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Embracing the Sacred Cycle

Preparing and Integrating Your Plant Medicine Dieta

Embracing the Sacred Cycle

Preparing and Integrating Your Plant Medicine Dieta

Preparation & Completion

Dedicating oneself to the preparatory and integrative aspects of the pre- and post-dieta rituals is paramount. The pre-dieta serves as an initiation into the purification of both mind and body, while also concentrating one’s energy and conveying intentions, commitments, and reverence to the spirit of the plants.

The post-dieta phase holds equally great significance as the dieta itself. It is during this period, or thereafter, that the fruits of one’s labour begin to manifest. Throughout the integration process, the healing essence of the plants and ayahuasca, along with the energetic imprints bestowed by the maestros, continue to purify, heal, and flourish within.

We advocate for seeking environments imbued with love and nurturing energy both before and after the dieta. It is beneficial to engage in loving thoughts and actions as frequently as possible, viewing any challenges arising from dietary and sexual restrictions as integral components of the healing journey and a gift to oneself. Above all, maintaining faith, trust, cultivating positive mindsets, and embracing relaxation are essential practices.

Plants will subject you to trials

These trials commence the moment you commit to embarking on a dieta and will manifest in myriad forms. They may arise through interactions with family, encounters on the street, the application and registration process, interactions with flight attendants during travel, connections with facilitators and maestros, bonds with fellow dieters, or even encounters with a mosquito… Throughout this journey, it’s beneficial to remind yourself that “Every experience is a test!” Take note of the emotions stirred by each situation, and endeavour to remain grounded, breathing deeply, and maintaining a sense of inner calm.

The utmost importance lies in refraining from immediate reactions when faced with these trials. Feelings of anger, frustration, or confusion may emerge, often serving as catalysts for healing. While it’s natural to experience such emotions, reacting impulsively or becoming angry prior to commencing the dieta may signify a need for further preparation. Reacting during or after the dieta risks disrupting its alignment, potentially causing harm.

Plants demand profound respect and humility when approached. This reverence is particularly crucial during the dieta and post-dieta phases. It’s imperative to ascertain your readiness for a dieta, a determination that we will assist you in making during the application process. As you navigate through these tests, with guidance provided during your dieta, you’ll find yourself rewarded with profound transformations that transcend imagination.

Your connection with the plant

Embarking on a dieta signifies a profound commitment and sacred responsibility, not merely to the plant, but also to oneself. It initiates a journey of spiritual and emotional communion with the plant spirit, akin to nurturing any relationship. Like the tender nurturing of a sapling, it requires dedication, respect, honesty, and ultimately, love, for its blossoming and fruition.

The voyage alongside the plant spirit commences long before your physical presence at our retreat, for the plants are already intricately woven into the fabric of your being. They begin to test and reveal themselves to you months, and sometimes even years, in advance. In many instances, their presence becomes a lifelong companion. By tending to this relationship with care and attentiveness, the bond deepens and strengthens, unveiling profound wisdom and facilitating seamless integration.

 

 
 
 
Numerous substances, both natural and synthetic, possess the potential to adversely interact with Amazonian plant medicines. Among these, the most significant energy disruptors, and thus imperative to abstain from, include sexual activity, alcohol, recreational drugs, pharmaceutical medications, and pork.

Your Pre-Dieta Guidelines:

As you embark on this sacred journey, it’s essential to honor these dietary and behavioral guidelines with reverence and commitment. Each restriction serves a purpose, fostering the conditions necessary for deep healing, spiritual growth, and connection with the plant medicine.

In the weeks leading up to your Dieta, you are called to cultivate discipline and mindfulness in your daily practices. This includes not only what you consume but also how you engage with the world around you. By consciously abstaining from substances and activities that may cloud the mind or disrupt energetic balance, you create a vessel of purity and receptivity for the healing energies of the ceremony.

As you navigate these weeks of preparation, approach each day with intention and presence. Embrace this period as an opportunity for self-reflection, introspection, and inner purification. Trust in the wisdom of the ancient traditions guiding you and surrender to the transformative power of the Dieta process.

