Amorawa's Code of Ethics and Best Practices
Preamble: Mission and Values
Amorawa is dedicated to the promotion of wellbeing and the integral development of the human being. Our work focuses on facilitating holistic and therapeutic work for the expansion of consciousness, using tools such as the study and practice of ancestral knowledge and the respectful use of master plants with the utmost responsibility. All this within a framework of safety and legality.
This Code of Ethics is the cornerstone of our work. It is based on the principles of safety, respect, integrity, transparency, professionalism and community service. Its purpose is to protect the well-being of all participants, to guide the conduct of our team and to ensure that our activities are carried out in harmony with our values, the legal framework and the deep respect that both ancestral traditions and the personal processes of each individual deserve.
This document is an active commitment to excellence and ethics in our practice.
I. Admission Process and Informed Consent
The safety and well-being of the participant is our top priority. For this reason, a rigorous admission process is established.
A. Preliminary Interview and Assessment:
- An individual and confidential interview will be conducted with each applicant. The objective is twofold:
- To report reliably on the nature of the retreats, the composition of the remedies shared, the structure and duration of the sessions, and the possible physical, emotional and psychological effects.
- Assessing suitability of the applicant, understanding their motivations and detecting possible contraindications that may prevent their participation.
B. Exclusion Criteria: Participation will be denied to persons with the following conditions, among others deemed relevant by the team to safeguard security:
- Serious Medical Conditions: Especially cardiovascular diseases, severe hypertension, uncontrolled seizure disorders or severe renal/hepatic insufficiency.
- Mental Health Disorders: History or current diagnosis of psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder in manic phase, etc.) or severe personality disorders that may pose a risk to self or group.
- Incompatible Medication: Current use of contraindicated medications, especially antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs), anxiolytics, antipsychotics or other drugs that interact negatively with the components of Ayahuasca.
- Attitude and Expectations: People who show a lack of respect for the process, who seek only a recreational experience, who reject the information provided, or who do not demonstrate the maturity and emotional stability necessary to cope with the process.
- Any other condition which, in the opinion of the evaluation team of the AMORAWAposes a risk to the individual or the group.
C. Consent and Documentation: Before confirming participation, it will be essential:
- Signing an Informed Consent detailed, certifying that the person has understood the information received and voluntarily accepts the risks and benefits of the process.
- The completion of a Health Form comprehensive and truthful.
- Acceptance of a Covenant of Conduct that regulates coexistence and mutual respect during the retreat.
II. The Ceremonial Space and the Conduct of Sessions
A. Safe and Appropriate Environment: The sessions will take place in a physically and emotionally safe, clean and hygienic environment that ensures the comfort and privacy of the participants. The number of participants will always be limited to ensure adequate attention from the facilitating team.
B. Role and Responsibilities of the Facilitator:
- Training and Experience: The people who guide the sessions have the necessary training, experience and maturity. They are supported and continuously supervised by a multidisciplinary team.
- Righteousness and Ethics: The facilitator undertakes to act with the utmost integrity, orienting the session exclusively towards the well-being and personal development of the participants.
- Abstention from Abuse: Any form of abuse of power is explicitly prohibited. This includes:
- Sexual and Physical Integrity: No sexual contact or innuendo between facilitators and participants will be allowed. The physical space and bodily integrity of each person will be respected at all times.
- Emotional Integrity: There will be no coercion, manipulation or imposition of personal beliefs. The individual process of each participant will be respected without judgement.
- Limits of Jurisdiction: The facilitator shall not lead sessions that exceed his/her management capacity, whether due to the number of people, the intensity of the process or any other factor.
- Confidentiality: All personal information shared by participants will be treated in the strictest confidence.
C. Participant Responsibilities:
- Honesty: Provide truthful information on forms and interviews.
- Respect: Maintain a respectful attitude towards facilitators, other participants, the space and the remedy itself.
