About Ayahuasca

The word “Ayahuasca” is a Quechua term composed of two words: aya, which means “corpse, dead, dead human body.” and waskha, which means “rope, cord, braided or twisted wire.” Thus, it has commonly been translated as “the vine of the dead” or “the rope of the dead.”

Ayahuasca is a decoction of the Amazonian vine Banisteriopsis caapi. Its chemical ingredients are known as harmalines. Some ethnic and religious groups add the Psychotria viridis plant to Ayahuasca, which has visionary effects and whose active component is dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

ICEERS International Center for Ethnobotanical Education Research and Service.

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THE HEALING POTENTIALS OF AYAHUASCA

Ayahuasca is not a magic pill that will instantly solve all your problems. However, sometimes solving a problem does happen, especially through integration. Our Ayahuasca retreats in Europe provide a gateway for the journey into wholeness. With clear intentions and a sincere commitment to work with sacred  medicines, there are many potentials for healing and living a whole life—creating reality with purpose.

“Consciousness does not just passively reflect the objective material world; it plays an active role in creating reality itself.”

—Stanislav Grof

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of Ayahuasca in terms of healing:

Unhealthy Habits and Patterns | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Unhealthy Habits and Patterns

It is difficult to overcome addiction and other unhealthy habits. Thus, Ayahuasca is used in many detox programs. The aim is for the person to let go of all the ties linked towards that pattern or addiction, whilst allowing themselves to be forgiven for everything that these patterns have caused.

Anxiety and Fear | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Anxiety and Fear

As with other ailments such as depression, Ayahuasca can help anxiety by directly facing the root of this issue and help the person heal from the fears that cause anxiety, as well as being able to release any sense of guilt that may be causing it.

Burnout | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Burnout

With so many responsibilities, worries and growing issues people have nowadays, it is no wonder that many of us suffer from burnout. Ayahuasca gives people a chance to start from scratch with all the bulk of worries and tribulations. All in all, it will help feel like you are starting with a clean slate and have renewed and refreshed energy.

Fear of Death | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Fear of Death

The fear of death is the primary fear of the human being. This fear, often subconscious, guides our lives. Drinking Ayahuasca can be like having a near-death experience, many participants of the ritual have reported having a death of the ego and experiencing what is beyond the visible, which can help you dissolve your fears and face the end of your earthly life.

Habits | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Social Conditioning

Many of the decisions we make in our lives are conditioned by our family, friends or society in general. Sometimes to such an extent that we stop being true to ourselves. In this case, the benefits of Ayahuasca are applied by helping people find themselves, regain their freedom and be responsible for their lives.

Media Overload | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Media Overload

One of the challenges of society nowadays is living with an excess of information, especially when most of it is irrelevant and can even have negative effects. The media and social media have a great impact on our behaviors, thoughts and emotions. Ayahuasca can help you reconnect with your true self as well as what really matters and have a healthy relationship with screens and information.

Grief | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Grief

Similarly to fear of death, Ayahuasca for grief can help people heal and finally find acceptance towards the death of a loved one, being able to reconnect with them on a certain level, make peace with the deceased and finally move on.

Post-Traumatic Stress | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Post-Traumatic Stress

Ayahuasca for PTSD is one of the most sought after benefits. Why? There are many surveys that point out the benefits of this treatment for people suffering from PTSD, as it can help overcome trauma, help people move past it and detach from the situation that originated it.

Depression | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Depression

Whilst Ayahuasca may not heal depression per se, it can help people understand where the root of their ailment comes from, will help reconnect with themselves and offer them coping mechanisms to eventually overcome it.

Life with Uncertainty | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Life with Uncertainty

It is increasingly difficult to find stability and a certain level of certainty in life, nowadays. Thus, in this case the benefits of Ayahuasca can help you surrender to life, reconnect with yourself and give you the clarity you need to accept the uncertainty of everyday life, be more confident and be able to trust that gut feeling that things will work out.

Weak Immune System | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Weak Immune System

Many studies have found that Ayahuasca benefits the redistribution of immune cells, thus helping the body combat disease in a much more efficient manner.

Body Toxicity | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Body Toxicity

The cleansing benefits of Ayahuasca can help in detoxifying the body completely, getting rid of any alien bodies that have entered your system, cleansing it from the inside-out and giving the person a fresh start to treat their body in a healthy and toxic-free manner.

Anxiety and Fear | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Anxiety and Fear

As with other ailments such as depression, ayahuasca can help anxiety by directly facing the root of this issue and help the person heal from the fears that cause anxiety, as well as being able to release any sense of guilt that may be causing it.

