Ayahuasca ceremonies begin at the end of the two-week plant diet, taking place twice a week until the end of the post-diet period.
The ritual takes place at night, in darkness. Each participant is provided with a mattress on the floor, along with a pillow, blankets, toilet paper, and a bucket. The ceremony usually begins between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m., when the healer serves the brew. It is recommended to hold a clear intention during the ritual—for example, seeking to release a past trauma, or something that causes suffering and feels beyond one’s control.
Once everyone has drunk the medicine, the lights are turned off and participants wait for the effects to arise. This typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on each person’s sensitivity and resistance. Darkness is essential, as visions can only fully emerge in the absence of light.
It is important to understand that ayahuasca has purgative and emetic properties. The initial effects are often experienced as physical discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, dizziness, or chills. These effects are temporary. Vomiting and diarrhea are considered part of the cleansing process, helping the body release toxins that may interfere with the medicine’s effects. While not everyone experiences these symptoms, they are often seen as beneficial.
As the body clears and lightens, the physical discomfort subsides. This is often followed by an emotional release, moving in waves between intense emotional states and moments of clarity and detachment. This process may include psychedelic visions (which vary from person to person), often accompanied by clear insights emerging from the unconscious, helping to illuminate personal challenges and areas for growth.
During the first ceremonies, the experience may feel more confusing, as participants are not yet familiar with this state of consciousness or the nature of the medicine. The healer then uses specific techniques to help guide and support the participant. The experience also depends on the individual’s physical and mental state.
In general, the ceremony lasts between 4 to 5 hours and concludes with a sharing circle, where participants reflect on their experiences, supported by the healer’s insights and guidance. We recommend small groups of 4 to 5 participants to allow for a more personalized and attentive approach during the ceremony.
Between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m., participants are invited to rest and go to sleep.
