Preparation & Diet
This comprehensive guide offers an introduction for those who have received the call to work with the sacred Ayahuasca sacrament, often called the mother of teacher plants. The goal of this guide is to empower and deepen your practice by preparing your body, mind, and spirit to receive the profound guidance of Ayahuasca.
The Body and Mind: Preparing the Vessel
The Ayahuasca journey is influenced by these primary factors:
Physical Condition: The state of your body determines how well you can receive the sacrament for its cleansing and healing potential. Physical preparation allows Ayahuasca to work more effectively.
Psychological Condition: The mind sets the potential of the Ayahuasca sacrament into motion.
Spiritual Condition: An open heart and spiritual readiness will enable deeper healing and connection.
By closely following these guidelines before and after the ceremony, you can open yourself to deeper healing and spiritual awakening.
Reading these guidelines is required before attending an Ayahuasca ceremony at Inekawa Conscious Awakening Center.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL PREPARATION
The body is your instrument for this work. Everything you take in—food, thoughts, emotions, stimulation—affects how you feel and how clearly you can connect.
In the days leading up to ceremony, it’s important to create space inside and out. Eat clean, rest often, move gently, and limit distractions. This helps your body release what it no longer needs and prepares your system to receive the medicine more deeply.
Think of it as clearing the way—physically, mentally, and energetically—so that you can meet the experience with clarity, presence, and openness. The more you simplify, the more you can receive.
AYAHUASCA DIETARY GUIDELINES
Our recommended Ayahuasca diet is a light and healthy whole-foods diet. By cleansing the body before and after the ceremony, you allow Ayahuasca to do its deepest work.
Below is a breakdown of what to avoid and what to nourish yourself with in the weeks leading up to your retreat.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR RETREAT
Begin gently shifting your diet and lifestyle to create spaciousness in your body and nervous system.
Avoid:
All plant substances: Cannabis, Psilocybin, San Pedro, etc.
Synthetic psychedelics: LSD, MDMA, 5-MeO-DMT, Ketamine, etc.
Recreational drugs of any kind
Alcohol
Red meat and pork
Kratom, Kava
Highly processed foods
Artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or food dyes
Excessive sugar, salt, oils, or animal fats
Cottage cheese, blue cheese, soy products
Heavy media consumption (news, social media, violent or overstimulating content)
ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR RETREAT
This is the time to enter a deeper level of discipline and purification. Your physical energy should begin to feel lighter and more inward-focused.
Avoid (in addition to the above):
Caffeine (coffee, matcha, green tea, energy drinks)
Sugary drinks (sodas, juices with added sugars)
Garlic and onion
Spicy, fermented, or pickled foods
Overripe or smoked foods
All dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, kefir, etc.)
Fried, greasy, or overly seasoned foods
Refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, pastries)
Focus on grounding meals, daily rest, gentle movement, and connecting with your intention.
THREE DAYS BEFORE YOUR RETREAT
Your meals should become lighter, simpler, and easier to digest.
Eat:
Simple vegetable soups
Lightly steamed vegetables
Fresh fruits
Brown rice, quinoa, oats
White fish or chicken (plain, baked or steamed) — optional
Avoid:
Bananas and avocados (especially overripe)
All heavy animal products (especially red meat or dairy)
Processed snacks, condiments, or sauces
DAY OF CEREMONY
Your focus is now on light nourishment.
Avoid completely:
All animal products (meat, eggs, dairy)
All caffeine, alcohol, or sweetened beverages
Large or heavy meals
Eat:
Warm vegetable soup or cooked vegetables
Small servings of fruit
Herbal tea (non-caffeinated)
Fasting for 4+ hours before the ceremony is generally required. Please do not eat past 2:00 PM on the day of your retreat.
RECOMMENDED FOODS THROUGHOUT THE DIET
To support your body’s natural clarity, choose foods that are light, simple, nourishing, and close to the earth:
Whole Foods to Prioritize:
Fresh fruits and vegetables (raw or lightly cooked)
Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, millet, oats, barley
Legumes: lentils, mung beans, black beans, chickpeas (well-cooked)
Organic eggs (optional, but not within 24 hours of ceremony)
White fish or organic chicken (optional, plain only)
Olive oil or ghee in very small amounts (no frying)
Herbal teas (non-caffeinated)
SPIRITUAL AND MINDSET
Sexual Abstinence
Refrain from sexual activity in the week before the ceremony. Sexual energy is a potent reservoir that fuels your spiritual and physical bodies. Preserving this energy ensures the plant sacrament can work unhindered.
Meditation and Intention Setting
Before the ceremony, spend time in meditation, journaling, and reflecting on your intentions. Consider the following:
What do you want to change in your life?
