a. Understand what ayahuasca is
Before participating, take time to educate yourself about ayahuasca—its origin, how it works, and the effects it can have, both positive and challenging.

b. Choose wisely
Drink only with a trustworthy facilitator, shaman, or retreat centre—ideally through direct personal referrals, not just online reviews. A reliable provider will offer clear pre-ceremony guidance and conduct a thorough medical assessment. Most importantly, they won’t try to convince or advise you to drink ayahuasca. The choice should always be yours.

Be mindful of anyone making promises of healing, visions, or specific outcomes. A grounded retreat honours the mystery of the process and avoids claims it cannot guarantee. Facilitators who are true to themselves—and to the people they welcome—create space; they don’t promise results.

c. Know what you drink
Inform yourself about the source and composition of the brew. The distinction between traditional ayahuasca and 'anahuasca' (analogous brews made with non-traditional plants) is especially relevant outside South America, where local or even synthetic substitutes are sometimes used—occasionally without full disclosure.

Be especially cautious with added plants like datura, which may induce intense experiences but can also be physically and psychologically harmful. A trustworthy facilitator will be transparent about the ingredients and their origins.

d. Your medical history
Be open about any medications or health conditions, both physical and mental. Ayahuasca can interact dangerously with certain substances and conditions—especially SSRIs, MAOIs, stimulants, heart issues, high blood pressure, or a personal or family history of psychosis.

Before making travel plans, make sure ayahuasca is safe for you. Any responsible retreat center will include a proper medical assessment. If you’re unsure, consult with a healthcare provider who understands both ayahuasca and your medical background.

e. Follow the recommended preparation guidelines
Respect the preparation guidelines given by your facilitator or retreat centre. These often include avoiding alcohol, recreational substances, certain foods, and intense stimulation in the days around the ceremony. This helps your body and mind become more open and receptive.

f. Traditional dieta or gentle cleanse
A traditional dieta—usually 3 to 7 days of avoiding salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, red & pig meat, and sexual activity—is meant to calm the system and heighten inner awareness. If that feels too intense, a lighter 'cleanse' can still help: eat simple, plant-based meals, stay hydrated, eat early, get proper sleep, and reduce screen time and overstimulation.

g. Mental & emotional preparation
Reflect on why you are drawn to this experience. A clear, honest intention can anchor and guide you during the ceremony and beyond. This intention might be a question, a theme, or even a gentle request to the plant itself—such as: 'Show me what I need to learn.' You might also take time to notice the different voices or feelings within you—some curious, some cautious, some perhaps seeking clarity or healing. Simply acknowledging these parts, without trying to change them, can bring a sense of calm and inner coherence.

In the days leading up to the retreat, prepare your emotional and mental space. Practices like meditation, journaling, quiet time in nature, or talking with someone you trust can help you arrive with more calm, presence, and openness—and support you in staying grounded throughout the process.

h. Letting go of expectations
Every ayahuasca journey is unique. What unfolds may not match what you’ve heard or imagined. Once you drink, it becomes your ayahuasca—meeting you where you are, often working with deeper layers or parts of you that you may not be fully aware of. It tends to bring what is needed, not always what is expected. Letting go of fixed ideas allows you to stay open, grounded, and receptive—before, during, and after the ceremony.

i. Practical logistics
Be aware to travel with flexibility in mind. Follow the pack-list instructions from the retreat center. When possible block off a full day (or more) before and after the retreat for rest and reflection.

a. Re-mindings through the journey
This journey is yours—personal, unpredictable, and never quite like anyone else’s. There’s no right way to experience ayahuasca.

Stay hydrated throughout the ceremony.

When a follow-up dose is offered, listen to your body. Don’t decide based on what others do. Some people need more, others are complete with one cup. Trust your own rhythm.

Bring a notebook. Writing things down can be deeply valuable for integration. Use it for notetaking—simply capturing what arises. Making sense of it (notemaking) can come later, when things have settled. Let the experience unfold first, and give it meaning afterwards.

Also, avoid comparing your process with others. Each person walks their own path. Whether your experience is soft or intense, clear or mysterious—it’s not better or worse. It’s yours.

b. Mutual clarity
Any responsible retreat centre will include a personal interview beforehand and an explanation of the ‘flight instructions’—the practical and psychological guidelines to help you navigate the ceremony. Be honest when answering their questions, be curious, and don’t hesitate to ask anything you’re unsure about. Respect the safety agreements; they exist to protect the well-being of everyone involved and help create a safe and sacred space for both yourself and others.

c. Drinking and settling in
The general advice is to drink on an empty stomach—no solid food for 4 to 6 hours before. This helps the body receive the ayahuasca more clearly and can reduce early discomfort. That said, some more experienced participants have found that a small amount of food—some fruit or a light soup—can help them feel more grounded. Listen to what your body needs. If you’re unsure, it’s best to start with an empty stomach. You’ll find your own balance with time.

Drink the ayahuasca consciously—whether you sip slowly or drink it all at once—perhaps with your intention in mind, then let it go. If your stomach feels unsettled just after drinking, try to keep it in for a little while if you can.

