What Really Happens When You Drink The "Shaman Drink" Ayachuasca

Ayahuacsa tea is a psychedelic brew that was traditionally used in shamanic healing rituals all over the Amazon. It’s made by boiling the leaves of Chacruna with the Ayahuasca vine which triggers a visionary experience that usually lasts between four to six hours. So what really happens when you drink the “Shaman drink” ayahuasca? Read on…

How It Works

After drinking ayahuasca in a ceremony, the connectivity of neurons within the brain changes — the areas linked to maintaining and creating a sense of self become correlated to memories and emotions. It has been proven that long-term use can transform perceptions which lead to psychological problems such as PTSD, addiction, and depression. As brain activity and connectivity increases, our perception becomes much richer, disabling compulsive patterns of thought and behavior. This effect is similar to ones found during meditation, suggesting that these ancient healing practices may activate the same neurological circuits to bring about therapeutic effects.

Ayahuasca Benefits

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Ayahuasca tea triggers an antidepressant effect that starts soon after taking the brew and can last for a couple of weeks – this is known as the “after-glow” – harnessing the after-glow may lead to faster, longer-lasting treatments for depression. Other health benefits include:

- An increased feeling of love and empathy

- Spiritual experiences that are life-changing

- An enhancement of efficiency

- An identification of the totality of life

- An expansion in consciousness

- Body strengthening

- Self-healing allowing a genuine transformation of determination, motivation, and intention

Ayahuasca Side Effects

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Without the correct preparation and guidance, there can be some side effects due to the intense nature of the ayahuasca experience. Some of these include:

- Becoming overwhelmed by the experience and unable to become grounded

- Post traumatic stress if you had a bad trip without guidance afterwards

- Emotional trauma or depression if the information is not well integrated

- Nausea, vomiting, and general body pain

- Fear due to the psychedelic experience being too strong

- Delusions if the visions are not interpreted and integrated correctly

Ayahuasca Ceremonies

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Ayahuasca tea ceremonies have been traditionally performed in South America for thousands of years. The ceremony itself is a powerful spiritual release that opens up an individual to greater awareness. Music is chosen to guide the participant through the spiritual journey, allowing the mind to enter into the realm of endless space.

It begins with an opening prayer to set the intention and affirm protection for the ceremony and to invoke guidance from the higher realms of ayahuasca. Some participants will feel the effects after 15 minutes whilst others may take up to two hours.

Ayahuasca Retreat

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When you’re looking for a retreat center dedicated to guiding you to finding balance and connection with your higher self, then the Spirit Vine Retreat in Brazil is the ideal location. The center is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens within the lush forest, where you’ll be able to attend ayahuasca tea ceremonies, spiritual workshops that help you prepare for the ayahuasca experience and to empower yourself. The eight and nine-day retreats are a gateway to experiencing pure bliss in this sacred wonderland!