What unresolved emotions or burdens do you wish to release?
What clarity do you seek about yourself, your relationships, or your path?
Setting clear intentions helps deepen your experience with Ayahuasca. Approach the ceremony with humility and openness.
Mental Detox
Avoid arguments, confrontations, and emotionally draining conversations.
Limit exposure to technology, social media, and entertainment that over-stimulates the mind.
Spend time in nature, engage in yoga or light movement, and reflect inwardly.
SURRENDER AND TRUST
The Ayahuasca experience can be intense, bringing up deep emotions, visions, or physical sensations. Your belief system shapes your thoughts, behaviors, and experiences during the ceremony. Here are some essential practices to keep in mind:
Surrender: Trust the sacrament and let go of expectations. Whatever comes up is part of your healing process.
Breath Awareness: Use your breath to anchor yourself, especially in challenging moments.
Embrace Ayahuasca’s Guidance: Approach the ceremony humbly to receive the teachings that the sacrament provides.
Silence: Ceremonies often involve silence or guided music. Please respect the sacredness of the space and avoid speaking unless guided by the facilitators.
POST-RETREAT INTEGRATION
The days following the ceremony are critical for integration:
Rest and Reflect: Journaling, meditation, and quiet time in nature can help you process the experience.
Continue the Diet: Follow the same dietary guidelines for at least 7-14 days after the ceremony to fully integrate the sacrament's teachings.
Integration Support: Join our weekly integration calls hosted multiple days of the week to stay in touch with your experience and the community.
View our medical guidelines here.
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Physical preparation helps to clear the body of toxins and heavy energies that can interfere with the Ayahuasca experience. Following the dietary guidelines, such as avoiding certain foods, alcohol, and recreational substances, allows the sacrament to work more effectively, facilitating deeper work and spiritual insights. A clean, balanced body enhances the energetic exchange, creating a receptive vessel for Ayahuasca’s profound work.
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It is recommended to avoid pork, red meat, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, garlic, onions, fermented foods, and heavy animal products in the week leading up to your ceremony. On the day of the ceremony, eat light, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and soups. Hydration is also essential, so drinking at least 2 liters of water daily is recommended.
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Abstaining from sexual activity helps preserve your physical and spiritual energy, which allows Ayahuasca to work more powerfully during the ceremony. Sexual energy is a potent reservoir that fuels your mind, body, and spirit, and conserving it before the experience ensures that your energies remain balanced and available for the inner work Ayahuasca facilitates.
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Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation. Spending time in meditation, setting clear intentions, and reflecting on your goals for the experience can help ground you and open your heart for the journey. It’s also beneficial to avoid arguments, stressful interactions, and over-stimulation from social media or entertainment. By creating a calm and receptive mental state, you prepare yourself to receive Ayahuasca’s guidance and insights more fully.
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Setting intentions involves reflecting on what you hope to gain, release, or understand about yourself and your life. Spend time journaling, meditating, or asking yourself questions like, “What changes do I want to make?” or “What burdens am I ready to let go?” Clear intentions create a focused mindset that enhances the depth and effectiveness of the Ayahuasca journey.
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Certain supplements or herbal remedies may interact with Ayahuasca, especially those with MAOI or serotonergic properties. It’s important to discuss any supplements you’re taking with our medical team in advance to ensure your safety. Avoid introducing new supplements leading up to the ceremony unless advised by a healthcare professional.
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If intense emotions or visions arise, remember to surrender to the process. Trust that everything you’re experiencing is part of your healing. Use your breath to stay grounded and centered, and allow the Ayahuasca to guide you. ICAC facilitators are present to support you, so reach out if needed. Embracing the process, even in challenging moments, often leads to deep healing and insight.
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Post-retreat, it’s helpful to journal, spend time in nature, and continue meditating. Following the dietary guidelines for at least three days after can also aid in integration. You may also join our free weekly integration calls, which provide a supportive space to process your experience, share insights, and receive guidance on how to apply these lessons in daily life.
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Avoiding other plant medicines or psychoactive substances ensures that your energy is clear and receptive for Ayahuasca. Other substances may interfere with Ayahuasca’s effects or lead to unpredictable interactions. A clean approach allows Ayahuasca to work more deeply and effectively, enabling you to receive the full benefit of the experience.
Any Questions?
We’re here to help
info@inekawa.org
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Preparing for an ayahuasca journey is an act of devotion—a commitment to deep healing, spiritual awakening, and connection to the Divine. This guide covers how to approach the experience with intention, respect, and an open heart, so you can receive its wisdom fully. Step forward with reverence, ready for transformation.