Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is the most emblematic current name of the wave of psychedelic use that began around twenty years ago , as was LSD in the 1960s.
Paradoxically, ayahuasca is not the plant which provides the psycho-active molecule , the famous DMT detailed in the "molecules" section of this site, but it is what makes its use simple. By simply drinking it. The DMT molecule most often comes from another plant, chacruna ( psychotria viridis ), and without this protection from ayahuasca, stomach enzymes break down the DMT and render it inactive. Preparing the mixture is complex because it requires a fairly long cooking time as well as a fairly precise dosage of the bark and leaves.
The first uses of this combination are estimated at 2-3000 years ago. It would have been inspired by "dreams" which gives a plausible and postmaterialist explanation (see this section on this movement of thought) to understand how it is possible to find this combination of two plants among the 80,000 that exist... i.e. one chance in 6 billion... without integrating the extraction mode and combinations.
The names and nicknames given to ayahuasca, aya for "intimates", are multiple but one spring: "la madre " or the mother which is quickly understood when we use it in view of the new perspectives which emerge, the accesses to different realities, understandings of the energies at work , births of episodes of present or past life...
The effects of taking aya are multiple and very variable... because the factors are numerous: the dosage, the setting, the intention, the ceremony, the attention to the sacred, the cumulative number of doses, the spacing between takes, the inner state, the work done on oneself, the practice of spiritualities, human accompaniment, the conditions and feeling of security, the place and its own energy, the temperature and humidity, the participants and their behaviors, music and songs, ...
These factors are specific to each person and each experience. In the study section, we propose to share your experience anonymously by specifying these factors to allow a better understanding of the optimal conditions to approach the best experience possible.
One effect is quite common to all initial doses... the need to vomit due to two elements which often combine: the very strong bitterness of ayahuasca and the balance disorders which induce the classic nausea. sea or transport.
In this respect, we really cannot speak of “recreational” when we talk about taking aya. If necessary, this completes the doubt that one may have regarding an addiction to this molecule taken like that. The effort and the will to “go there” are substantial.
The effects which appear from around forty minutes after taking the first dose are of several types: physical (relaxation, new bodily sensations, etc.), psychological (release of memories, meeting familiar people, perspective and appeasement). , generation of visual and auditory patterns, etc.), spiritual (fullness, decorporation, incarnation of plants or animals, encounters with entities, etc.), physiological in the medium term (cardiac and respiratory slowdowns, new quality of sleep, feeling different body, changed memory capacities, modified relationship to nocturnal dreams, etc.).
There are several elements to know and remember:
· the importance of the framework, which is called “set and settings” in English. A complete section of the site is dedicated to it.
· ayahuasca experience is not trivial and above all not recreational. The goals can be a simple exploration, advancement on the spiritual path, a psychotherapeutic approach, medical care... It must be clear. “No good wind comes to him who does not know where to go,” and there the wind blows very hard.
· The effects are only full with a very great letting go. We usually say “let the plant do its work”. Not the easiest thing for the mind to abandon, especially on the first evening... but it is a key element for a full and complete experience. And it is only possible if the framework allows it... again, with all the confidence it brings.
· The material or knowledge brought back from these “trips” is very substantial in quality, quantity and originality. The phase following this return is important: it is called integration. And this integration takes several months.
· The famous “ bad trips” exist and are an endless source of reports that can be found on YouTube in particular. Which is perfect for emphasizing the framework to be put in place and the weak recreational dimension of the experience.
· From our practices and research, 5 to 10% of people go through this seemingly negative experience. With a little hindsight, the terminology " bad trip" is too broad because it covers several categories, exactly as we can talk about formative experience in a professional environment or "decompensation of trauma or drama " in psychotherapy.
· “ Bad trips” are of two types:
o the " useful bad trip" is one which brings information or material which is new to the consciousness and allows us to purge or begin a new phase of life with better consciousness. It is also the one that will allow you to purge all harmful thoughts and energies. It can be hell for an evening but liberating to access new and lasting states of serenity and appeasement.
o the " useless bad trip" also exists, it is the one that leaves you totally distraught with memories, revelations, encounters... that your usual consciousness cannot integrate. A dissociative or schizoic state , possibly paranoid, can then manifest...
· We therefore recommend follow-up or the possibility of follow-up in the event of a bad trip that cannot be assimilated. This possible follow-up must be thought about before the experience, whether by sharing with friends before your exploration, by identifying a psychotherapist (psychologist, practitioner, psychiatrist, etc.) familiar with these questions to avoid a incorrect diagnosis... and unsuitable follow-up for integration.
· In this sense, it is only after 3 to 6 months that we can qualify a bad trip as useful or not.
· This is also the reason why you will find in the "retirement places" section an evaluation of the "providers" to be able to choose with full knowledge of the places of practice, a bit like tripadvisor can do ... but for a experience which is much more involving for your future life than all the trips you have made before.
For those who are wondering about the extent of the effects that DMT provides, here are the 5 main pathways by which the action of DMT occurs ( see the molecular affinities section to discuss the
1. Activation of serotonin receptors: DMT works by binding to serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A subtypes. This binding activates these receptors and triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions in target neurons, thereby modulating neuronal activity.
2. Effects on neural circuits: DMT modifies the activity of neural circuits in the brain, particularly in regions involved in cognition, perception, and emotion. This can lead to alterations in sensory perception, altered states of consciousness, and psychedelic experiences.
3. Increased release of neurotransmitters: DMT may increase the release of certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This may contribute to its psychedelic effects by modulating neuronal activity in the brain.
4. Interactions with other neurotransmission systems: In addition to its action on serotonin receptors, DMT may also interact with other neurotransmission systems in the brain, such as the glutamatergic system and the cholinergic system. These interactions may play a role in its psychedelic effects.
5. Modulation of synaptic plasticity: Research suggests that DMT may modulate synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken in response to neuronal activity. This could contribute to its effects on perception, cognition and memory.
Below you will find all the additional information to deepen your knowledge and best prepare your trip...
Books and films specific to ayahuasca:
· "Inner Travel Journals - Ayahuasca Medicine , A Manual" by Jan Kounen : ten years of exploration with a shipobo shaman summarized in 300 pages by the director of Blueberry, a real manual with lots of answers and practical advice
· "Other worlds" by Jan Kounen - 2004 : https://www.youtube.com / watch?v =iJJXll-mH6M which tells in 1h30 a journey within Shipibo Shamanism .
· "Ayahuasca investigation - magic potion, tragic potion" - report made by Canadian television following the death of a tourist.
