Archie Hayes If you’re into self-improvement and have been working to heal from traumatic past events, you might have considered an ayahuasca retreat.
These retreats have been popping up all over the world, and as they’re starting to become more mainstream, the misinformation surrounding them is also on the increase.
Many assumptions you might have heard about ayahuasca retreats come from exaggerated stories or a lack of firsthand knowledge, and it’s helpful to understand what really happens at these retreats so you can make an informed decision about whether or not they’re right for you.
Keep reading for the five most common misconceptions about ayahuasca retreats.
Misconception 1: Ayahuasca Is Just a Recreational Drug
Some people assume that it’s common to take ayahuasca for fun, like other psychedelics, but this actually isn’t the case.
Ayahuasca has been used for millennia in South American healing ceremonies, and it’s not the kind of drug to take casually with your friends when you’re bored one evening. People who’ve taken ayahuasca say that the experience is intense, both mentally and physically, and you’ll usually be under the guidance of experienced shamans or facilitators.
Misconception 2: Ayahuasca Always Leads to a Life-Changing Revelation
You’ve probably read stories about people discovering their truest selves and taking drastic action after taking ayahuasca, and if you’re feeling lost or confused in life, this can make the drug particularly alluring.
But keep in mind that not everyone experiences a major personal breakthrough at an ayahuasca retreat. In fact, you might actually leave with more questions than answers, or you might need to process your experiences over weeks or months. So, don’t expect instant transformation: you might just end up disappointed.
Misconception 3: The Experience Is Always Positive
Ayahuasca retreats focus on the benefits of the herb, but it’s important to understand that taking ayahuasca can also bring up difficult emotions and memories—not to mention the discomfort related to the physical symptoms you may experience, like vomiting and diarrhea.
You might end up facing fear, sadness, or confusion during an ayahuasca ceremony. And yes, this may help you on your healing journey, but you need to be okay with the fact that the process itself can be hard. Retreats like Etnikas have experienced shamans on hand to guide you through any uncomfortable emotions you may experience.
Misconception 4: Ayahuasca Is a Cure-All
Some people believe that ayahuasca can “fix” them in the way that therapy and other less invasive treatments cannot.
But the reality is ayahuasca isn’t a magic solution. Just because it offers an intense experience, that doesn’t mean you’ll cure a mental illness or leave the retreat a different person. Everyone reacts differently to ayahuasca, but in all cases, you shouldn’t see it as a long-term fix.
Misconception 5: You Can Just Show Up Without Preparation
Finally, if you’ve never attended an ayahuasca retreat before, you might assume that you can drink ayahuasca without changing your routine beforehand, but this is incorrect.
Most retreats recommend that you follow dieta, a special diet that limits certain foods and alcohol, for a few weeks before the experience. You’ll also need to prepare mentally, setting clear intentions before your visit, so you get the most out of the experience.