By aligning your physical, emotional, and spiritual selves with the rhythms of nature and the wisdom of the plant spirits, you pave the way for a profound and life-changing experience. May your journey be filled with insight, healing, and divine guidance as you walk the path of the Dieta with courage, humility, and grace.

6 weeks prior:

  • Gradually taper off and discontinue antidepressants, SSRI’s, and anti-anxiety medications under the guidance of your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth transition.

4 weeks prior:

  • Eliminate pork and cannabis from your diet.
  • Abstain from all street drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, and amphetamines, prioritizing your safety above all else.

2 weeks prior:

  • Cease the consumption of most pharmaceutical drugs and antibiotics.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption.
  • Exclude red meats, junk foods, processed foods, and canned foods from your meals.
  • Say no to spicy foods, including chili and hot sauce, as well as Indian or Thai cuisine.
  • Cut out added spices, including chili, from your diet.
  • Steer clear of animal fats and dairy products, such as lard.
  • Refrain from carbonated drinks, including diet sodas and energy drinks.
  • Certain supplements like St. John’s Wort, Kava, Kratom, Ephedra, Ginseng, Yohimbe, Sinicuichi, Rhodiola, Rosea, Kanna, Boswellia, Nutmeg, Scrotch Broom, and Licorice Root should be avoided.
  • Avoid  Microdosing, Psilocybin, and similar substances / Wachuma and Kambo can be taken only according to the guidance to Maestro or Facilitator who will assist you in Dieta.
  • Begin reducing your intake of salt and sugar.

1 week prior:

  • Abstain from all forms of sexual activity and thoughts, including self-pleasure.
  • Minimize the consumption of very sweet, acidic, and over-ripened fruits, although moderate fruit intake is acceptable.
  • Cut out caffeine and other stimulants, such as cacao, coffee, and black tea.
  • Eliminate all dairy products from your diet.
  • Avoid pungent or caustic vegetables.
  • Refrain from consuming fermented foods, such as soy sauce, pickles, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
  • Say no to sweets, chocolate, and refined sugar.
  • Exclude seafood and ocean fish from your meals.
  • Reduce the intake of added salt and refined sugar significantly.
  • Steer clear of added spices, including chili and pepper.
  • Avoid ice, cold drinks, or ice cream.
  • Refrain from consuming supplements or superfoods with a strong energetic effect on the body, such as Ayurvedic or Chinese herbs, maca, medicinal mushrooms, and cacao, among others.
  • Limit the consumption of oils, with a very small amount of olive oil being acceptable.
  • Abstain from mild pharmaceuticals like Advil, Tylenol, or similar medications.
  • Avoid the use of Hapé and Sananga ( Unless your Maestro/ Facilitator will allow you to )

By adhering to these guidelines, you pave the way for a profound and transformative Dieta experience, aligning your physical, mental, and spiritual selves in preparation for the journey ahead.

 

Adjusting your diet in pre master plant dieta:

In preparation for your Ayahuasca and master plant journey, it’s vital to nourish your body with light, easily digestible foods that support clarity and receptivity. Whether you have prior experience with Ayahuasca or are new to the practice, the duration of your dietary preparation varies:

  • One week: If you have previous experience with Ayahuasca or master plant dieta, focus on consuming light meals that are not overly spicy, sweet, or fatty. Opt for nourishing options that gently support your body without overwhelming it.

  • Two weeks: For those with little to no experience with Ayahuasca, extend your dietary preparation to two weeks. This additional time allows your body to acclimate to the shift in diet and prepares you for the profound experience ahead.

  • One month: If you are taking medications for strong physical and/or mental conditions that are incompatible with Ayahuasca, such as anti-depressants or MAO inhibitors, a more extensive preparation period of one month is necessary. During this time, gradually taper off medications under the guidance of your medical doctor, ensuring you are off any psycho-pharmaceutical or depression treatments for at least 35 days. Some specific medications may require a longer tapering period of up to six weeks.

It’s crucial to communicate openly about any medications you are or have been taking to ensure your safety and well-being during the Ayahuasca ceremony. Please familiarize yourself with our medical guidelines and reach out if you have any questions or concerns regarding your preparation for the dieta.

By honoring these dietary recommendations and aligning your physical body with the spiritual journey ahead, you cultivate a foundation of balance and readiness for the transformative experience of Ayahuasca.

