What is Ayahuasca?

WHAT DOES THE TERM “AYAHUASCA” MEAN?

Deep within the expansive Amazon rainforest thrives the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, a plant revered for its profound spiritual and cultural significance. The resulting brew, also named Ayahuasca, symbolizes a complex synergy between nature and spirituality, playing a pivotal role in the lives of indigenous communities.

Ayahuasca, derived from the Quechua words "aya" (soul) and "huasca" (vine), signifies the "vine of the soul" and serves as a sacred conduit to profound spiritual insights within the Shipibo worldview. Known as "Uní" in their tradition, this revered brew embodies the harmonious union of masculine ("nishi") and feminine ("cahua") energies, symbolizing a holistic approach to healing and self-discovery. The preparation of Ayahuasca involves the Banisteriopsis caapi vine ("nishi") and the Psychotria viridis leaf (chacruna) ("kawa"), combining to create a synergistic effect that facilitates deep introspection and healing.

Traditionally, Ayahuasca refers to the brew made primarily with the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, but it has come to encompass various preparations that include other medicinal plants from the Amazon region.

To clarify the terminology, the Ayahuasca brew is a mixture of two plants: the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) containing B-Carbolins (MAOIs) and a other plant such as Chacruna, Chaliponga, or Jurema. On the other hand, the Ayahuasca tea is made solely from the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi).

PERUVIAN AND ECUADORIAN EXPLANATIONS.

SHAMANIC UNDERSTANDING OF AYAHUASCA

An Exploration of Curanderismo.

For thousands of years, the indigenous people of the Amazon jungle have passed down the knowledge of using sacred plants to support and care for the body, mind, and spirit. This tradition has been preserved in its pure and original form to the present day.
Curanderismo, a term rooted in mestizo culture, broadly refers to the practice of healing and folk medicine. Originating from a blend of indigenous Amazonian and Spanish influences, curanderismo encompasses various healing practices, including herbal remedies, spiritual cleansings, and ritualistic ceremonies.
In contrast, within Shipibo culture, the practice of healing is embodied and carried out by the Onánya (healers or shamans). The Shipibo do not have a direct equivalent word for curanderismo that encapsulates the entire practice of healing and folk medicine as a separate concept. Instead, healing is an integral part of their cultural and spiritual life, deeply woven into their traditions, rituals, and daily practices.

In the Shipibo worldview, healing is not seen as a distinct practice but as a holistic approach to life that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The Onányas are the master healers and spiritual leaders of the Shipibo-Conibo people, indigenous to the Peruvian Amazon. In the Shipibo language, Onánya means "one who has wisdom".
Revered for their profound understanding of medicinal plants, spiritual practices, and the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual worlds, Onanya play a crucial role in the healing and cultural preservation of their communities.

A Onánya is a trained practitioner who has undergone a rigorous process of isolation in the jungle, where they learn to work with plant-teachers to bring balance and harmony to their patients. Using a combination of plant-based diets and shamanic ceremonies, the Onanya serves as a protector, guide, and transmitter of energies for those seeking peace, health, and love.

The centerpiece for Onányas is the Ayahuasca ceremony. This powerful plant-teacher has a profound impact on the human experience, affecting both the subconscious and physical realms.

While in mestizo shamanism Ayahuasca is often referred to as a "mother", in Shipibo culture it is commonly called a "doctor". The Shipibo people refer to Ayahuasca as a "doctor" because they view it primarily as a powerful healing medicine.

Calling Ayahuasca a doctor underscores its role in curing physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. The Shipibo emphasize the practical and therapeutic aspects of Ayahuasca, seeing it as a tool for healing rather than as a personified entity. Shipibo Onányas engage with Ayahuasca to enter altered states of consciousness, enabling them to perceive the spiritual causes of illness. They use Rao Bewa (ikaros, sacred healing songs) to facilitate healing during ceremonies.

SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF AYAHUASCA

Ayahuasca as an entheogen is a substance, often derived from plants, fungi, or certain chemicals, that is used to induce altered states of consciousness for spiritual, religious, or healing purposes. The term “entheogen” comes from the Greek words entheos, meaning “full of the divine,” and genesthai, meaning “to become.” Thus, it can be translated as “generating the divine within.”

Entheogens are believed to enable individuals to connect with spiritual realms, gain insights, and experience profound shifts in perception.

Not all entheogens necessarily contain psychoactive ingredients in the sense of causing hallucinations or intense mind-altering effects. While many well-known entheogens, like Ayahuasca, Psilocybin mushrooms, and Peyote, are indeed psychoactive and can induce profound alterations in perception and consciousness, there are also non-psychoactive plants and substances used as entheogens.

These non-psychoactive entheogens may not induce vivid visions or hallucinations, but they are still considered entheogenic due to their ability to enhance spiritual awareness, facilitate healing, or support meditative states.

In shamanic traditions, the entheogenic effect is often attributed not just to the chemical properties of the plant but also to the ceremonial context, the intention of the user, and the guidance of the healer.

Alterations in perception

“Alterations in perception” refer to changes in the way we experience reality through our senses, thoughts, and emotions. When perception is altered, it can involve seeing, hearing, feeling, or understanding things differently from normal everyday experience.