Fear of Death | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Fear of Death

The fear of death is the primary fear of the human being. This fear, often subconscious, guides our lives. Drinking ayahuasca can be like having a near-death experience, many participants of the ritual have reported having a death of the ego and experiencing what is beyond the visible, which can help you dissolve your fears and face the end of your earthly life.

Post-Traumatic Stress | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Post-Traumatic Stress

Ayahuasca for PTSD is one of the most sought after benefits. Why? There are many surveys that point out the benefits of this treatment for people suffering from PTSD, as it can help overcome trauma, help people move past it and detach from the situation that originated it.

Weak Immune System | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Weak Immune System

Many studies have found that ayahuasca benefits the redistribution of immune cells, thus helping the body combat disease in a much more efficient manner.

Unhealthy Habits and Patterns | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Unhealthy Habits and Patterns

It is difficult to overcome addiction and other unhealthy habits. Thus, ayahuasca is used in many detox programs. The aim is for the person to let go of all the ties linked towards that pattern or addiction, whilst allowing themselves to be forgiven for everything that these patterns have caused.

Depression | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Depression

Whilst ayahuasca may not heal depression per se, it can help people understand where the root of their ailment comes from, will help reconnect with themselves and offer them coping mechanisms to eventually overcome it.

Grief | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Grief

Similarly to fear of death, ayahuasca for grief can help people heal and finally find acceptance towards the death of a loved one, being able to reconnect with them on a certain level, make peace with the deceased and finally move on.

Body Toxicity | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Body Toxicity

The cleansing benefits of ayahuasca can help in detoxifying the body completely, getting rid of any alien bodies that have entered your system, cleansing it from the inside-out and giving the person a fresh start to treat their body in a healthy and toxic-free manner.

Media Overload | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Media Overload

One of the challenges of society nowadays is living with an excess of information, especially when most of it is irrelevant and can even have negative effects. The media and social media have a great impact on our behaviors, thoughts and emotions. Ayahuasca can help you reconnect with your true self as well as what really matters and have a healthy relationship with screens and information.

Habits | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Social Conditioning

Many of the decisions we make in our lives are conditioned by our family, friends or society in general. Sometimes to such an extent that we stop being true to ourselves. In this case, the benefits of ayahuasca are applied by helping people find themselves, regain their freedom and be responsible for their lives.

Burnout | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Burnout

With so many responsibilities, worries and growing issues people have nowadays, it is no wonder that many of us suffer from burnout. Ayahuasca gives people a chance to start from scratch with all the bulk of worries and tribulations. All in all, it will help feel like you are starting with a clean slate and have renewed and refreshed energy.

Life with Uncertainty | Avalon: Ayahuasca Retreats In Europe

Life with Uncertainty

It is increasingly difficult to find stability and a certain level of certainty in life, nowadays. Thus, in this case the benefits of ayahuasca can help you surrender to life, reconnect with yourself and give you the clarity you need to accept the uncertainty of everyday life, be more confident and be able to trust that gut feeling that things will work out.

AYAHUASCA RETREATS TRANSFORMATION

Deep transformation is possible at our retreats. Plant medicines show us, and aid us, in transforming ourselves—so that we may live a more soulful life and enhance the world around us.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

- Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

The benefits of Ayahuasca go beyond healing. This ancestral, medicinal plant can also help you improve yourself, reach higher levels of potential and release the best version of yourself. Let’s take a look at the main transformational benefits: 

Clarity of Life and Purpose 1

Clarity of Life and Purpose

If you are having doubts on which path to take, find decision-making hard, or are not clear on your life purpose, an Ayahuasca ceremony can help you immerse into your higher self and find that answer that has always existed in the depths of your unconscious mind.

Expansion of Consciousness 1

Expansion of Consciousness

Reach a new level of consciousness as Ayahuasca can help you view your inner self and your surroundings in a completely different light, connecting not only with you but with every energy that surrounds you.

Unleashing Highest Potential 2

Unleashing Highest Potential

What is your life’s calling? What is your gift or talent? Another of the benefits of Ayahuasca is that it helps you in the process of getting rid of whatever is holding you back from the life you want. Moreover, it also guides you to think outside the box and pinpoint your best attributes and help you to set you up for success.

Inner Peace 1

Inner Peace

Although this point is pretty self-explanatory, we would like to highlight this benefit of Ayahuasca as it is one of the most popular reasons to attend a ceremony. Find your acceptance from within, get rid of bad thoughts or energy and learn just to be content.

Spiritual Awakening 2

Spiritual Awakening

You may sometimes find it hard to connect with your most spiritual side. Know that everybody has one, it is just a question of finding it. Ayahuasca can help you reach the spiritual capacity that you have within.

Enhanced Creativity 2

Enhanced Creativity

Let’s not forget that we are dealing with a psychedelic plant with Ayahuasca. Thus, if you are searching for new creative grounds, this experience will unblock that white canvas syndrome and unleash the artsy part of your brain and find new ideas and grounds to create.

