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 healing potential 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 a vessel. All that is put in the body—all energy and thoughts that are consumed, all that is eaten, all physical activities we engage in—leave a trace in us. The body absorbs the elements from its surroundings, which affects us physically as well as energetically—mentally, psychologically, and spiritually, body and mind. The body, the physical vessel in which you navigate reality, is also a part of the energetic system that receives and transmits energy. It’s part of the whole—of all of life. It absorbs, it filters. It can be clogged, blocked, and even saturated by what it consumes. Over time, the negative energy can build up greatly impacting our well-being. This is why it’s important for the body to be as clean as possible to facilitate the best energetic exchange with the environment.
AYAHUASCA NUTRITIONAL DIET (DIETA)
Our recommended Ayahuasca “dieta” 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. The most important things to avoid are pork and alcohol. Here are the key dietary guidelines:
Week of Ceremony:
Hydrate well with at least 2 liters of water daily.
Avoid pork, pasta, alcohol, and sugar.
Limit red meat and refined carbohydrates.
Three Days Before:
Eat soups, vegetables, fruits, chicken, and fish.
Avoid garlic, onion, fermented and spicy foods.
Stop marijuana use.
Day Before and Day of Ceremony:
Do not consume rice or heavy animal products.
Do not drink caffeine or sugary drinks.
Maintain a diet rich in soups, vegetables, and fruits.
Recommended Foods to Eat (if you already eat them–don’t need to introduce a new diet):
Fresh fruits and vegetables (raw or cooked).
Whole grains like rice, quinoa, oats, and barley.
Legumes such as beans, lentils, and peas.
Olive oil or ghee instead of other cooking oils (avoid frying).
Consume small amounts of organic eggs, but not on the day of the ceremony.
For those with sensitive digestion, it's advised to avoid dairy (cheese, cream), gluten-rich foods, and refined carbohydrates like cakes or cookies in the week before the ceremony.
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.
Sacred Silence: Ceremonies often involve silence or guided music. 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 Dieta: Follow the same dietary guidelines for at least 3 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.
Ayahuasca is a profound teacher that works on both the physical and spiritual planes. The preparation outlined here creates a clean, open space for the sacrament to work deeply within you. Whether you are looking to release emotional baggage, heal physically, or find clarity in your life, preparing your body and mind is the key to unlocking Ayahuasca’s full potential. Trust the process and remain receptive to this life-altering journey.
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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 healing 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. 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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