stop taking them so you should allow plenty of time for these to subside and always consult your physician before changing your medical schedule. 

It is important to avoid having other substances in your system when consuming ayahuasca and other medicinal plants. We strongly recommend following our medical guidelines to ensure your safety and the safety of others. It is necessary to allow sufficient time for the elimination of street drugs and certain medications from your system. We advise stopping the use of prescription drugs, recreational drugs, and specific herbs two weeks before your retreat, and require stopping the use of drugs and certain supplements five days before the retreat.

If you are taking prescribed medications that may interact with ayahuasca, we reccomend consulting with a medical professional doctor well in advance. Combining substances like cocaine, amphetamines, or MDMA with ayahuasca can be fatal due to increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, and the risk of stroke or heart attack. Psychological safety is also essential, and guests are required to disclose any mental disorders as well as medications during registration.

It is crucial to review our contraindications regarding drugs and medications, including MAO inhibitors and medications affecting the serotonin system, and consult your physician before making any changes to your medical schedule.

For a detailed list of medications that should not be used with Ayahuasca please visit the FAQ page.

Ceremony is a very special time and there is more than just the physical diet. Don’t take for granted the mental, emotional and spiritual shift you’re about to experience so prepare mindfully for the experience

• Get plenty of rest

• Lower the social media, television and other distractions

• Meditate and prepare the mind to be receptive

• Try to be in nature as much as possible

• Participate in yoga if possible

• Have an intention, journal your questions, concerns and trust the consciousness of the plant is already aware of you and your desires

It is recommended since sacred plant medicine works on the first chakra which is the energy of creation. During sexual interaction, we lower our life force and there’s an energy entanglement that lasts for a few days. It is recommended that you abstain from sexual activity at least 3 days before and after the ceremony.

You will experience 7 days on the beautiful 14 acre Fince Farm. Days can be hot and nights can be cool. We also have various activities you may want to consider while packing. We recommend bringing

• Comfortable relaxing clothing (i.e. lounge wear, gym wear, casual summer wear)
• Comfortable shoes (i.e. tennis shoes, flip flops, crocs) Depending on the time of year the grounds can be dusty or muddy during the rainy season)
• Tolietries
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Light jacket or hoodie
• Swimsuit/Swim Trunks
• If you experience urinary incontinence, you may want to bring Pose or Depends underwear for ceremony days or the Kambo experience, as most participants will purge during these times.

Integrating plant medicine experiences can be a deeply personal and transformative process. Here are some general guidelines to help you navigate the integration process:

1. Set intentions: Before working with plant medicine, set clear intentions for your journey. Reflect on what you hope to gain, what areas of your life you want to explore, and any specific questions or issues you want to address.

2. Choose a supportive environment: Create a safe and supportive space for integration. Surround yourself with people who understand and respect the healing potential of plant medicines. Consider working with experienced facilitators or integrating therapists who can provide guidance and support.

3. Journaling and reflection: Write about your experiences in a journal to help process and integrate the insights and emotions that arise. Reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and any visions or messages you received during the plant medicine journey. This can help you gain clarity and deepen your understanding.

4. Meditation and mindfulness: Incorporate meditation and mindfulness practices into your daily routine. These practices can help you cultivate self-awareness, stay grounded, and integrate the lessons from your plant medicine experiences into your everyday life.

5. Seek support: Share your experiences with trusted friends or a supportive community who can provide understanding and guidance. Consider joining integration circles, support groups, or finding a therapist experienced in working with plant medicine integration.

6. Integration practices: Explore various practices that resonate with you to help integrate the insights and lessons from your plant medicine experiences. These practices can include yoga, breathwork, art therapy, dance, sound healing, or connecting with nature. Find what feels authentic and supportive to you.

7. Lifestyle changes: Take practical steps to align your daily life with the lessons and insights gained from your plant medicine experiences. This might involve making changes in your habits, relationships, career, or lifestyle choices that support your growth and well-being.

8. Patience and self-compassion: Remember that integration is an ongoing process, and it takes time. Be patient with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of integration. Practice self-compassion and self-care, and give yourself space to integrate and assimilate the experiences at your own pace.

It’s worth noting that plant medicine experiences can be profound and potentially challenging. If you find yourself struggling with intense emotions or difficulties integrating, it’s important to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor experienced in psychedelic integration. They can provide the necessary support and guidance to help you navigate the integration process effectively.