Yoga Techniques and Ayahuasca: Three Powerful Experiences Revealing the Transformative Combination

Over the past six months, we have been privileged to guide and witness the journeys of over 50 individuals who embarked on our one-week yoga ayahuasca retreats. Each retreat has been an extraordinary tapestry of personal stories, replete with profound experiences that deserve to be shared. These stories encapsulate the moments of self-discovery, profound connections with nature and the divine, triumph over past traumas, and the newfound clarity to live an authentic and fulfilling life. Among the countless remarkable anecdotes, we have handpicked three that encapsulate the essence of our retreats: the power of managing expectations, the transcendence of the limitations of the mind, and the transformative nature of self-love.

Through this article, we aim to offer insights into the attitudes that foster a profound Ayahuasca experience, shed light on the techniques that enhance the journey, and emphasize that our retreats encompass much more than the mere act of consuming Ayahuasca. They are transformative journeys that intertwine yoga practices with the Ayahuasca experience, leading participants towards holistic growth and self-realization.

Let’s delve into these stories that embody the power of the union between yoga techniques and Ayahuasca, illustrating the profound impact it can have on one’s life.

1. Esperanza’s Journey: Unveiling the Lessons of Ayahuasca

Meet Esperanza, a well-prepared seeker on the path to self-discovery. Having spent years cultivating her yoga and meditation practices, adhering to a vegan diet, and extensively studying Ayahuasca, she felt ready to embark on her first Ayahuasca ceremony. Esperanza, having endured a challenging childhood marked by abandonment, sought healing and resolution through the sacred medicine. At the onset of the retreat, she exuded an outgoing personality, concealing any trace of fear or doubt. Confident in her approach, she meticulously arranged her ceremonial space, established her intention, and anticipated receiving clear answers from the medicine. Prior to the first ceremony, she even requested not to lie near a fellow participant named Tim. Tim, in the midst of a divorce and overwhelmed by anger and injustice, displayed visible tension. Esperanza feared his presence might hinder her experience, so we ensured they were placed far apart.

Mama Ayahuasca’s Sacred Rules

It is crucial to emphasize that participants should refrain from significant interactions during the ceremony. Each individual has their own designated space, which is to be respected. We make it clear to everyone that conversations are discouraged, and if assistance is required, such as comforting someone in distress, the shaman and our team of companions are there to provide support. Why? Our aim is to allow each person to navigate their unique journey. Occasionally, individuals must confront challenging moments to cultivate a sense of self-efficacy. We offer help when necessary, but for the most part, participants must traverse these moments themselves to extract valuable insights.

Returning to Esperanza’s tale, she had consumed her first cup of Ayahuasca and eagerly awaited its effects. Meanwhile, other participants had already delved into their inner processes. However, Esperanza experienced restlessness as her thoughts began to spiral. Soon enough, she requested a second cup, hoping for the profound visions and transformative experiences she had anticipated. To her disappointment, the medicine did not yield the desired outcomes—no visions, no revelations, not even vibrant patterns. Frustrated, she questioned why the medicine was not helping her heal from her traumatic past. “Why am I the only one missing out on these experiences?” she wondered, later voicing her thoughts to the entire group.

In her frustration, Esperanza began to judge others for their perceived special experiences while she remained unaffected. Even after consuming a third cup—a higher dose that typically induces intense experiences—her situation remained unchanged. While the rest of the group gradually emerged from their journeys, gathered around the fire, basking in the shaman’s melodies under the starlit sky, Esperanza felt torn, restless, and tearful. Tim, having traversed his own inner pain, noticed Esperanza’s suffering. Without uttering a word, he offered her his pillow to provide some comfort before returning to the fire.

Sometimes, Lessons Lie in the Subtle

The following morning, Esperanza found herself disappointed, particularly in herself. She realized that she had been the one hindering her own profound experience. By revealing nothing, the medicine had illuminated what she needed to address first: cultivating patience, releasing prejudices, and managing expectations. When Tim presented her with the pillow, her biases became apparent, and she humbly sought his forgiveness in front of the entire group—Tim had been unaware of her prior judgments.

The second ceremony proved to be a breakthrough for Esperanza. Approaching it with no expectations and an open heart, she surrendered to the experience she needed to undergo. The following day, she radiated joy, grateful for the profound journey shared with the group. Esperanza and Tim forged a bond during the retreat.

