Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca, also known as the tea, the vine, and la purga, is a beverage produced from the stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria Viridis shrub. Other plants and substances may also be added (1Trusted Source).
Ancient Amazonian tribes employed this beverage for spiritual and religious purposes. Likewise, certain religious groups in Brazil and North America, like the Santo Daime, regard it as a sacred beverage.
Ayahuasca rituals are traditionally led by a shaman or curandero, a skilled healer who makes the brew by boiling Banisteriopsis caapi vine stalks and shredded leaves from the Psychotria Viridis plant in water.
To maximize the extraction of its therapeutic ingredients, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine is cleaned and broken before boiling.
The water is removed and set aside when the brew has decreased to the shaman’s preference, leaving the plant matter behind. Until a highly concentrated liquid is created, this procedure is repeated. Then, the brew is filtered to eliminate contaminants when it has cooled.
How does it work?
Hallucinogenic qualities are shared by the primary components of ayahuasca, Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria Viridis (2Trusted Source).
N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic compound that naturally exists in the plant Psychotria Viridis, is present in it.
The chemical DMT is a potent psychedelic. However, due to the fact that monoamine oxidases (MAOs) in your liver and the gastrointestinal system quickly break it down, it has a limited bioavailability (2Trusted Source).
Because of this, for DMT to work, it needs to be coupled with something that contains MAO inhibitors (MAOIs). Strong MAOIs termed -carbolines are found in Banisteriopsis caapi and have psychedelic effects (3Trusted Source).
These two plants work together to create a potent psychedelic concoction that impacts the neurological system and can cause hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, and bliss.
SUMMARY
Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria Viridis are the two plants used to make ayahuasca. Due to the hallucinogenic components, ingesting ayahuasca causes a change in awareness.
How is Ayahuasca used?
Although specific communities have historically taken ayahuasca for religious and spiritual purposes, it has gained popularity with people all over the world who want to expand their brains, get over traumatic experiences, or go on an Ayahuasca adventure.
Given that an Ayahuasca trip results in an altered state of consciousness that lasts for several hours, it is strongly advised that ayahuasca only be used under the guidance of an experienced shaman.
Multi-day Ayahuasca retreats are available in places like Brazil, Costa Rica, and Peru, in the US even in Atlanta, GA attracting many visitors. They are guided by seasoned shamans who make the drink and keep an eye on the participants to ensure their security.
It is advised that attendees abstain from coffee, caffeine-containing products, narcotics, alcohol, sex, and cigarettes before participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony to cleanse their bodies.
Additionally, it’s frequently advised to adhere to specific diets, such as vegetarianism or veganism, for 2-4 weeks before the encounter. This is said to remove toxins from the body.
Ceremony and use of ayahuasca
Ayahuasca rituals often last at night until the drug’s effects have subsided. Then, participants are given Ayahuasca, often in many doses, after the area has been cleaned up and sanctified by the shaman leading the ritual.
Most people begin to experience the effects of the Ayahuasca within 20 to 60 minutes after taking it. However, the results vary on the dosage, and the trip might last between 2 and 6 hours (4Trusted Source).
Ayahuasca users may experience euphoric sensations, severe visual and aural hallucinations, mind-altering psychedelic effects, fear, and paranoia, among other symptoms (4Trusted Source).
It should be emphasised that some side effects, such as nausea and diarrhoea, are considered natural components of the cleaning process.
Ayahuasca affects people differently. While some people sense ecstasy and enlightenment, others experience extreme anxiety and terror. In addition, Ayahuasca users frequently report both beneficial and harmful effects from the beverage.
Throughout the Ayahuasca experience, the shaman and other knowledgeable individuals will provide participants with spiritual direction and keep an eye out for their safety. In case of emergency, some retreats also have medical personnel on-site.
These rituals can occasionally be performed back-to-back, with participants taking Ayahuasca a few nights in a row. This is because Ayahuasca produces a unique experience each time you use it.
