Ayahuasca is considered a powerful plant-based medicine that’s been utilized for many centuries as a safe and effective palliative for everything that can ail a human being, from chronic addictions, to PTSD, to lower back pain. Yet, it is illegal in the U.S as stipulated by federal law. That means to legally tap into its powerful, non-toxic, non-chemical medical qualities, Americans must cross the southern border.
Today, people from all over the world can invest in a resort stay that caters to the healing properties of ayahuasca in a stunning, non-clinical, natural environment. For instance, Rythmia Resort in Guanacaste Costa Rica, is just one example of a healing space where ayahuasca ceremonies along with yoga, meditation, breathwork, and transformational classes occur. Said to be filled with shamanic and sacred energy songs performed by top musicians, Rythmia is considered not only a place of recovery but of transformation. The ayahuasca plant is what makes it possible.
That said, what should the clients of such a resort expect during a professionally organized ayahuasca ceremony? According to a recent report by Psychonaut Dream, participating in one is more than simply ingesting a psychoactive substance. It is considered a healing experience that can bring on physical, emotional, and spiritual break throughs.
Ayahuasca is said to have been traditionally utilized by indigenous peoples of the Amazonian regions for centuries as a powerful tool for healing and even personal growth. In more recent years, people from all over the world have been seeking to engage in these ceremonies to cure a myriad of issues ranging from childhood trauma to “spiritual blockages.” One thing is for certain: the ayahuasca experience can be life-changing while leading the way for intense, natural psychedelic journeys.
Here's what one can expect from a typical professionally organized ayahuasca retreat.
Defining Ayahuasca
Known for its ability to induce profound psychedelic experiences, ayahuasca involves strong visions plus emotional and physical releases, or “purges,”for the duration of the ceremony. The experiences are said to be a part of a deep healing journey that addresses spiritual, psychological, and emotional issues.
Ayahuasca Ceremony Structure
Ceremonies will almost always occur during the night at a space, often referred to as the Maloca, that’s designed for healing and quiet contemplation. The ayahuasca guide, or shaman, is said to create a sacred environment that utilizes traditional ceremonial tools such as chanting, music, and smoke to wake up the plant’s healing spirits.
Ingesting or Drinking the Ayahuasca
Every participating person will consume a premeasured portion of the ayahuasca liquid, or brew, which is always administered by the shaman. The taste of the brew is said to be bitter, and some people report feeling nauseous not long after drinking. But when the all-natural drug takes effect about thirty minutes later, the nausea is said to abate.
The Healing Journey Begins
As the participants enter an altered state of consciousness, the psychedelic effects of the plant are said to be powerful. They include both auditory and vivid visual encounters. People speak about experiencing deep emotions, memories, and realizations about the present state of oneself or about one’s whole life.
The Purging
Many participants will experience purging via intense physical sensations, crying, or vomiting. This effect is thought to be a critical part of the ayahuasca healing experience. Purging is considered a physical side effect that comes with the emotional release of negative energies and profound traumas.
The Closure and Reflection Period
Once the ayahuasca journey abates, the guide or shaman will bring the evening’s ceremony to a close with chants and prayers, followed by a sharing circle where participants are asked to reflect on their feelings and experiences.
The Health Benefits
At base, a professionally organized ayahuasca ceremony that takes place at a resort is pursued for its health benefits. Along with emotional healing, many of the participants report improved emotions, sharper mental clarity and focus, plus reduced depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Clinical studies have proven that ayahuasca promotes neuroplasticity of the brain. This facilitates emotional resilience and “cognitive flexibility.”
The Risks
Like all mind-altering experiences, the ayahuasca ceremony is not without its risks. Despite perceived health benefits, the physical effects of the drug such as changes in blood pressure and vomiting can pose health hazards for people who suffer from certain chronic medical issues such as heart disease. This means it’s of paramount importance for those who are considering engaging in an ayahuasca ceremony to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions including low or high blood pressure. It’s also essential to report any mental health conditions also.
The ayahuasca ceremony can provide physical and mental healing, but participants should not engage in it without serious consideration. This means doing the proper research required to determine if it’s the right move both physically and mentally.