Your Post - Dieta Guidelines:

    In the sacred journey of dieta, there exists a profound phase known as the Post-Dieta—an often overlooked yet pivotal segment of the spiritual odyssey. While the formal covenant of the dieta may conclude, the essence of the bond formed with the plant spirit persists beyond the confines of time and ritual.
    During the dieta, a communion of energies transpires, fostering a profound connection between the seeker and the botanical realm. Such an alliance transcends mere observance; it demands continued devotion, mindful contemplation, and heartfelt expression even in the mundane acts of daily life. Thus, the sanctity of the plant spirit remains upheld, unwavering amidst the temptations of salt, sugar, oil, and the like.
    In the wake of the dieta’s completion, one is called not to rush headlong into the embrace of indulgence or to reclaim all that was relinquished. Instead, there lingers a reverential pause—a moment of reflection and integration. For just as a lover’s bond endures beyond the dissolution of romantic ties, so too does the friendship with the plant spirit persist, requiring delicacy and respect in its continuation.
    Consider this analogy: If a man, having fulfilled the terms of an intimate partnership with a woman, transitions to a state of friendship, it would be a breach of honor and integrity to hastily seek solace in the arms of another. Such actions not only betray the essence of the prior connection but also jeopardize the depth and sincerity of the newfound camaraderie.
    Thus, in the post-dieta phase, let us tread with reverence, honoring the sacred thread that binds us to the plant spirit. Let our actions be guided by mindfulness and gratitude, for in the echoes of sacrifice lies the echo of profound transformation.
    The duration of your post-dieta typically spans about a month, occasionally extending to two months, contingent upon the length of your dieta, the plant you have dieted, and the condition you sought to heal. Your personalised guidelines will be provided to you upon completion of your dieta.
    The post-dieta consists of two phases:
    Food Post-Dieta (7 days):
During this period, kindly refrain from consuming the following:
  • Red meat
  • Dairy products, including butter or any dairy derivatives
  • Concentrated milk or cream, even vegan alternatives such as coconut, rice, or soy
  • Chocolate and cacao
  • Processed or industrial food
  • Fermented foods (e.g., tofu, sauerkraut, kombucha)
  • Spices, including turmeric, curcumin, black pepper, and chili
  • Ginger
  • Seasoning and condiments (e.g., mayonnaise, ketchup, chili sauce, vinegar, mustard)
  • Avocado
  • Papaya, pineapple, lemon, camu camu, maracuya, acerola, grapefruit
  • Acidic and bitter fruits
  • Industrial oils
  • Seafood and ocean fish
  • Raw onions and garlic
  • Cold or icy foods (e.g., ice creams, refrigerated beverages)
  • Acidic foods
  • Bread in Peru (artisanal bread in your country is acceptable)
  • Tea (herbal teas are permissible), espresso/concentrated coffee (weak coffee is acceptable)
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Rape, mambe, or ambil
  • Antihistamines
You may include:
  • Natural ingredients
  • A small amount of olive or coconut oil
  • A touch of salt
  • A touch of sugar, preferably honey
  • Aromatic herbs
  • A modest portion of cooked onions and garlic
  • Cinnamon
  • A few nuts
  • Jungle fish: Tucunare, Corvina, Paiche, Gabitana; outside the jungle, river trout and river salmon
  • Chicken and other poultry
  • Light coffee, light tea, coca leaves if necessary for altitude sickness in Cusco
  • Digestive enzymes
  • Probiotics after your food post-dieta
  • Supplements after a few days
  • Saunas and Temazcal are permissible after one week
  • Steam baths are acceptable
    The Remaining Post-Dieta (two weeks to two months, three in rare cases, most often around a month – depends by the lenght of your dieta ):
    You may gradually return to a normal diet, but it is advisable to proceed with caution and maintain a disciplined dieta for as long as possible.
The following guidelines also apply to the food post-dieta:
    During this phase, kindly refrain from:
  • Consuming pork
  • Engaging in sexual activity
  • Consuming alcohol
  • Using drugs ( As well Psychedelics )
  • Taking any medicine other than ayahuasca. Self-administering a small amount of ayahuasca is acceptable; however, it is advisable to rest.
  • Taking medicine from another Maestro or Maestra
  • Undergoing acupuncture or receiving a tattoo (avoid anything involving needles)
  • Therapy work
You may:
  • Receive body work or massage, depending on the type of treatment. Avoid energy work or therapies that may evoke strong emotions. It is generally recommended to allow the dieta to work and refrain from excessive intervention. Focus on breathing rather than seeking therapy immediately when facing challenges.
  • Provide sessions, ensuring they do not involve extreme cases that may trigger overwhelming reactions or emotions.
    By adhering to these guidelines, you will optimise the benefits of your dieta and facilitate the integration of your healing journey.
    At Inca Shipiba, our esteemed Maestra Mathilda offers personalized recommendations for post-dieta practices based on individual needs and experiences. Drawing upon ancient wisdom and intuitive insight, Maestra Mathilda provides gentle yet profound guidance to support your integration process. Trust in her wisdom as she navigates the spiritual realms to offer the most beneficial post-dieta recommendations for your healing and growth.

