Preparation before an Ayahuasca retreat is fundamental to optimise the experience and guarantee a deep integration. This guide offers essential recommendations regarding food, habits and restrictions that can favour a smoother and safer process.
1. Food and Diet (Ayahuasca Diet)
Following a light, clean diet in the weeks leading up to the retreat helps prepare the body and mind for the medicine. It is recommended to follow these recommendations for a minimum of 3 or 4 days prior to the retreat, and ideally 7 days or more.
✅ Recommended foods:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables (preferably organic).
- Legumes and whole grains (rice, quinoa, millet, oats).
- Light soups
- Nuts and seeds (in moderate amounts).
- White fish and eggs (in moderation, if you do not follow a vegetarian diet).
❌ Foods to avoid:
- Red meat and sausages (they are difficult to digest and lower the energetic vibration).
- Dairy and ultra-processed products (they can generate heaviness and toxins).
- Refined sugar and white flour (can alter energy levels and mental clarity).
- Excess salt (can affect blood pressure and subtle connection to medicine).
- Fermented and spicy (may be irritating to the digestive system).
- Caffeine and stimulants (they alter the nervous system and can cause anxiety).
2. Substance Use
To ensure a deep connection with Ayahuasca and minimise risks:
❌ Banned substances:
- Alcohol and recreational drugs (they alter the energy system and can interfere with the experience).
- Cannabis (can lead to emotional blockage or interference with the experience).
- Antidepressants and psychiatric medication (they can have dangerous interactions with Ayahuasca; it is essential to consult a specialist before discontinuing them).
❌ Substances to avoid:
- Industrial tobacco (contains toxic additives that affect the connection).
- Other medications (if you are taking any drugs, check with the retreat facilitators to assess compatibility).
3. Habits and Mental Preparation
Beyond diet, preparing the mind and spirit is key to the experience:
✅ Recommendations:
- Meditation and conscious breathing to enter a state of introspection.
- Gentle exercise such as yoga or nature walks to connect with the body.
- Writing and self-inquiry on intentions and expectations.
- Sexual abstinence at least one week beforehand, as it preserves vital energy.
- Adequate rest to keep the body in balance.
4. Emotional and Spiritual State
Ayahuasca works deeply on the emotional level, which is why it is recommended:
- Be open to the process without rigid expectations.
- Work on trust and dedication to the spirit of medicine.
- Avoid situations of intense stress or overflowing emotions before the retreat.
5. Pre-Retreat Days
- Reduce the diet further by opting for lighter, more easily digestible meals.
- Drink enough water to keep the body hydrated.
- Do introspection exercises to recognise what personal issues may arise during the ceremony.
- Avoid unnecessary distractions such as excessive consumption of social media or negative information.
By following these recommendations, the Ayahuasca experience can develop in a more harmonious and profound way, allowing the medicine to act more clearly on body, mind and spirit.
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