What are the potential benefits of Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca users frequently report having good, long-lasting, life-altering transformations due to their experiences. This could be because of how Ayahuasca affects the nervous system.
Recent studies have indicated that Ayahuasca may have various positive effects on health, notably brain health.
Perhaps advantageous for mental health
In several investigations, DMT and -carbolines, the primary active components of ayahuasca, have demonstrated neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties.
The protein sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R), which DMT activates, prevents neurodegeneration and controls the creation of antioxidant substances that assist in safeguarding your brain cells (5Trusted Source).
According to test-tube research, DMT boosted cell survival and shielded human brain cells from oxygen deprivation harm (5Trusted Source).
In test-tube and animal investigations, harmine, the primary -carboline in ayahuasca, was discovered to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and memory-enhancing properties (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
Additionally, it has been seen to raise levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports nerve cell survival and proliferation (6Trusted Source).
Furthermore, research conducted in a test tube revealed that exposure to harmine accelerated the proliferation of human brain progenitor cells by over 70% in just 4 days. In your brain, these cells stimulate the development of new neural cells (8Trusted Source).
How does it work?
Hallucinogenic qualities are shared by the primary components of ayahuasca, Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria Viridis (2Trusted Source).
N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic compound that naturally exists in the plant Psychotria Viridis, is present in it.
The chemical DMT is a potent psychedelic. However, due to the fact that monoamine oxidases (MAOs) in your liver and the gastrointestinal system quickly break it down, it has a limited bioavailability (2Trusted Source).
Because of this, for DMT to work, it needs to be coupled with something that contains MAO inhibitors (MAOIs). Strong MAOIs termed -carbolines are found in Banisteriopsis caapi and have psychedelic effects (3Trusted Source).
These two plants work together to create a potent psychedelic concoction that impacts the neurological system and can cause hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, and bliss.
SUMMARY
Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria Viridis are the two plants used to make ayahuasca. Due to the hallucinogenic components, ingesting ayahuasca causes a change in awareness.
Where do we hold our Ceremonies? We currently have ceremonies at various venues throughout the country but mainly in the South.
Your comfort and safety are our priority during sacred ceremonies. Most of our ceremonies are held at locations with access to the outdoors and a fire pit. We may bring a mat, sleeping bag, blankets (not required). Dress in layers to stay at a comfortable temperature for any location. We will provide you with a list of items once you register.
During the summer months, we host various outdoor ceremonies in beautiful nature-style locations. Many find it pleasant to have outdoor ceremonies to discover deep connectivity with nature after taking medicine. However, it is preferred to be an indoor heated space during the winter as the outdoors is accessible. Therefore, weather permitted, a fire pit is available, and we welcome you to come outside and explore nature.
Can you hold a Ceremony closer to me?
We now hold ceremonies near Atlanta, Georgia, and the District of Columbia, DC, and take groups to Peru to our headquarters twice a year. You can register for updates and choose your preferred location when available by filling out our form at https://www.templeofumi.org. We will let you know when we are heading into your state. Other locations we plan to visit are Canada, Texas, and California.
How much are our Ceremonies?
At this time, we only offer three-day and two-night ceremonies at our two locations. Thus, we ask for a minimal donation of three days/two nights based on site. We do not charge for the medicine, just for accommodations. In addition, we also hold a limited number of private ceremonies upon request.
How do I signup to attend a ceremony?
You can register for ceremonies at www.templeofumi.org. We will email you the medical questionnaire and other information once you register – we will immediately respond via email or phone call 24 hours after registering. However, be mindful that your registration is still incomplete until you fill in all required information and our medical director clears you.
After your registration, we will send detailed information on preparing for the ceremony, including your diet. You must start your preparation at least two weeks before your ceremony date. Once you complete your registration (5 days before your ceremony), driving directions and a detailed list of what to bring to the ceremony will be emailed to you.
How many ceremonies should I register for, my first time?