After drinking, follow the ceremonial rhythm, or simply make yourself comfortable. Let go of expectations, and don’t try to steer the experience. You’re not here to make something happen—you’re here to allow something to move.

Avoid waiting for the ayahuasca to 'kick in.' Ayahuasca works in its own way, on its own timing—and 'waiting' often gets in the way. Just breathe, embrace the silence, the nature, or the music, stay connected to your body, and let the process unfold.

d. To purge or not to purge
Purging is a natural part of the ayahuasca process. It can come as vomiting, yawning, sweating, crying, shaking, diarrhoea, or laughter—often accompanied by a deep emotional and somatic release. It’s the body and psyche letting go of what no longer needs to be held.

You may notice different parts of yourself surfacing—some ready to release, others holding on. There’s no need to fight the purge, suppress it, or try to be stronger than it. Let it move through you. Surrender often brings relief.

Purging can leave you with a sense of clarity, calm, or lightness. It helps clear physical tension, emotional weight, or old patterns stored in the body. Just breathe, stay connected to yourself, and let the process unfold—at its own pace and with its own force.

e. Navigating visions and communicating with ayahuasca
Ayahuasca often communicates through symbols, images, and sensations rather than words. These visions may appear as vivid visuals, emotional insights, or sensory experiences. Stay receptive and curious rather than trying to control what emerges.

If you wish to communicate with the plant, you might:

Acceptance and reappraisal
Whatever arises in your ceremony—whether visions, sensations, or difficult emotions—practice acceptance first. Allow the experience to be exactly as it is, without immediately trying to change or interpret it.

Later, as the journey unfolds, gentle reappraisal may emerge naturally: 'What might this be showing me?' or 'How can I meet this challenge differently?' This isn't analysis in the analytical sense, but rather a felt sense of finding new perspectives within the experience itself.

Remember that ayahuasca often works beneath the surface of conscious awareness. If visions don't arise, or if they seem confusing, trust that the plant is working in ways beyond what you can perceive. Sometimes the most profound teachings come through silence, darkness, or subtle shifts in your body and breath.

However, the deepest and most transformative integration typically unfolds in the days, weeks, and months following your ceremony. This period, often called the 'afterglow', is a special window of increased openness and neuroplasticity—a time when your brain is especially receptive to forming new patterns. Your nervous system may feel more sensitive, your mind more flexible, and your heart more attuned. This heightened openness is both a valuable opportunity and a responsibility. What you intentionally practice and focus on during this sensitive period—mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally—is more likely to solidify into lasting positive change.

Yet, integration does not end here. Ultimately, it is an ongoing, lifelong journey of consciously embedding these insights and new ways of being into your everyday life. The patterns you nurture now have the potential to profoundly shape your future.

You are the author of your own process, and the following reflections are invitations—take what resonates and explore at your own pace. When you notice points repeated throughout this guide, these overlaps indicate areas that many find particularly important in their integration journey.

Be kind to yourself - Treat yourself well in all senses

Be mindful of patterns – Notice when old habits creep back in. Don’t judge them, just choose gently

Stay close to what matters – Let your actions reflect what you’ve touched in the ceremony

Keep it simple – Small, regular steps are more powerful than dramatic changes

Tap into integration circles – Both online and in-person groups can offer non-judgmental sharing, shared lived wisdom, and practical tips you won’t always get in a one-on-one setting

Work with a guide or therapist if needed – Integration is not always easy, and support can make a difference

Be intentional with your attention - What you focus on during this time may be strengthened more easily. Direct your awareness toward what you wish to cultivate

Create consistent routines - Regular, repeated engagement with new practices helps strengthen neural pathways more effectively than occasional efforts

Reduce unnecessary stress - Research suggests that chronic stress can impair neuroplasticity. Finding balance between processing and rest supports optimal integration

Honor your sleep - Quality sleep is crucial for consolidating new neural connections and insights from your experience

Embrace novelty - Trying new experiences or engaging with challenges can help maintain brain flexibility and openness to change

Recognize the time-sensitive nature - The neuroplastic effects may be strongest in the first days to weeks after your ceremony, making this period particularly valuable for establishing new patterns.

Try an integration log - Each end of your day, write down what practice you did and how it felt or what shifted. This helps you spot which habits truly support your integration and which might need tweaking

Spent time in nature - This is considered one of the most nourishing activities after a psychedelic journey

Listen to your body - Check in with yourself: What does your body need today? It could be rest, nourishment, hydration, movement, or simply a moment of stillness. Activities like massage, yoga and sauna might feel supportive. Notice what helps you feel connected and grounded

Revisiting your experience - Taking time to reflect on impactful moments from the workshop can be grounding. You might find it helpful to meditate or listen to the music from the ceremony

Journal your thoughts - Writing about your thoughts, feelings, or dreams can be a powerful integration tool

Get creative - Engaging in art, music, or other creative outlets might help you explore your experience in new ways. Allow yourself to express yourself freely without judgement

Practice self-care - Prioritise self-care in ways that feel right for you. This might include quality sleep, nourishing food, or taking time for yourself

