Preparation
Preparation Guide
📖 15 min✓ Clinician Reviewed
Research-backed steps to physically, mentally, and spiritually prepare for ayahuasca.
Important Disclaimer
This guide is informational only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers before starting any new substance or health regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take medications.
Medical Screening
Before any ceremony, a thorough health screening is essential:
- Cardiovascular health: Ayahuasca increases heart rate. Those with hypertension, heart disease, or arrhythmias must consult a cardiologist.
- Mental health: A history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia is typically a contraindication without clinical oversight.
- Current medications: SSRIs, MAOIs, and other psychiatric medications can interact dangerously with DMT and ayahuasca.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, and epilepsy require medical clearance.
Consult your physician and disclose all medications and supplements.
Dietary Preparation (The Dieta)
The traditional "dieta" restricts certain foods to prepare the body and mind:
- Avoid: Pork, red meat, fried foods, oils, salt, sugar, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol for 1-2 weeks before ceremony
- Eat: Fresh vegetables, rice, beans, plantains, fish, fresh fruits
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water
- Fast: 4-6 hours before ceremony
The dieta supports liver health and is thought to increase sensitivity to the medicine.
Mental & Emotional Preparation
- Set an intention: What do you want to understand or heal? Be specific but open.
- Surrender practice: Practice letting go of control. Meditation or breathwork helps.
- Journal: Write about what brought you to this threshold. Get clear on your "why."
- Release expectations: The ceremony often offers what you need, not what you expect.
- Therapy: If you have unresolved trauma, pre-ceremony therapy can be helpful.
Practical Logistics
- Retreat vetting: See "How to Vet a Retreat" guide
- Accommodation: Bring comfortable clothing, journal, pen, toiletries
- Transportation: Arrange safe transport; don't drive after ceremony
- Time off: Schedule at least 3-5 days of integration time post-ceremony
- Support: Arrange a trusted friend or therapist for post-ceremony processing