Everyone is different. Some people may come in for one night and receive all the answers that they need. Others may require more extensive experience. In general, they may find the need for a second night or even a third night to learn how to get past those blocks and surrender to the medicine to go deeper. If you can sign up for two or more nights, we strongly encourage it due to the beneficial aspect of connecting to the medicine.
How many people will be there?
It depends on registration and space availability – sometimes we have large groups,s other times we have smaller ones. Although strangers at first, participants in your ceremony will likely connect deeply due to the similarity in connecting to source energy and your spirit. Our facilitators are very familiar with plant sacrament and many of their experiences to offer a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for your journey.
Do we use Shamans at our ceremony?
We have trained healers, commonly known as Shamans, that are part of our community of facilitators and often have visiting Inca healers for special ceremonies directly from the Amazon, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Galapagos, Peru. Healers facilitate our ceremonies with decades of experience in administering plant medicines supported by other trained professionals – ER doctors, Nurse Practitioners, and Psychologists.
The term facilitator seems to seize the spirit because our highest priority is to create a secure, kind, and loving environment for our participants. Furthermore, our mission and focus are to support our participants/guests to directly connecting with the divine. Thus, we trust that our extensive practice with medicine enables us to preserve the environment for all who choose to attend the ceremony.
As we continue to practice plant medicine, the more we are evolving. We are constantly learning from those seeking healing and awakening through the plant through our ceremonies. It is through our common intention for understanding and harmony that the divine unfolds. We are vessels that are encouraging and assisting others in yielding to their relationship with the divine. Our goal is to sustain and support your purpose as you attend our retreats and facilitate you to move any energy that may block in the areas of your life. As we engage in the ceremonies, our belief is to create a supportive and loving environment because we desire that our guests be confident as they surrender to the divine.
What are the retreats like?
The origin of our retreats and ceremonies stems directly from Indians and South American traditions from the Incas from Peru and Brazil. We adhere to the intent of plant medicine by working directly with those from these regions. We frequently use music and musical instruments during our ceremonies, words of affirmations, other traditional incantations, and items like Palo Santo, water, Mapacho tobacco, smudging herbs like sage, hapé (tobacco snuff) for clearing blockages. These activities allow us to invite the presence of the divine and acknowledge the Spirit of Mother Earth – we also honor the sacredness of the silence.
When you make it to our location, we will provide you with an itinerary for the weekend and assure your comfort before we dedicate and start the ceremony. Many answers for urgent questions will be available upon your registering and as we approach the ceremony dates.
How does the Medicine work?
We use all-natural traditional herbs and vine from plants and vine from the Amazon with no added preservatives or other ingredients. We serve it dosage cups shortly after opening the evening ceremony within an organized setup that we revise with our guests before the ceremony. Many are satisfied with one serving; others may require more depending on their experiences. The taste is different for everyone – but most find it bitter; others find it sour.
What should I do for transportation when I arrive in your city?
Depending on where we are holding our ceremonies, sometimes it is recommended to ride with rideshare. Other times we encouraged you to lease a rental car due to the distance from our retreat location and the airport. We will provide you with our specific driving directions after your registration and four days before the retreat.
Are you on Facebook?
Our church Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/Temple-of-Umi-104906248107425/, and a is a members-only page. It is only open to those interested in our events and who have participated in prior ceremonies.
How do I make contact before the event?
Please email us at templeofumi.@gmail.com, or you can call us. Please leave us a message just in case we are on the phone assisting someone else.
Do you offer refunds if I don’t feel the medicine?
We understand that you may experience an emergency that you could not predict and cannot attend a retreat. In that case, we can accommodate you with a substitute that works for you. Similarly, we also understand that sometimes we may attend a retreat and feel dissatisfied because your connection did not unveil the expected results. Unfortunately, we cannot offer a refund. We cannot predict what you will experience during your journey; sometimes, a more prolonged diet and keeping your intestinal system cleanse may help sensitize your body to the medicine. Moreover, daily meditation practice is strongly encouraged and indispensable for proper preparation before the retreat – all the information will be available to you. We will send you guidelines to prepare for your retreat once you register.