The repercussions of disregarding post-dieta guidelines

Consequences of not respecting a post-dieta can range from discomfort to jeopardizing overall well-being—physically, mentally, emotionally, and even affecting the health of the Maestros. Failure to adhere to these restrictions may invite chaos into one’s life, manifesting as illness, accidents, emotional turmoil, and a lack of clarity in daily interactions and relationships. We share this insight transparently to underscore the significance of commitment and reverence to this transformative journey. Completing a dieta entails thorough internal cleansing and energetic alignment with your soul’s path. However, the responsibility for nurturing and sustaining this energetic work lies with each individual guest.

Master Plant and Ayahuasca Integration

The journey of integration following an ayahuasca retreat is a profound and transformative process. While the insights gained during ceremony can be enlightening, integrating these revelations into daily life can present its own set of challenges. At times, the simplicity of incorporating practices such as meditation, healthy eating, exercise, or spending time outdoors can be overshadowed by the complexities of daily existence.

It is not uncommon for participants to experience continued emotional purging long after the physical ceremonies have concluded. Emotions that have lain dormant for years may resurface, requiring gentle yet deliberate attention. Navigating this terrain alone can feel daunting, which is why seeking support and guidance can be invaluable.

 

Somatic Integration

At our center, we understand the significance of offering holistic support throughout the integration phase. That’s why we’ve partnered with a trauma-informed somatic integration counselor, holding a Master’s degree in Psychology, to provide personalized guidance that aligns with your individual journey. Drawing from her extensive experience and deep understanding gained through somatic practice, she brings invaluable insights to help navigate the complexities of your post- master plant dieta and ayahuasca transformation. Having undergone her own profound healing with ayahuasca and master plants, she offers a compassionate and empathetic approach to support you on your path to integration and growth.


We offer an extensive post-dieta support system, which encompasses a group video call ( included in retreat price )and the opportunity for individualized one-on-one sessions ( available for an additional fee ).

During the integration sessions, you can expect a compassionate and empathetic space where you are heard and understood. Our facilitators draw upon their personal experiences with ayahuasca to guide you through the integration process. Through deep listening and skilful inquiry, they will assist you in reconnecting with your inner wisdom and uncovering the hidden teachings within your ceremony experiences.

Approaching ayahuasca integration requires curiosity, patience, and trust in the unfolding process of self-transformation. Our facilitators are here to support you as you navigate the challenges and revelations that arise on your healing journey. With their guidance, you can embrace the dismantling of old identities and belief systems, paving the way for profound healing and growth.

Embrace this opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself and your journey with ayahuasca. Our integration sessions offer a sacred space where you can explore, heal, and integrate the wisdom gained from your plant medicine experiences.

 

Anna Maria - Integration Counselor

A compassionate psychologist and visionary artist, holds a Master’s degree from SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw. With a deep commitment to holistic healing, she has worked as a meditation teacher and psychologist in Reykjavik, Iceland, bringing mindfulness practices to those in need, particularly in a prison setting.

Driven by a passion for supporting others on their healing journeys, she became certified in trauma-informed plant medicine facilitation and somatic plant medicine integration practitioner through Aya Healing Retreats. She also obtained certifications in Altered and extreme states of consciousness – Difficult mental experiences in terms of Process Oriented Psychology, Fundamental Elements of Work with the Body – dance and movement therapy methods, the Laban / Bartenieff Movement System, and Art Therapy.