2. Marcel’s Transformation: A Journey of Rediscovery with Ayahuasca

Marcel, a contemplative and analytical man, had always relied on science and logical reasoning to find answers. As a successful entrepreneur and devoted husband and father, he cherished his structured and organized life. However, he had been grappling with a peculiar emptiness and a loss of connection with his own body, which neither he nor the doctors could explain. Seeking answers, Marcel found his way to our retreat. Since his youth, he had struggled with obesity, an eating disorder that had subjected him to ridicule and humiliation during his school years—a deeply traumatic experience.

Even before the retreat began, Marcel had numerous questions about the Ayahuasca process and how it would affect him. His main concern revolved around the potential impact of DMT, the psychoactive component of Ayahuasca, on his rational thinking and analytical abilities.

Despite his reservations, Marcel embraced all the exercises and rituals in preparation for the Ayahuasca ceremony. Among them, the Rapé ceremony had a profound influence on him. Though initially shocked by the tobacco powder inserted into his nose, he experienced a renewed awareness of his physical body—an embodiment he had long been disconnected from.

Exploring the Effects of Rapé on Body and Mind

Rapé, an Amazonian tobacco blend, grounds individuals and clears the mind of excessive thoughts. As Marcel’s mind quieted, he was able to truly engage with his body. Rapé itself does not possess psychoactive properties and typically lasts between 5 minutes and half an hour, depending on the dosage and the individual’s disposition. It also serves as a medicine that aids meditation, inducing calmness and releasing bodily tension.

The Significance of Fasting in Ayahuasca Ceremonies

With his mind and body attuned, Marcel was prepared for his first Ayahuasca ceremony. The day of the night ceremony involves fasting—abstaining from food and consuming only water and tea. The purification of the body allows for a deeper experience with the medicine, as there is less to excrete during the ceremony. While not all shamans emphasize fasting, our experienced practitioners with decades of knowledge have observed its benefits. Fasting also helps quiet the mind and foster mental clarity. Although initial hunger and thoughts of food may arise, participants usually reach a state of inner serenity the evening before the ceremony commences. And once the medicine takes effect, the sensation of hunger dissipates entirely.

Ayahuasca Reveals What Is Needed

During the ceremony, Ayahuasca guided Marcel to confront and heal his eating disorder, reconnect with his love for his family, and discover his spiritual animal, among many other insights that revitalized his relationship with his body. The following day, the shaman offered Marcel another Amazonian medicine to address his eating disorder. Without hesitation, Marcel agreed to the treatment, which entailed fasting for an additional day and drinking bitter tea. After experiencing several purging episodes—vomiting as a result of Ayahuasca—Marcel underwent further detoxification through the bitter tea.

The Liberating Power of Purging

At the outset, many participants may feel apprehensive or repulsed by the prospect of vomiting. However, not all participants experience this physical purging, and for those who do, it is often described as a moment of liberation—a release of burdens or a profound realization. Ayahuasca always finds its way, whether through vomiting, diarrhea, or tears. Each pathway serves to cleanse the body and contribute to the healing process. Seasoned ayahuasca travelers often welcome the opportunity to purge as it correlates with the alleviation of mental and physical stress, allowing them to shed deep-seated emotions. Each participant is provided with a bucket by their bedside, though more experienced individuals may prefer to purge in nature. This is another way to experience the connection to Mother Nature.

Marcel’s second Ayahuasca ceremony brought about a discovery that deeply impacted him. During this session, he had a vision and received an answer that was intended for someone else in the group. Although that particular participant had not experienced the answer herself, Marcel became the conduit for this message. This perplexed him and raised logical questions about how such an occurrence could be explained.

The following day, Marcel confronted these questions and shared his vision with the intended recipient, who received it with gratitude. This experience challenged Marcel’s logical mind and left him searching for a logical explanation. However, he soon realized that not everything that Ayahuasca reveals can be easily understood or explained right away.

Socrates knew it already

The Medicine of Ayahuasca does not change the way Marcel thinks, but it presents him with tasks that are difficult to solve using logic alone. Ayahuasca communicates on a different level, one that resonates with the heart and intuition. It serves as a wise and surprising teacher, often leaving individuals with profound insights that defy conventional logic. Embracing these insights with gratitude, rather than seeking to fully comprehend them with the mind, can be a challenging task. It echoes the sentiment of the wisest ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, who famously said, “I know that I know nothing.”

Despite grappling with the unanswered questions from his second ceremony, Marcel has successfully gained control over his eating disorder and now finds joy in his life and quality time with his family. He is already planning his next Ayahuasca ceremony, driven by a desire to follow his heart and delve further into his personal journey of growth and self-discovery. The unresolved question from his previous experience continues to linger, but he approaches his next ceremony with openness and readiness to embrace the teachings of Ayahuasca, trusting in the wisdom and surprises that lie ahead.

