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The word ayahuasca is a composite of two Quechua words: aya meaning “spirit”, “soul” or “ancestor” and huasca meaning “vine” or “rope” - hence it is known as “the vine of souls”. It plays a central role in the spiritual, healing and cultural traditions of the Amazon and in 2008 was constitutionally recognised by the Peruvian government as a National Treasure. Its ceremonial use is ancient. One of the earliest objects related to it is a specially-engraved cup, now a museum piece, which was found in the Amazon around 500 BC and shows that ayahuasca has been used as a sacrament for at least 2,500 years.
The brew is made from ayahuasca vine ( Banisteriopsis caapi ) and the leaves of one of the DMT containing plants chacruna ( Psychotria viridis ) or huambisa ( Diplopterys cabrerana ), which is also known as chalipangi. The ayahuasca vine is first cut into 8-12 inch pieces, then pounded with a hard wooden mallet to separate the fibers. While preparing the ayahuasca the shaman holds their intentions in mind, keeping away all negativity. The preparation of ayahuasca is much more than just chemistry, and intention and state of mind of the person doing the preparation has a significant impact on the experience of those who drink it. The pounded vine and leaves are added to a pot and covered with water. This is then boiled and reduced for several hours, attended by the ayahuasquero who uses mapacho smoke ( jungle tobaco ) to blow their intentions and good wishes into it. While cooking, the ayahuasquero also sings icaros, asking for good healings and visions in the ceremonies for which it will be used.
Other plants or tree barks may be added to the brew to modify its healing and visionary effects. Common plants added are mapacho for cleansing, bobinsana for opening the heart, toe for clearer visions, or ajo-sacha for clearing negative energies.
Once the liquid in the pot has boiled down to a few inches, it is drained off, then put into another pot for further reduction to the desired concentration. The final product is usually a very dark brown color, with a slightly sticky consistency.
Ayahuasca and the Healing Experience
The healing process used by ayahuasqueros is focused on cleansing and purifying the energy body, which can pickup all sorts of toxins from our environment and the people around us. Removing these toxins and restoring us to balance and power involves a holistic approach during ceremonies which includes icaros, perfumes, and the movement of energy. Ayahuasca is unique in its ability to operate on multiple levels simultaneously, healing and purifying our physical bodies, our minds and emotions, and our spirit. These negative energies are removed from us by purging, which can take many forms:
- Vomitting
- Diarrhea
- Body trembles
- Crying - simple tears or sobbing, often without knowing why
- Uncontrollable yawning
- Sweating
- Shivering
Many people come to ayahuasca not believing that spirits are all around us, that they can influence us without us being aware of it. Not many leave with those same beliefs. Though this concept is foreign to most people in westernized countries, spirits (you may prefer the term energies) do exist that can take up residence in our bodies. They are in a sense parasites, feeding off different energies, including those of our thoughts and emotions. These spirits not only feed off these energies, they have the ability to manipulate our thoughts and emotions so we generate them, in effect 'growing' their food. Ayahuasca and the ayahuasquero work to clear these spirits and energies so they no longer influence us. This frequently results in people feeling much more tranquil and peaceful, being less irritable and slow to anger, experiencing a calmer more quiet mental process, and having an easier time staying focused. Not all people have these spirits and energies that do not belong, but it is a common occurence. It is also common for people to see these spirits leaving their bodies while purging, especially in their vomit bowl.
The Ayahuasca Diet
Working with ayahuasca also involves adherence to a special diet which prepares your body, mind and soul to incorporate the healing energy of the brew. The diet we follow at The Hummingbird is in keeping with the teachings of ayahuasqueros from across the Peruvian Amazon. It can be a journey of exploration and discovery in itself, bringing greater self-awareness, knowledge of the plants and of the personal routines, rituals and habits which make us what we are. The main benefit of shamanic diets, however, is that they help us develop a deeper connection to Nature, to spirit and to ayahuasca. They involve purification, retreat and the exclusion of some foods and activities so we can cleanse ourselves and detach from the mundane world.
One should not partake of the following foods and activities when working with ayahuasca:
- Pork
- Alcohol
- All recreational drugs
- Red meat
- Sugar. Fruits are allowed.
- Chilis, or other hot and spicy foods
- Garlic
- Oils
- Any form of sex
It is a good idea to begin abstaining from these foods and activities at least 3 days before coming to the center to begin your purification process before you arrive. It is more important to follow these restrictions for 3-7 days after you leave so the healings received will not be diminished or lost. You will be individually advised on this based on the healings and transformations received during your time at the Hummingbird Center.