Understanding the Significance of the Dieta

The dieta holds profound significance in preparing for your Ayahuasca journey. It serves as a cleansing ritual, purging the body of toxins and priming you for heightened receptivity. By purifying your physical vessel, you create an optimal environment for the medicine to work its magic. Embracing this part of the process is also a demonstration of your commitment and symbolises a willingness to sacrifice indulgences in exchange for profound healing and growth.

Ideally, it’s best to start your preparation early – some like to start as early as 2-4 weeks before the retreat to allow the body enough time to cleanse and adjust to the restrictions. It’s up to you how early you start, but it is best practice to start at least 7 days prior to the retreat.

Remember, perfection is never the goal. Aim for 80% adherence to the dieta, allowing flexibility while honouring the essence of the practice.

Physical

Our bodies are generally cluttered with stimulating foods containing salt, sugar, and caffeine. To open yourself up to receiving the messages and wisdom of Ayahuasca, you first need to clear your body. It's crucial to prepare your body by adopting a light and healthy diet, minimising or eliminating certain foods in the days leading up to the ceremony.

Ayahuasca is also an MAO-inhibitor, meaning it temporarily inhibits the activation of the monoamine oxidase (MAO). This enzyme is essential to process the amino acid tyramine, so it’s important to refrain from eating foods high in this amino acid to prevent your body reaching toxic levels that cause dangerous reactions.

Emotional

Preparing emotionally for an Ayahuasca retreat involves cultivating a mindset of openness, self-awareness, and readiness to engage with the full spectrum of your emotions. Developing a mindfulness practice to become more present and attuned to your emotions will you serve you well both in and out of the ceremonies.

Prioritise self-care activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit and surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and community members who understand and respect the journey you are about to go on.

Mental

Your mindset profoundly influences the depth of your Ayahuasca journey. Approach the ceremony with humility, clarity of intention, and an open heart. Reflect on your intentions, desires for personal growth, and get crystal clear on your underlying motivations.

Lifestyle

In addition to these adjustments, it will serve you well to limit or avoid: mainstream media, dark or negative music, films and books, and people/topics that trigger or antagonise you.

If possible, replace any synthetic soaps, perfumes and toiletries with natural alternatives.

It is important to refrain from sexual activity (including masturbation) in the run up to the retreat. Each of us has a supply of energy within ourselves, and it is this energy that nurtures and works with the Ayahuasca. Sex, including any exchange of bodily fluids, is a powerful exchange that can deplete your reservoir of energy, and impair your experience.

In the weeks leading up to the retreat, slow down, reduce your screen time, social interactions and create space in your life for quiet reflection. Spend time outside and connect with nature. The more you can engage in mindfulness practices like yoga, journaling and meditation, the better.