- Commitment: Follow the facilitator's instructions before, during and after the session to ensure your own and the group's safety.
III. Integration and Post-Session Follow-up
We understand that the work with master plants does not end with the session, but begins. Integration is a fundamental pillar to give meaning and to apply the experiences lived.
- Integration Support: Amorawa is committed to providing spaces and tools for post-retirement integration, such as talking circles, individualised follow-up or recommendation of external professionals if necessary.
- Continuity of Care: Participants will be monitored to ensure their well-being in the days and weeks following the experience.
IV. Confidentiality and Data Protection
- Absolute Privacy: The identity of the participants and all personal information shared (forms, interviews, experiences) is strictly confidential.
- Limits of Confidentiality: The only exception to this rule shall be in situations where there is an imminent and serious risk of harm to the participant or to third parties, in accordance with current legislation.
- Data Protection: The processing of personal data will be carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD) and the Organic Law on Data Protection and guarantee of digital rights (LOPDGDD).
V. Ethical and Financial Framework
- Non-commercial nature: The sale, marketing or any kind of speculation with Ayahuasca is explicitly forbidden. We are not providers of a substance, but facilitators of an experience in a ritual and caring context.
- Transparency in Contributions: Participants' financial contributions are contributions intended exclusively to cover the operational costs of the retreat (accommodation, food, materials, facilitators' costs, etc.).
VI. Legal and Regulatory Framework
Amorawa acts at all times in accordance with the Spanish legal framework and international consensus.
- Legality of Ayahuasca: We ratify the criteria of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) and the Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor's Office, which establish that Ayahuasca, as a plant preparation, is not subject to international or national control, unlike synthetic or extracted DMT.
- Fundamental Rights: Our practice is framed within the exercise of the fundamental rights set out in the Spanish Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially with regard to freedom of conscience and the free development of personality.
VII. Health and Complementary Practices
- Complementary Tool: Ayahuasca is an ancient tool for self-knowledge and personal development. It is not a panacea or a miracle cure.
- No Therapeutic Substitution: Our work does not replace, nor is it intended to replace, any medical, psychological or psychiatric treatment. It is considered a complementary practice and participants who are under professional treatment should consult with their respective specialist.
VIII. Sustainability and Environmental Respect
- Sustainable Sourcing: We are committed to plant-based remedies from sustainable sources that do not harm Amazonian ecosystems.
- Reciprocity: We support and contribute, to the best of our ability, to indigenous peoples and communities that have preserved this ancestral knowledge, promoting fair trade practices and reciprocity.
- Respect for Nature: We foster a deep respect for "Mother Earth" and the community of all plants, promoting ecological awareness in all our activities.
IX. Communication, Transparency and Research
- Ethical Advertising: All information and communication by the association shall be clear, honest and truthful. Proselytism, apology or the creation of unrealistic expectations shall be avoided. The decision to participate must always be free, conscious and unconditioned.
- Right to Information: Any interested person is entitled to receive full and detailed information about our practices.
- Support for Science and Tradition: Amorawa supports and seeks to collaborate with rigorous scientific research on Master Plants, as well as with the preservation of the traditional knowledge of native peoples.
X. Continuous Training and Conflict Resolution
- Supervision and Training: The team of Amorawa is committed to a process of continuous training, supervision of its work and constant updating of its knowledge in order to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety.
- Complaints Procedure: A clear and accessible communication channel is established for any participant to express a complaint or concern if they feel that this Code of Ethics has been violated. We are committed to investigating such complaints fairly, confidentially and diligently.
- Collaboration and Community: We encourage collaboration and twinning with other organisations and professionals who share our ethical values, in an effort to build a strong, responsible and united community.
Review and Update Clause
This Code of Ethics is a living document. It will be reviewed periodically to incorporate new learning, scientific findings and the changing needs of our community, in order to always ensure the greatest protection and benefit for all.
Date of last revision: 11 August 2025