Traditionally, plant dietas are the primary way a person learns to heal and work with ayahuasca. It is the plants themselves who teach us, not the maesto, which is why many of them are referred to as 'teacher plants'. The term 'dieta' is simply spanish for diet. During a dieta one ingests the plant, usually in the form of a tea or infusion made from either the leaves, bark or roots, depending on the plant. Additionally, there are very strict rules that must be followed during the dieta.
- Only very simple, bland foods are allowed, such as rice, lentils, green plantains, certain kinds of toothless fish and quinoa.
- No salt, sugar, oils, garlic, spicy food, fruit or vegetables.
- No vitamins or precription drugs of any kind.
- Complete abstinance from sex, including masturbation.
- No physical contact with anyone, except the maestro administering the dieta.
- No use of chemicals of any kind. This includes soap, toothpaste, deodorant, insect repellent, etc.
- Being in isolation to eliminate as many distractions as possible.
- No use of cell phones, computers, or any other electronic gadgets.
- No reading. Note: Opinions on this one vary, as it is not possible for a person to be fully focused on the plant spirit 24 hrs a day. Though some maestros allow reading, one should be very careful about what they choose to read, as it will affect your mental state and thought patterns during the dieta.
There has been much discussion about the purpose of the rather severe food restrictions. Why only food without flavor or personality? The simple answer is that the plant spirits themselves gave the instructions for how they should be dieted. While true, and the best reason of all to follow the rules, it is not very satisfying to the western analytical mind. As one continues working with ayahuasca, they begin to see (frequently literally see in their visions) how everything is based on energy patterns and vibration. All the food we consume has its own energetic pattern, which interacts with and alters the energy pattern of our bodies. Eating food with the smallest possible energy signiture allows the energy of the plant being dieted to 'take', or settle into and find a home within your body.
The length of the dieta will vary according to the plant, and the purpose of the dieta. For example, if one is planning on learning to work with the medicine, Ajo-Sacho should be dieted for a minimum of 14 days. If Ajo-Sacha is prescribed for healing purposes, such as the removal of energetic entities, a shorter dieta of 8 days may be sufficient. How often a plant is consumed also varies with the plant. Some will be drank 3 or 4 days in a row, others every other day, and some only once on the first day.
If you are interested in learning more about plant dietas, the following online articles are recommended:
What is a Dieta - Morgan Stanley
The Tradition of Vegetalismo and Dieta - Lunaya Shekinah
Dietas at the Hummingbird Center
Traditional plant dietas are available for those looking to deepen their relationship with the medicine, or who are considering learning to work with ayahuasca. The center has private tambos several hundred meters away from the main houses, so individuals on dietas can have the privacy and quiet they need to develop a connection with the spirit of the plant they are dieting. Dietas at the Hummingbird Center are arranged on an individual basis, and are for a minimum of 2 weeks. If this will be your first dieta, you will most likely begin with Ajo Sacha, which is used to purify and strengthen the body, and prepare it for further work with other plants. Many people have already dieted other plants, and may have a specific preference of a plant to diet. In all cases a dieta will first begin with an ayahuasca ceremony where our shamans will evaluate the individual and make a recommendation based on the guidance they receive from the spirits.
Prices for dietas are the same as those for personal healing retreats.
If you are interested in arranging a plant dieta, please contact us to tell us when and for how long you would like to stay and we will advise you of Center availability. Email ayahuascaRetreats@gmail.com for details. Once you have arranged your dates, you mav download the booking form found on our Make Your Booking page and follow the enclosed instructions.