Her own growth path led her to transformative experiences, including engaging in plant medicine dieta and Process Oriented Psychotherapy.

Anna Maria - Integration Counselor

A compassionate psychologist and visionary artist, holds a Master’s degree from SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw. With a deep commitment to holistic healing, she has worked as a meditation teacher and psychologist in Reykjavik, Iceland, bringing mindfulness practices to those in need, particularly in a prison setting.

Driven by a passion for supporting others on their healing journeys, she became certified in trauma-informed plant medicine facilitation and somatic plant medicine integration practitioner through Aya Healing Retreats. She also obtained certifications in Altered and extreme states of consciousness – Difficult mental experiences in terms of Process Oriented Psychology, Fundamental Elements of Work with the Body – dance and movement therapy methods, the Laban / Bartenieff Movement System, and Art Therapy.

Her own growth path led her to transformative experiences, including engaging in plant medicine dieta and Process Oriented Psychotherapy.

Somatic Integration

At our center, we understand the significance of offering holistic support throughout the integration phase. That’s why we’ve partnered with a trauma-informed somatic integration counselor, holding a Master’s degree in Psychology, to provide personalized guidance that aligns with your individual journey. Drawing from her extensive experience and deep understanding gained through somatic practice, she brings invaluable insights to help navigate the complexities of your post- master plant dieta and ayahuasca transformation. Having undergone her own profound healing with ayahuasca and master plants, she offers a compassionate and empathetic approach to support you on your path to integration and growth.

We offer an extensive post-dieta support system, which encompasses a group video call ( included in retreat price ) and the opportunity for individualized one-on-one sessions ( available for an additional fee ).

During the integration sessions, you can expect a compassionate and empathetic space where you are heard and understood. Our facilitators draw upon their personal experiences with ayahuasca to guide you through the integration process. Through deep listening and skilful inquiry, they will assist you in reconnecting with your inner wisdom and uncovering the hidden teachings within your ceremony experiences.

Approaching ayahuasca integration requires curiosity, patience, and trust in the unfolding process of self-transformation. Our facilitators are here to support you as you navigate the challenges and revelations that arise on your healing journey. With their guidance, you can embrace the dismantling of old identities and belief systems, paving the way for profound healing and growth.

Embrace this opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself and your journey with ayahuasca. Our integration sessions offer a sacred space where you can explore, heal, and integrate the wisdom gained from your plant medicine experiences.

 

Vital Integration Strategies to Reflect Upon

Connect with Community

Integration of ayahuasca healing can be challenging without a supportive community. While in the jungle, you experience authentic connections and deep friendships with fellow seekers of healing. Returning home, it’s crucial to find avenues for authentic communication and connection. Seek out local ayahuasca or spiritual communities, or connect with fellow retreat participants. Additionally, consider joining online integration communities like the Temple Ayahuasca Integration Community to stay connected and supported.

Establish a Sacred Practice

Create a sacred space in your daily routine to cultivate inner peace and presence. This can be as simple as a meditation practice or as mundane as washing dishes mindfully. Particularly in the initial weeks following your retreat, you may find value in dedicating time to fully embrace your emotions. Whether through meditation or active introspection, carving out this space allows for deeper self-awareness and healing.

Nurture Your Body

Take care of your physical well-being to sustain your healing process. Focus on nourishing foods, opting for organic and whole foods whenever possible. Practice mindful eating, paying attention to how food affects your body and energy levels. Regular exercise, whether gentle yoga or outdoor activities, helps to release stagnant energy and promote physical and mental balance. Prioritize self-care practices like sauna sessions or steam baths to support detoxification and relaxation. Remember, caring for your body is an integral part of holistic healing.

Embrace Nature's Healing

Spend time immersed in nature to nourish your soul and support your healing journey. Whether in a sprawling wilderness or a nearby park, allow yourself to connect with the earth, breathe in fresh air, and soak in the sights and sounds of the natural world. Express gratitude to nature for its healing energy and wisdom, perhaps through a simple offering or silent acknowledgment of thanks.