Ayahusca Initiation - Shipibo Tradition

The Ayahusca Curandero Initiation is a grueling process of self-discovery and ego destruction. The initiation follows the ancient tradition of the "Dieta". The Dieta is a sacred contract between the apprentice curandero and a master teacher plant. At Inkan Kena we were offered 5 master teachers to do dieta. If you would like to read more on these plants click here.

The curandero establishes a contract with the teacher plant and agrees to abstain from a long list of things, such as meat, salt, oil, sugar, spice, sexual stimulation etc. When initiating, the dieta is far stricter than the diet you would do in preparation for a ceremony. It is essential that not only does the apprentice abstain physically, but mentally as well. Fantasizing about food is considered a sin on your diet.

The plants are also very sensitive to any smells or "airs" - in Shipibo this is called Niwe. As a result, you may not use anything on your body for the entire 2 month period. No soap, no shampoo, no tooth paste, no shaving cream. No lotions, and no insect repellent! Not even natural products are allowed.

Your dieta is started with a complete fast, usually of about 7 days. During this time you consume an extract of the teacher plant and this allows the energetic bond to take hold.

During initiation, an Ayahusca ceremony takes place every 2 days and the doses are significantly higher than what you would consume in ceremony. This is the test and it's through these tough ceremonies that you will find out whether this is your path. There is nothing gentle about this experience. It breaks everyone.