Improved Interpersonal Relationships

Improved Interpersonal Relationships

Ayahuasca can help you really feel what it’s like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Find new empathy for the people around you to build stronger, healthier and longer-lasting bonds with your loved ones.

Clarity of Life and Purpose 1

Clarity of Life and Purpose

If you are having doubts on which path to take, find decision-making hard, or are not clear on your life purpose, an ayahuasca ceremony can help you immerse into your higher self and find that answer that has always existed in the depths of your unconscious mind.

Spiritual Awakening 2

Spiritual Awakening

You may sometimes find it hard to connect with your most spiritual side. Know that everybody has one, it is just a question of finding it. Ayahuasca can help you reach the spiritual capacity that you have within.

Enhanced Creativity 2

Enhanced Creativity

Let’s not forget that we are dealing with a psychedelic plant with ayahuasca. Thus, if you are searching for new creative grounds, this experience will unblock that white canvas syndrome and unleash the artsy part of your brain and find new ideas and grounds to create.

Expansion of Consciousness 1

Expansion of Consciousness

Reach a new level of consciousness as ayahuasca can help you view your inner self and your surroundings in a completely different light, connecting not only with you but with every energy that surrounds you.

Unleashing Highest Potential 2

Unleashing Highest Potential

What is your life’s calling? What is your gift or talent? Another of the benefits of ayahuasca is that it helps you in the process of getting rid of whatever is holding you back from the life you want. Moreover, it also guides you to think outside the box and pinpoint your best attributes and help you to set you up for success.

Inner Peace 1

Inner Peace

Although this point is pretty self-explanatory, we would like to highlight this benefit of ayahuasca as it is one of the most popular reasons to attend a ceremony. Find your acceptance from within, get rid of bad thoughts or energy and learn just to be content.

Improved Interpersonal Relationships

Improved Interpersonal Relationships

Ayahuasca can help you really feel what it’s like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Find new empathy for the people around you to build stronger, healthier and longer-lasting bonds with your loved ones.

What to expect during an ayahuasca ceremony

One of the most burning questions people have is what an Ayahuasca ceremony looks like. What will they feel? What should they expect? It is very important to take into account that every Ayahuasca experience is unique so there is no way to predict how will be unfolding and, also, one of the keys to a great experience is not having expectations. However, here is a very small summary of what often happens, step by step.

Space protection:

After sunset, the shaman and facilitators cleanse the space and each of the people in the room, for a safe and pleasant experience. 

Rapé ceremony:

Dry tobacco powder helps to clear the mind, enter a meditative state as well as stimulate the pineal gland (responsible for having visions), deepening the connection with Ayahuasca.

Silence

It depends on the tradition of the shaman. Normally a space of silence is left when drinking the first cup to connect depper with the plant and feel its first effects.

The effects of Ayahuasca

The effects of Ayahuasca are many and vary from person to person. You may have hallucinations in the form of bright colours or even see shapes and people. You should also be aware that you may also experience the purge. A common side effect is vomiting and diarrhoea. It is important to embrace these effects as a part of the detoxification and cleansing that the ceremony offers. 

Medicine music, ícaros and sounds

The shaman and musicians begin performing music, which are songs designed to boost the effects on each person and guide them on their journey.

Second door. Drink the tea again

All attendees have the possibility to drink a second time and even more times if they wish. In this way it is possible to go deeper in the journey as well as open new processes.

Closing of the ceremony

After the shaman feels it is right, normally around eight hours later, he or she will formally close the session. At this time the participants usually go to rest.

YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SUBJECT IN OUR ARTICLE:

What Happens in an Ayahuasca Ceremony?

What is the song of Ikaros?

With many today turning to natural treatments, it’s understandable to be curious about Ayahuasca and its benefits. Maybe you aren’t sure what to expect — and that’s why you are here. Or, maybe you are curious about its medicinal properties and what the whole experience is like.

The ancient medicinal brew has origins in Peru and all over the Amazon. It’s a thick and brown tea, and it’s made with Caapi, a vine that only grows in the rainforest. The plant leaves have hallucinogenic properties. It’s used for various purposes and has been used throughout the centuries to solve problems, treat illnesses, achieve enlightenment, and so much more.

MORE INFORMATION

If you would like to read a bit more on the subject, why not visit our blog, where you will find articles on all of the questions you may be asking yourself on the subject: 

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Ayahuasca dieta – Getting intimate with Ayahuasca

The Ayahuasca dieta is a full imersion into the world of Ayahuasca, that can last from two weeks, up to a year, or even more. During this period, a program is being defined where Ayahuasca is being served periodically, with, or in some cases without, any other food or activities.

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