PREPARATION
While numerous therapeutic approaches at Ananda Ashram are accessible to newcomers without previous exposure, engaging in sacred ceremonies involving plant medicines necessitates adequate preparation and comprehension. This is crucial for ensuring your safety and to guarantee a rewarding healing journey.
It is also vital to consult with your physician and inform us of any medications you are currently taking at the time of registration, to safeguard your overall health and safety.
​
This section is structured to guide you through various physical activities and practices beneficial both before and during your stay at Ananda Ashram. Some activities are highly recommended or mandatory (like adhering to the dieta in preparation for your plant medicine experiences), while others are suggested to augment your experiences or assist you through your plant medicine journeys.
​
​
DIETA AND MEDICAL GUIDELINES
​
Many of the healing practices available at Ananda Ashram can be approached without previous experience, but engaging in plant medicine ceremonies demands both preparation and comprehension for your own safety and to ensure a meaningful healing journey.
​
Your preparation is aimed at enhancing the impact of your experience with the medicinal plants. By dedicating your time, energy, resources, and commitment to healing, you make a significant investment. We recommend viewing this preparatory phase not just as a series of restrictions but as a meaningful investment in yourself. It's also a way to honor the plants and the tradition, which guides this healing practice.
Remember to treat yourself kindly and approach everything you do with love.
​
MEDICAL OVERVIEW
​
During your intake process, you will discuss all medications (including over-the-counter) and supplements (herbal & vitamin) with our support team. They will assist you in understanding any medical or psychological contraindications with plant medicine ceremonies. It is always advisable to consult your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions, and to follow their advice regarding any tapering schedules. We strongly advise against altering or stopping the use of medications or medically necessary supplements without first consulting your primary care physician.
​
Certain medications and supplements can have adverse interactions with plant medicine ceremonies. The combination of pharmaceutical drugs, supplements, and medications (including some over-the-counter drugs and specific herbs) can be potentially life-threatening. Some are recommended to be discontinued as they may hinder the healers' ability to clearly perceive one’s energy field, which is essential for addressing the root causes in the energetic work performed during the ceremony. This is also applicable to certain energetic practices and other psychedelic medicines.
​
Once again, we emphasize the importance of consulting with your doctor and informing us about any medications and supplements you are currently using at the time of registration. This is vital for ensuring your total safety and well-being. Additionally, if there are any changes to your medication before the start of your retreat, it is crucial that you notify us.
​
DIETARY OVERVIEW
Following the dietary requirements in preparation for your retreat helps to lay the groundwork for the medicine experience, demonstrates respect for the process and commitment to your healing, and prepares your body to receive the medicine. It can also reduce the amount of cleansing needed to be done in ceremony, in order to allow the healing work to unfold more easily. In general, we encourage you to eat whole foods, limiting processed foods and foods high in salt, sugar, oils, and animal fats, along with the additional foods listed below.
​
DIETA, ENERGETIC AND MEDICAL GUIDELINES
4 WEEKS
PRIOR TO YOUR RETREAT
2 WEEKS
PRIOR TO YOUR RETREAT
1 WEEK
PRIOR TO YOUR RETREAT
-
Pork and pork products
-
Engaging with various psychedelic and/or psychoactive substances, which include, but are not limited to, cannabis, MDMA, ketamine, and all other psychedelic drugs.
-
Recreational drugs or substances (including alcohol)
-
Pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drugs, unless they have been individually discussed and approved by our support team during your intake process.
-
It's important to be aware that certain medications, including most SSRI's, might necessitate a discontinuation period longer than four weeks. Please ensure you disclose any and all medications you are taking during your intake process.
-
Our approach to managing SSRI's and other medications extends beyond strict pharmacological contraindications, as we also consider psychological and energetic aspects in our guidance. We evaluate all medications and supplements individually, which is why it's crucial to fully disclose all such details in your intake form.
-
Reducing the intake of highly processed foods.
-
Minimizing the consumption of salt and salt-rich foods.
-
Reducing consumption of foods high in sugar and processed sugars.
-
Decreasing intake of foods rich in oils and animal fats.
-
Red Meat
-
Spicy Foods
-
Cheese
-
Soy, peanut and broad beans
-
Engaging in sexual or sensual activities alone or with others.
-
Dairy
-
Overly ripe foods
-
Fermented and smoked foods
-
Caffeine and alcoholic drinks
-
Refined sugars
-
Partaking in activities that stimulate adrenaline, such as skydiving, extreme sports, endurance challenges, getting a tattoo, watching horror films, etc. Moderate exercises are acceptable. The key concept is to maintain stable base energy and adrenaline levels, avoiding peaks and drops. The aim is to achieve a balanced state before your retreat, which will also aid in maintaining a consistent energy level during your stay with us.
At Ananda Ashram, we maintain a high standard for every facet of the healing journey. We are of the belief that anyone drawn to the medicine, irrespective of their chosen location for participation, should be well-informed about the potential risks as well as the existing wisdom, traditions, and guidelines, encompassing both spiritual and medical aspects, in preparation for such an experience.
PREPARATION FOR PLANT MEDICINE CEREMONY
Setting intentions and maintaining discipline are core aspects of preparing for your plant medicine journey. Many individuals choose to establish intentions for their experience, posing specific questions related to the areas they intend to explore. Nevertheless, it's crucial to recognize that you may not necessarily receive the exact answers you seek.
In general, it's advisable to avoid having overly rigid expectations. Surrendering to the process and having trust that you will receive what you require, even if it doesn't perfectly align with your intentions, is essential.
WHAT IS INTENTION?
Intention refers to a clear and focused purpose or goal that an individual sets for their experience with the medicine. It is a fundamental aspect of preparing for and participating in a plant medicine ceremony, and here's why it is considered important:
01
Clarity of Purpose
Setting an intention helps you define why you are engaging in the plant medicine ceremony. It provides a clear focus and direction for your journey, allowing you to explore specific aspects of yourself, your life, or your healing process.
02
Guidance for the Experience
Your intention serves as a guide for the experience. It can help steer your thoughts, emotions, and insights during the ceremony, making it more likely that you will have a meaningful and transformative experience.
03
Alignment with Healing
Many people turn to plant medicine ceremonies for healing, whether it's physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual. By setting an intention related to your healing goals, you align your experience with the potential for growth and healing.
04
Integration
After the ceremony, the insights and experiences gained need to be integrated into your daily life. An intention acts as a bridge between the ceremony and your ongoing journey, providing a sense of purpose and direction for how to apply what you've learned.
05
Respect for the Medicine
Plant medicines are often considered sacred, and setting an intention demonstrates respect for the power and wisdom of the plants. It shows your readiness and willingness to engage with the medicine in a mindful and purposeful way.
It's important to note that while setting an intention is valuable, it's also essential to approach the plant medicine ceremony with an open heart and a sense of surrender. Sometimes, the experience may take unexpected turns, and you may receive insights or healing that go beyond your initial intention. Flexibility and trust in the process are equally important.
Ultimately, intention helps create a container for your plant medicine journey, allowing you to explore, heal, and grow in a meaningful and intentional way.