3. Pedro’s discovery: Love yourself – then you can give love

Pedro, being a charismatic and sociable person, thrived on being close to others. Right from the beginning of the retreat, he effortlessly connected with the other participants, a rarity as most individuals tend to be withdrawn initially. Pedro played a crucial role in bringing the group together, and two specific aspects of the retreat had a profound impact on him: making music together and practicing breathing techniques.

Music plays a significant role throughout the retreat

Singing mantras allowed individuals to find their own voices, regardless of how they sounded. Singing together fostered connection and cleared the mind of distracting thoughts. Music also accompanied the Ayahuasca ceremonies, with shamans using instruments like guitars, harmonicas, and flutes to guide participants on their inner journeys. The music served as a tool to delve deeper into personal processes and find hope, ultimately fostering a sense of connection and opening hearts.

Pedro discovered and developed a deep appreciation for this form of meditation, known as Bhakti Yoga, which focuses on the path of the heart and devotion. Bhakti yogis prioritize their emotions over intellect, allowing their hearts to guide them.

During the first ceremony, the shaman made the decision for the group to spend the night in silence. While some participants hoped for music to be present, the shaman’s intuition guided her to choose silence, recognizing that it can reveal inner secrets and insights. The silence proved challenging for Pedro, as it required turning inward and looking within oneself. The following day, Pedro expressed disappointment, as did others who felt that not much had transpired during the silent night. However, the gentle nature of the medicine sometimes serves a purpose, even if participants expect more.

The second ceremony took place during the day and was preceded by energetic practices called Kriyas. These practices primarily involved breathing techniques that energized the body’s flow of energy. Additionally, they cleared the mind of thoughts and helped participants find focus. Thoughts often become significant obstacles, as they tend to keep individuals preoccupied with the past or future, leaving little room for presence in the here and now.

The breath is the key to a calm mind

Pedro’s experiences with music, silence, and energetic practices opened up new avenues of exploration and self-discovery for him. The retreat provided an opportunity for him to develop a deeper understanding of meditation and the power of the heart. As the journey continued, Pedro would encounter further insights and experiences that would contribute to his personal growth and the cultivation of love for himself and others.

During the Ayahuasca ceremony, Pedro embraced the practice of being present through his breath, which was a novel experience for him. With this newfound clarity, he consumed his first cup of Ayahuasca and immersed himself in his personal process. Initially, he was seen rolling back and forth on the floor, causing some concern. However, it soon became apparent that he was experiencing profound joy as he hugged himself and smiled blissfully. Pedro later shared that he had experienced a day-long orgasm, not in a genital sense, but as a holistic sensation of fullness and well-being. He then surrendered himself to the music played by the shaman, finding it difficult to put into words the transformative dance between the medicine and the music within him.

Sharing experiences within the group is an integral part of the integration process after each ceremony

Everyone is given the space to openly share their experiences. For Pedro, this was the first time he truly felt self-love. Previously, he had sought love by being close to others, believing that being alone or self-sufficient meant feeling unloved. Ayahuasca showed him that he could experience love within himself, a realization he hadn’t anticipated.

After the retreat, we had several encounters with Pedro, and he described it as the most beautiful experience of his life. Ayahuasca journeys can encompass both beautiful and painful experiences, each holding value in their own right. Sometimes, we must confront and heal our pain or face our shadow aspects to gain profound insights. Regardless of the nature of the experience, every ceremony eventually comes to an end, and every emotion—whether exhilarating or painful—passes. What truly matters is how we integrate what we’ve learned into our lives, the conclusions we draw from the answers received, and the actions we take to bring about change. Ayahuasca is not a quick fix or a magic solution for quitting a job, healing trauma, embarking on a journey, or connecting with a higher power. It requires patience, discipline, and the application of techniques to translate our experiences into tangible practices. Ultimately, it is up to us to take action and make the necessary changes. Ayahuasca shows us what is possible, the power that resides within us, and the potential we have to achieve great things through love and unity.

The Ancestral Retreats team expresses gratitude to the 50 courageous individuals whose stories they had the privilege to accompany. They remain connected to these individuals and are inspired by witnessing their transformations, their commitment to their life’s purpose, and their rediscovery of the will to live fully. The team extends their thanks to all who placed their trust in them.

(Note: The names of the individuals mentioned have been changed to protect their privacy.)