Though not a popular plant medicine to most people across the world, Ayahuasca is a very powerful medicine originally used by the inhabitants of the Amazon forest. It has great healing potentials, both for the body and one’s spiritual needs, and users have reported great spiritual awakening after consuming the Ayahuasca, and a clearer focus on life.
Over the past few years, ayahuasca retreats have become quite popular in most countries, as the drug has become widely accepted for the treatment of several conditions. For some of the people that attend the ayahuasca retreats, their main goal is to get healing for their health issues. However, one can also visit an ayahuasca retreat center such as the one at The Holistic Sanctuary for anthropological studies, the love of being immersed in a new culture, or even for sheer curiosity on how this medicine works.
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How is Ayahuasca used?
Originally, Ayahuasca was used for religious and spiritual needs only. Currently, it has become a popular treatment for those individuals that want to expand their mental states and heal from trauma experienced from past events.
It is important to note that Ayahuasca is not a typical recreational drug, and proper guidance is required when taking it, and that’s why it is only offered in ayahuasca retreats. A shaman has to be present when taking Ayahuasca to guide you as the medicine is known to cause a severe imbalance of one’s natural mental and body state, which can last for a considerably long time. Alongside ensuring the safety of patients taking the ayahuasca drug, the shaman also has to prepare the brew.
Before going for the ayahuasca retreat, one is advised not to engage in activities such as copulation, smoking cigarettes, caffeine, or any substance that can alter the normal functioning of the body. This ensures that their bodies are pure, which is a requirement for the Ayahuasca to work. Additionally, one is also encouraged to go on a diet that includes more vegetables a week or more before their retreat period so as to lower the toxins present in the body.
Upon usage, severe vomiting and dysentery are some of the side effects expected. According to the shamans, the purging is an indicator that toxic emotions and negative energy that has accumulated are being removed from the body. Aside from the purging, emotional and psychological distress is also a common symptom when one ingests Ayahuasca. In extreme cases, death is also a possible occurrence when one takes Ayahuasca. This should however, not scare you as it mostly occurs if one has a heart condition or if they take drugs while on Ayahuasca.
It is advisable to find a professionally run ayahuasca retreat center to get proper care to see you safely through your ayahuasca retreat. In such facilities, you can be assured of getting reliable shamans who have the expertise to offer care. Asking for recommendations from your friends can go a long way in ensuring that you find the best center. Again, The Holistic Sanctuary is a proven center for patient safety during ayahuasca ceremonies.
What are the benefits of attending a luxury ayahuasca retreat?
Deep Cleansing and Purification of the body
As already stated above, purging is one of the aftermaths one experiences after taking Ayahuasca. Through diarrhea and vomiting, waste material is removed from the body, which helps in cleansing. Additionally, emotional instability causes one to cry, laugh, or sweat, which is also essential in purifying the body from toxic thoughts and energy in the body. It is important to note that severe purging leads to loss of moisture in the body, and without proper care, one can also suffer dehydration, and that’s why you need the help of a shaman.
Personal acceptance
If you have a difficult time accepting who you are and your living conditions, then ayahuasca medicine can work wonders for you. It helps one to have a deeper meaning of life, which is crucial in accepting what the reality is. Through the retreats, one is able to improve on their openness and emotional awareness as they get to interact with other people and get different perspectives of life.
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Most ayahuasca retreat centers are located in serene environments where one can have a clear and focused treatment. The medicine is also known to stimulate areas of the brain which release good memories from the past and other repressed memories that can help one to deal with trauma. Additionally, in most retreat centers, the treatment is offered to a group of people where supportive discussions are held.
Depression
Life can, at times, can put one in situations that can significantly disturb one’s peace of mind. A loss of a loved one, job, or a health condition can drive one into depression, which makes it even difficult to even deal with the underlying issues. Ayahuasca has dopaminergic effects and serotonergic effects, which help to fight depression. However, the total healing from depression comes from the medicine’s ability to unify their entire being of the soul, mind, and body.
Addiction
Addiction is one of the worst experiences that one can go through. Ayahuasca offers a relief to this menace in the best way compared to advanced treatment options like methadone. Ayahuasca helps one to overcome addiction by changing their psychological functioning so that they are not drawn to the usage of such drugs. The support groups formed in the retreats also help one to battle addiction.
Physical illness
Though not fully researched and scientifically proven, Ayahuasca has been known to have anti-cancer properties. It can also be used to fight degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
Factors to consider when choosing an ayahuasca retreat center
The reputation of the center
Ayahuasca is supposed to be a relief medicine. But sadly, there are some retreat centers where the shamans have been reported to violate their patients. Find out how long the center has been operational and what people are saying about it before you book your stay.
Travel expenses
Ayahuasca retreat centers are not found everywhere, and until recently, countries like the united states did not allow the practice. If you have to travel to get this treatment, it is essential to find out how much you will be spending.
Cost of services
It is always good to find out how much you will be required to pay for your stay and the treatment in the center. Regardless, always ensure that you work within your budget. Some of the ayahuasca retreat centers are very expensive, yet you can find the same treatment in cheaper places.
