Preparing for Your First Ayahuasca Ceremony

Physical Preparation

The weeks leading up to your ceremony are a crucial time for preparing your body. We recommend following the traditional dieta, which involves avoiding certain foods and substances that can interfere with the medicine.

Foods to Avoid

Fermented foods (aged cheese, soy sauce, sauerkraut)

Processed and fried foods

Red meat and pork

Alcohol and recreational drugs

Caffeine (ideally reduce gradually)

Foods to Embrace

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Light proteins like fish and chicken

Whole grains

Plenty of water

Mental Preparation

Ayahuasca works on multiple levels—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Coming to ceremony with a clear intention helps focus the medicine's work.

Setting Your Intention

Take time to reflect on what you're seeking from this experience. Common intentions include:

Healing from past trauma

Gaining clarity on life direction

Releasing limiting patterns

Deepening spiritual connection

Processing grief or loss

Write your intention down and revisit it daily in the weeks before ceremony.

Spiritual Preparation

Many participants find it helpful to establish or deepen a contemplative practice before ceremony. This might include:

Daily meditation, even just 10-15 minutes

Journaling about your hopes and fears

Time in nature

Reducing screen time and digital stimulation

What to Bring

We'll provide a detailed packing list, but essentials include:

Comfortable, loose clothing in natural fibers

A journal and pen

Any meaningful objects for the altar

An open heart and curious mind