How to Prepare for your Journey

Once you have committed to making this journey, there is a lot you can do to make the most of your trip. Most importantly, is how you prepare your physical, psychological and spiritual being. The term "Dieta" is often used not only for the food one consumes before and during ayahuasca ceremonies, but also to other parts of your life that might affect your physical or mental state of health.

In the Shipibo tradition, a "Dieta" is like a prescription given by a Shaman for very specific reasons, such as to cure a particular illness, or to improve a certain quality of life. This kind of Dieta may last for months, (or more), and is often very strict.

For the purpose of our retreats, we recommend a simple version of a "Dieta" which will help you get acquainted with the medicine. Once you arrive at Tierra Vida, all the proper foods will be served, and the environment is ideal. However, it's a great idea to start your Dieta ahead of time... you'll feel better, have more energy, and less junk in your system to purge so the medicine can work at deeper levels.

Things to avoid:

  • Drugs:

    It is important that any prescription, over-the-counter medications, and even potent herbal preparations are discussed on your registration form or directly with your facilitator. Avoid recreational drugs such as pain-killers or stimulants (including mdma). We do not recommend using other psychedelic substances as the retreat draws near, though not dangerous, it's good to keep your brain receptors open and clear! Marijuana is not a problem, but many people find it beneficial to abstain from that medicine as well.

  • Foods:

    Pork, red meat, salt*, sugar, alcohol, dairy, processed foods, and spicy foods*. **Please don't abstain from salt until a few days before the retreat. Also, there is no problem with spicy foods until a few days before arriving.

  • Caffeine:

    Your Dieta is a good time to cut back on or eliminate caffeine from your system. This is not a strict requirement. You will be more relaxed during ceremony. However, it is not dangerous, and it's better to have some morning tea or coffee than endure major headaches or terrible mood swings during the retreat.

  • Sex:

    Most traditional Dieta's in the Shipibo tradition require abstaining from sex. We recommend abstinence at least a few days prior and a few days after the retreat. We ask participants to respect each other's boundaries and not to make any sexual advances towards another participant during the retreat.

  • Media:

    It's a good idea to minimize "screen time", or other forms of negative input into your system!

Things to Focus on:

  • Food:

    Fresh vegetables, fish and poultry, rice/whole grains, soups and salads, seeds and nuts. You probably know what foods are best for your system, so try to make the healthiest choices for you.

  • Personal practice:

    The Dieta is a great time to step up whatever routine you enjoy for your well-being. Yoga, exercise, meditation, dance, music, ritual, spending time in nature, creativity, laughter, friendship, fun... you get the idea... just be awesome and it will definitely help in ceremony! We recommend you start this now.