So much of this work—whether it’s with Ayahuasca, fasting, silence, or solitude—isn’t just about what we’re seeking, nor is it solely about our intentions or desires.

It’s just as much about what we’re still holding on to.

The question isn’t always, What do I want to heal? It’s often more like:  

What part of me is holding on to something that’s ready to be released?

This isn’t always easy to see. We carry layers—protection, pride, grief, guilt, and stories about who we are or who we think we should be. We often need to unplug and reprogram outdated or limiting conditioning.

These layers once helped us survive. But now, they may be blocking the growth we’re asking for.

Healing starts with radical honesty and self-inquiry. Questions like:

– What parts of my identity no longer serve my growth, yet I still cling to?

– What am I mistaking for strength, when it’s really defense?

– Where do I feel disconnected, and how have I adapted to that disconnection as if it were normal?

– Why do I self-sabotage?

These are the kinds of questions worth sitting with—especially before entering a ceremony or engaging in any deep inner work. You don’t have to carry everything into the fire. And you certainly don’t have to carry it all forever.

Why Ceremony Can Feel Intense?

If you’ve worked with ayahuasca—or plan to—you’ve probably heard how intense it can be.

People talk about losing control, facing death, or encountering deep personal shadows. It can sound extreme. And sometimes, it absolutely is.

What’s often labeled a “bad trip” is usually your system becoming overwhelmed by what the medicine is revealing—or by your own resistance to letting go and allowing the body to release stored emotions and energies.

It’s also important to acknowledge that spiritual interference, such as Brujeria (energetic manipulation), can occur. If you’re experiencing symptoms like nightmares, heightened sexual urges, restlessness, anxiety, or insomnia after ceremony, consider seeking a cleansing from a qualified shamanic practitioner. We have several resources on this on our website and Reddit page.

Ayahuasca doesn’t just heal—it amplifies what’s already below the surface.

It stirs up emotional wounds, energetic blockages, grief, confusion, and fear. If your system is overwhelmed with noise or toxicity, this process can feel chaotic or frightening.

The good news? You can do a lot beforehand to make the process smoother, clearer, and more supportive.

Preparation Is Everything

Most of the real work happens before you drink the medicine.

In traditional Shipibo culture, only the healer would drink ayahuasca initially. The patient didn’t partake until they were physically, emotionally, and spiritually strong enough. The healer would use the medicine to “see” into the patient’s energy and identify underlying patterns—grief, fear, confusion, or attachments.

The healing songs, called icaros, are vibrational medicine. They are chosen based on what the healer perceives in your energy and are used to re-tune the body and spirit.

But if you come into ceremony emotionally overwhelmed, energetically blocked, or physically toxic, the medicine may hit harder—and the process can be more difficult.

Toxicity, Confusion, and the Disconnected Self

In Ayurveda, two key forces keep us stuck:

– Ama– undigested toxins (physical, emotional, spiritual)  

– Tamas– heaviness, confusion, numbness, fear, and resistance

When we carry too much ama and tamas, it becomes hard to think clearly, feel deeply, or trust ourselves. The connection between heart and mind becomes clouded.

You might feel “spiritual” in your head but still be disconnected from your body and emotions. That kind of disconnection often manifests as an intense or disorienting ceremony.

Some people find they can’t connect with the medicine at all in their first retreat, which can feel disheartening. Often, this is because the system isn’t clear or open enough yet.

That’s why arriving grounded, calm, and open can make the difference between a terrifying experience and a transformative one.

If you’ve already committed to working with a retreat center, now is not the time to second-guess your decision. Instead, focus on getting ready.

How to Prepare—Practically and Energetically

This isn’t about being “pure.” It’s about being ready.

1. Clean Your Body

– Eat light, easy-to-digest foods: soups, broths, stews, and dahls  

– Avoid sugar, alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, and additives  

– Stay hydrated with clean water  

– Move your body—walk, stretch, sweat  

– Rest and sleep well  

2. Clear Your Mind

– Reduce stimulation: limit phone time, media, and noise  

– Journal, meditate, and spend time alone  

– Pay attention to the thoughts you avoid  

3. Make Space for Emotions

– Allow yourself to feel: grief, anger, sadness, joy  

– Speak to someone you trust  

– Emotional detox is just as vital as the physical  

4. Do Less, Feel More

– Spend time in nature  

– Get quiet—not for “spiritual points,” but because your nervous system needs space  

– Practice being with discomfort so it doesn’t surprise you later  

If You Skip This…

Going into ceremony unprepared is like opening the windows of a cluttered attic during a storm—things fly around chaotically, but not in a healing way.

There’s a saying one of our maestras shared:  

The plants and I are only 50% of the work. The participant must be actively working on themselves too.

Preparation helps the medicine work through you—not against your resistance.

Final Thoughts

Ayahuasca isn’t just here to give you visions. It’s here to help you remember who you are. That remembering begins with cleaning house—physically, emotionally, energetically.

You don’t need to be perfect. Just honest.

Let go of what no longer serves you. Reconnect your heart and mind. When the medicine comes, it won’t have to scream to get your attention. It will feel like something ancient waking up inside you.

This is a path of remembering who you are beneath the noise of life. One supportive step on that path is learning about your Ayurvedic constitution or dosha your unique physical and psychological blueprint. It can help you understand your strengths, sensitivities, and how to support yourself more effectively.

Your body is not separate from your spiritual path. It *is* the path.

Enjoy the tantra (the process) and yoga (the union) of life. Dance in the dark and bask in the light.

All the best,

MDS