Preparation and Dieta
The transformation you seek begins long before you arrive at the Sanctuary. Proper preparation, known as the Dieta…is not just about food; it’s a sacred commitment designed to keep you safe, deepen your experience, and optimize your neuroplasticity for lasting change.
Preparing the Mind & Spirit
Creating a safe internal environment (Set) is just as important as the physical location (Setting). This focuses on energetic discipline, self-awareness, and focus.
Set Intentions
Setting intentions helps guide your journey and maximize its benefits. Start by reflecting on what you hope to gain: personal growth, healing, clarity on specific challenges, or spiritual insight.
Practice: Write your intentions down or mentally affirm them daily. Bring your intentions (and a pen and paper) to the ceremony—they serve as a to-do list or reference point for integration afterward.
Remember: Be open to whatever arises without rigidly clinging to specific outcomes.
Practice Mindfulness & Grounding Techniques
Cultivating a calm, centered mind is essential for navigating the intensity of the experience.
Meditation & Breathwork: Regular practice helps cultivate a calm mind and relax the body. Deep breathing exercises can ease intensity during the ceremony.
Journaling: Write down thoughts and emotions leading up to the retreat. This clarifies your inner state and provides a reference point for post-retreat work.
Nature Connection: Spend time in nature to foster a sense of connection and peace.
Body Awareness: Practice body scans to become aware of physical sensations and tension. Relaxing the body promotes openness and receptivity.
Self-Compassion: Be kind and gentle with yourself. Approach the experience with respect, caution, and an open mind.
Abstain from Sexual Activity (Energetic Discipline)
We ask participants to hold their sexual energy for at least 3 days prior to the ceremony. This vital aspect of preparation provides maximum life force in your mind and body, giving you the strength for a deeper, clearer, and more successful experience. This includes sexual release, with partners or alone.
Preparing the Body
The Non-Negotiable Medical Dieta
One Week Prior (7 Days)
Medications & Supplements: Absolutely NO medications (prescription or over-the-counter) or supplements. Pay special attention to disclosing everything at the time of applying.
Forbidden Foods & Drinks: Start eliminating processed foods, junk food, salty snacks, fried food, red meat, pork, dairy, spicy foods, garlic, citrus, ginger, onion, dark drinks (coffee, sodas, etc.), ice, ice cream, ice cold drinks, fermented foods/drinks (kombucha, apple cider vinegar), and alcohol.
Psychedelics & Herbs: Refrain from the use of Cannabis/Marijuana, Psilocybin mushrooms, Kava, St. John’s Wort, Kratom, Kambo, Bufo (5-MeO-DMT), Salvia, Iboga, as well as recreational drugs (cocaine, LSD, MDMA, etc.).
Allowed Foods: Green tea, fish, chicken, and eggs are acceptable, but avoid eggs at least 24 hours before ceremony.
Three Days Prior (72 Hours)
Medications & Supplements: Absolutely NO medications or supplements.
Dietary Restrictions: Minimize seasonings and consume little to no salt.
Focus on whole foods, drink plenty of water and herbal teas.
No preservatives, alcohol, minimize coffee, spicy food, sugar, minimal citrus fruits, liquid and powdered protein (chocho root powder is acceptable), dietary supplements, dairy products, soybeans or soy products, and any drugs. (Organic white meat is acceptable)..
The Day After the Ceremony
Continued Dieta: You are required to keep the Dieta for at least 24 hours after ceremony. This minimizes any ‘shocks to your system’ as your channels are slowly closing and require special care.
Sleeping Aids: If you are unable to sleep, do not take any sleeping aids until at least 24 hours have passed.
The Day Of Ceremony
Fast: Have your last meal a minimum of 6 hours before ceremony. Fasting is beneficial but not strictly necessary.
Final Restrictions: Absolutely no medications or supplements. Avoid salty foods, foods containing preservatives, yeast extract, protein dietary supplements (including L-Tyrosine), marmite, tartex, smoked meat and meat extracts, soybean products, broad beans, chocolate, aged cheeses, fermented foods (sauerkraut, miso, kombucha), dried fruit, and over-ripe fruits.
Hydration: Make sure to drink plenty of water.
What Can I Eat?
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What Can I Eat? 〰️
Simple foods are key. Focus on preparing simple foods at home like lentil soup, fish, whole grain rice, veggies, plantains, coconuts, palm hearts, avocado, potatoes, chicken soup, fish soup, veggie soup, or kitchari.
Power of the Womb
We hold deep respect for the sacred rhythms of the body. In the powerful Cofán Yagé tradition, we approach the energy of the menstrual cycle with specific caution.
Safety Precaution: During menstruation, the womb is open and highly sensitive, which can lead to discomfort, energetic overwhelm, or difficulty integrating the intense experience of Yagé.
Our Protocol: To honor your cycle and the tradition, we ask that participants refrain from drinking Yagé while actively bleeding. You will instead receive a different, supportive plant medicine chosen to harmonize with the menstrual energy.
Sacred Support: You will also receive a special private ritual in honor of your blood and womb, and a protective belt and herbal support.
Flexibility: We recommend considering a flexible return flight. If your cycle aligns with the retreat, we offer a free extended stay to allow you to participate in a Yagé ceremony once your cycle is complete.
This approach ensures the protection of your body, your energy, the ceremonial space, and the sacred tradition.
Menstruation, Protection, and Support
Post-Retreat Dieta
The journey doesn't end when the ceremony closes. Integration involves incorporating the insights gained from the journey into your daily life.
Post-Ceremony Dieta: Our first suggestion is maintaining the Dieta for at least 24 hours to maximize the information you are able to receive and implement. Get as much rest as possible.
Reflection & Journaling: Journaling is a powerful tool. Use your intentions and any immediate notes (pen and paper provided) as reminders for the days and years to follow.
Mindfulness & Rest: Allow yourself to rest the mind and just feel. Practice mindfulness and allow your subconscious to absorb and integrate the experience.
Creative Expression & Self-Care: Explore outlets like art, music, or writing. Prioritize self-care (exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and spending time in nature).
Community & Therapy: Connect with others in support groups or consider working with a therapist experienced in psychedelic integration.
Herbal Support: Herbs like Lemon Balm, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, and Lavender can help ground the mind, promote relaxation, and support integration.
Integration is an ongoing process. Be patient and compassionate with yourself, and know we are always available to support you. Learn more about our structured post-retreat support and resources.
How To Prepare?
How To Prepare?
The transformational power of Yagé is deeply connected to your readiness. Proper physical, mental, and spiritual preparation is essential for a safe, successful, and deeply insightful experience.
We provide comprehensive guidance on everything you need to know before you arrive, from the dieta to medication, to yagé and traditions knowledge and mental readiness exercise.
Don't leave preparation to chance. Click the link below to know more: