Surfing on the internet, one can find a vast library of articles, blogs, and studies that propagate about the benefits of Ayahuasca. However, with all these potential benefits come certain risks, and in order to ensure everyone can have a safe and positive experience, they cannot be disregarded.
Let’s start from the basics. Ayahuasca is a psychoactive substance that is used in traditional South American shamanic rituals. It is typically consumed as a tea, and it has a number of potential therapeutic and spiritual effects. However, ayahuasca is not appropriate for everyone, and there are some people who should not drink it.
Who cannot take Ayahuasca?
It is generally not recommended that pregnant women, nursing mothers, or people with certain medical conditions drink ayahuasca. These medical conditions can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- A history of mental illness or psychotic disorders
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse
It is also important to be aware that Ayahuasca can interact with certain medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, and can potentially cause dangerous side effects. On the Blue Morpho Ayahuasca Retreat, western medications are strictly forbidden, all except malaria medication and birth control pills. This is not because we don’t believe in them, but because Ayahuasca can have unpredictable effects when combined with western medications, and there are no scientific studies that determined which drugs are safe and which are not.
In general, it is best to consult with an experienced shaman or a qualified healthcare professional before consuming Ayahuasca, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are currently taking any medications.
If you want to learn more about the safety measures Blue Morpho adheres to, you can read more here.
How Do I Know if Ayahuasca is For Me?
There is no easy answer to this question, as the decision to drink Ayahuasca is a deeply personal one that should be made with careful consideration and a full understanding of the potential risks and benefits.
According to Global Ayahuasca Survey, 69.9% of participants reported acute physical health adverse effects, primarily of which was vomiting. However, only 2.3% of that number reported the need for subsequent medical attention. The research concludes that
“While there is a high rate of adverse physical effects and challenging psychological effects from using ayahuasca, they are not generally severe, and most ayahuasca ceremony attendees continue to attend ceremonies, suggesting they perceive the benefits as outweighing any adverse effects.”
This brings us to the subject of why people want to try ayahuasca at all. Some people may be drawn to ayahuasca in the hope of gaining insights into their personal issues, finding spiritual enlightenment, or achieving personal growth. Others may be seeking relief from physical or mental health conditions, or simply be interested in experiencing the unique effects of the substance.
If you are considering drinking ayahuasca, it is important to be aware that the effects of the substance can be unpredictable and can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have deeply profound and transformative experiences, while others may have more challenging or difficult experiences. It is also important to be aware that there are potential risks associated with consuming ayahuasca, including the possibility of having a bad trip, experiencing physical discomfort or unpleasant side effects, or encountering unexpected psychological reactions.
That’s why it’s so important to find a center that has been operating for many years and has positive reviews from its guests, with strong safety protocols that ensure you get the best from this incredible brew. However, here are some “green flags” that signify that you’ve found an Ayahuasca retreat center that can ensure safe and professional experience:
- Medical screening: a necessary step for those interested in drinking ayahuasca, as not everyone is able to safely participate in ayahuasca ceremonies. Individuals with heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, a history of psychotic episodes, or taking MAOI’s should avoid participating in these ceremonies. It is crucial to note that the center is located within an hour of a hospital, and has an emergency vehicle on-site for unexpected medical emergencies.
- Trained ceremonial leaders: they are essential in guiding participants through their ayahuasca experience. Unlike other visionary plants, Ayahuasca requires an experienced facilitator, as traditional facilitators undergo 5-10 years of specialized training, and are specialized as any western doctor.
- The center prepares its own ayahuasca: a center that makes its own Ayahuasca is able to provide full control over the ingredients and strength of the brew. When selecting an ayahuasca center, it is important to consider individual needs and conduct thorough research before making an informed decision on where to attend.
Not to toot our own horn, but Blue Morpho Ayahuasca Retreat Center adheres to all of these guidelines, along with many others that aren’t explicitly mentioned here. We do this first out of respect for this incredible brew, but also because we care about your wellbeing and we want to ensure our guests get the best possible experience while visiting.
Ultimately, the decision to drink ayahuasca is a deeply personal one that should be made with a full understanding of the potential risks and benefits, as well as a careful consideration of your own personal goals and motivations. If you are interested in participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony, it is a good idea to do some research and consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional or an experienced facilitator before making a decision.
Experience 4 Blue Morpho Ayahuasca Ceremonies on your Ayahuasca Retreat in Peru
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