Be present - Mindfulness practices might help you stay grounded in the present moment. Observe what brings you into the ‘now’ throughout your day

Cultivate gratitude - Take a moment each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. This practice can help maintain a positive perspective

Connect with others - If it feels right, share your experience with trusted friends or loved ones. Consider joining integration circles or practices

Take action steps - Challenge yourself to choose one or two concrete commitments—whether it's a dietary shift, new creative project, or communication boundary—that honor your ceremony's teachings. Revisit these intentions weekly to prevent insights from fading

If your love remains strong, express this warmly. For relationship insights that emerged during ceremony, consider the context:

In either case, avoid attributing decisions solely to 'Ayahuasca told me...' and share your experiences gradually, allowing conversations to unfold naturally. The key is discernment - distinguishing between insights that need time to mature and those that simply confirmed what you already knew but weren't ready to acknowledge.

Remember that integration is personal - there's no single correct timeline for everyone.

Create ceremony anniversaries - Mark your calendar to revisit and reflect on your experience after 1, 3, and 6 months, allowing insights to unfold at different stages

Practice 'micro-integrations' - Set brief, daily 2-3 minute check-ins with yourself to reconnect with ceremony insights

Pay attention to your dreams - The post-ceremony period often brings vivid or meaningful dreams that can offer additional insights

Use anchoring techniques - Create physical reminders like a bracelet or stone that you can touch to reconnect with your ceremony insights

Approach insights with humility - Some of the most profound wisdom reveals itself gradually over time rather than immediately

Allow mystery - Allow the ineffable aspects to remain mysterious; not everything needs intellectual analysis

Honour your unique journey - Your journey is unique; comparing your process to others' can create unnecessary pressure

Be aware of spiritual bypassing - Acknowledge that genuine transformation includes facing difficult emotions, not just focusing on 'love and light'

Value subtle as much as intense - Dramatic emotional releases aren't necessarily more valuable than subtle shifts in perspective

Cultivate practices that truly resonates with you - Find authentic ways to nurture your insights rather than adopting practices that don't feel genuine to you

Be mindful about media consumption - Create a protective space for your sensitive state by choosing information sources consciously

Watch for patterns you've outgrown - Notice when old behaviors resurface and whether they still serve your evolving self, especially in relationships

Be mindful of substances that might cloud clarity - Alcohol and other psychoactives may dim the residual glow of insights still integrating

Engage actively with your experience - Honor the journey by dedicating conscious effort to working with what you've received

Let major insights mature before action - Give significant revelations time to settle, seeking reflection and diverse perspectives before reshaping your life

Hold messages with gentle discernment - Receive wisdom with an open heart while allowing it to unfold through your lived experience

Remember, it's normal to feel a range of emotions after a retreat or a workshop. Integration is a personal journey, and there's no single 'correct' approach. If you encounter challenges or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your facilitator or retreat center or someone you trust for support.

While the afterglow period offers profound opportunities for growth, it’s essential to understand that not all post-ceremony experiences unfold smoothly. Some journeys bring encounters with challenging experiences. You might feel energetically vulnerable or experience unexpected connections to something perceived as negative or harmful. While these phenomena can feel quite real, remember they are part of a broader landscape of consciousness exploration.

Psychological responses vary widely. Some report adverse mental health effects, including feelings of disconnection, loss of pleasure, anxiety, or depression. While many consider these part of a transformative process, incidental people seek professional support when difficulties persist. Anxiety or panic sensations are particularly common, as are experiences of feeling slightly detached from reality or your body—known as derealization and depersonalization.

Sleep patterns often shift dramatically, especially after night ceremonies. Some experience insomnia for days, while others find themselves revisiting the journey state during dreams, waking with intense sensations, frightening imagery, or a feeling of losing their grip on reality. These sleep disturbances can intensify anxiety and complicate integration further.

Your worldview might undergo profound shifts. While beneficial transformation can occur, it sometimes leads to existential struggles as you attempt to reconcile new insights with everyday life. This 'ontological shock', a profound disruption in one’s worldview causing intense existential confusion or distress, can leave you grappling to understand your place in the world.

Be especially mindful of spiritual bypassing—using spiritual experiences to avoid addressing practical life issues. Similarly, hastily acting on perceived messages—especially 'callings' to become a shaman, healer or dramatically change your life—often stems from ego inflation or 'guruism', rather than authentic guidance.

Having supportive structures matters deeply. Without grounding community support or understanding practitioners, returning to ordinary life can feel isolating. Seeking informed, professional support familiar with psychedelic integration is crucial for managing lasting difficulties. Practices like meditation, mindfulness, journaling, acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and physical grounding activities may also significantly aid in your integration.


If you notice these unpleasant patterns emerging

• Document your experiences without judgment

• Connect with others who understand these states

• Seek professional support specifically trained in psychedelic integration


Remember: seeking support when integration becomes challenging is wisdom, not weakness. Every journey serves its purpose, and with proper care and informed support, even the most difficult experiences can become pathways to deeper understanding.