Frequently Asked Questions

Ayahuasca is a sacred plant-based sacrament, traditionally used by indigenous communities in South America for spiritual and healing purposes. It’s known for inducing introspective journeys and is used for personal and spiritual growth.

Yes, Inekawa Conscious Awakening Center offers Ayahuasca legally as a religious sacrament. Ayahuasca, due to its psychoactive properties, is classified as a controlled substance in many regions. However, the Inekawa Conscious Awakening Center holds the right to use Ayahuasca in its ceremonies as part of our sincerely held religious beliefs. This right is supported under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protect religious conduct from government interference.

Our practices are aligned with the legal precedent set by the Supreme Court in Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal (2006), which confirmed the religious use of Ayahuasca under RFRA. This exemption applies to provisions within the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), recognizing Ayahuasca as a legitimate sacrament used in spiritual practices for healing, enlightenment, and connection with the divine. We believe Ayahuasca, made from two native plants containing naturally occurring DMT, serves as a profound vehicle for compassion, understanding, and spiritual growth.

Our ceremonies are conducted with deep respect and care for the physical and spiritual well-being of our members, honoring Ayahuasca as a sacred tool in alignment with our faith.

When used under the guidance of experienced facilitators, Ayahuasca is generally safe. However, it may pose risks if combined with certain medications or health conditions, which is why we conduct thorough screenings for every retreat.

The purging process is a natural part of the Ayahuasca experience, often seen as physical and emotional cleansing. Vomiting or other forms of purging release stored energies, emotions, or toxins, creating space for healing and renewal.

Hapé is a traditional sacred snuff made from finely ground tobacco and medicinal herbs, used ceremonially to promote grounding and clarity. In our retreats, it may be offered to support participants’ journeys and prepare the mind and body for Ayahuasca.

Our Ayahuasca ceremonies are held outdoors (weather permitting) and are led by experienced facilitators in a safe environment. Ceremonies include sacred practices and music, and typically last several hours. Facilitators provide ongoing support and stay as long as needed.

The Ayahuasca experience is unique for each individual, often involving intense emotional, physical, and spiritual insights. Participants may experience visions, personal revelations, and emotional releases. Facilitators guide you through this process, encouraging trust and openness.

Our facilitators manage the space by providing guidance, support, and safety throughout the ceremony. They create a sacred environment, help participants navigate challenging experiences, and support integration post-ceremony.

We offer free weekly online integration calls for processing and grounding your experience, plus private sessions for those preferring individualized support. Integration allows you to anchor insights and sustain the retreat’s transformative benefits.