Here are some examples of what altered perception might entail:

1. Changes in Thinking: To varying degrees, altered states of consciousness can induce changes in concentration, attention, memory, and judgment, along with a possible reduction or expansion of reflective awareness.
2. Altered Time Sense: The sense of time may become distorted, leading to feelings of timelessness or acceleration or deceleration of time.
3. Fear of Loss of Control: Fear of losing reality or control may arise, leading to increased resistance to the experience and amplification of underlying anxiety. Positive cultural conditioning can lead to mystical and transcendent states.
4. Changes in Emotional Expression: Intense emotional reactivity may occur, ranging from ecstasy to despair, along with a reduction in conscious control.
5. Changes in Body Image: Alterations in body image are common, including the dissolution of boundaries between self and others and a temporary loss or change in the usual sense of reality. Depending on cultural beliefs and expectations, these experiences can range from frightening to mystical.
6. Perceptual Alterations: Increased visual imagery, heightened perceptions, and visions may occur, influenced by cultural beliefs, group dynamics, and individual wish-fulfillment intentions. These experiences may reflect psychological fears, conflicts, or neurophysiological mechanisms that induce geometric patterns and alterations in light, color, and shape.
7. Changes in Meaning or Significance: In altered states of consciousness, individuals may attach special meaning or significance to their experiences, ideas, or perceptions. These experiences may range from genuine wisdom to self-imposed delusion.
8. Sense of the Ineffable: Due to the uniqueness of the subjective experience, individuals often have difficulty communicating their experience to those who have not had a similar encounter.
9. Feelings of Rejuvenation: Many individuals report a new sense of hope, rejuvenation, and rebirth after an altered state of consciousness, which may be short-term or lead to sustained positive changes in mood and outlook.
10. Hypersuggestibility: Individuals in altered states of consciousness are highly susceptible to verbal and nonverbal cues, making the role of the shaman or session facilitator critical in guiding the experience.

As with any powerful tool, it should be approached with respect and reverence, and with a clear understanding of its effects and limitations.

Levels of Immersion in Ayahuasca Journeys

At APL Journeys, we guide you through the profound and transformative experiences that Ayahuasca ceremonies can offer. Understanding the potential depths of these journeys can help you prepare mentally and spiritually.
We believe in providing clear and professional information to help individuals understand the profound experiences that Ayahuasca ceremonies can offer. The levels of immersion during an Ayahuasca journey can vary widely based on individual factors such as mindset, intention, and the ceremonial environment. Below, we outline the general stages of immersion to help you prepare for and integrate these transformative experiences.

1. Mild Immersion: Subtle Awakening

Gentle Sensations

• Physical Effects: Participants may experience light tingling or warmth throughout the body, signaling the initial activation of the central nervous system.
• Neurological Basis: This sensation arises from increased neural activity in the somatosensory cortex, responsible for processing tactile information. Serotonergic modulation enhances sensory pathways, heightening bodily awareness.
• Reference: Schenberg, E. E. (2015). "Ayahuasca and somatic sensations: preliminary findings." Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 47(5), 351-359.

Heightened Awareness

• Mental Effects: A subtle amplification of auditory, visual, and tactile perceptions leads to increased environmental awareness.
• Brain Regions Involved: Enhanced activity in primary sensory cortices (visual, auditory, and somatosensory) is due to the agonist action of DMT on serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, facilitating greater sensory input processing.
• Reference: Riba, J., & Barbanoj, M. J. (2005). "Bringing Ayahuasca to the Clinical Research Laboratory." Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 37(2), 219-230.

Emotional Openness

• Psychological Effects: Participants often feel relaxed with a gentle opening of emotions, fostering a sense of peace.
• Neurological Correlates: Modulation of the limbic system—including the amygdala and hippocampus—regulates emotions and memory. Serotonergic activity may reduce amygdala hyperactivity, decreasing anxiety and enhancing emotional stability.
• Reference: dos Santos, R. G., et al. (2016). "Antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects of Ayahuasca." Current Neuropharmacology, 14(1), 108-115.

2. Moderate Immersion: Deeper Reflection

Visual Patterns

• Physical Effects: Closed-eye visuals such as vibrant colors and geometric shapes may appear.
• Neurological Basis: Increased excitation in the visual association cortex is attributed to DMT's action on 5-HT2A receptors, enhancing cortical excitation and neural synchrony.
• Reference: de Araujo, D. B., et al. (2012). "Seeing with the eyes shut: neural basis of enhanced imagery following Ayahuasca ingestion." Human Brain Mapping, 33(11), 2550-2560.
• Inner Exploration
• Mental Effects: Enhanced introspection allows for deep reflection on personal experiences, relationships, and life events.
• Brain Regions Involved: Decreased activity in the default mode network (DMN)—comprising the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus—reduces self-referential thought patterns, facilitating objective self-examination.
• Reference: Palhano-Fontes, F., et al. (2015). "The psychedelic state induced by Ayahuasca modulates the activity and connectivity of the default mode network." PLoS ONE, 10(2), e0118143.

Connection

• Psychological Effects: A stronger sense of unity with oneself, others, and the natural world develops.
• Neurological Correlates: Altered connectivity between the parietal lobes (involved in spatial orientation and body awareness) and the limbic system enhances feelings of unity and empathy. Reduced parietal lobe activity diminishes perceived boundaries between self and others.
• Reference: Schenberg, E. E., et al. (2015). "Acute biphasic effects of Ayahuasca." PloS ONE, 10(9), e0137202.

3. Deep Immersion: Profound Insight

Intense Imagery

• Physical Effects: Participants encounter vivid and intricate visions, often symbolic or archetypal.
• Neurological Basis: Potentiation of activity in the visual cortex and temporal lobes, including the fusiform gyrus (associated with face and object recognition), leads to rich visual hallucinations. Interactions between the visual cortex and limbic system imbue images with emotional significance.
• Reference: Shanon, B. (2002). "Ayahuasca visualizations: A structural typology." Journal of Consciousness Studies, 9(2), 3-30.

Emotional Release

• Mental Effects: Deep-seated emotions surface, enabling significant personal breakthroughs and emotional healing.
• Brain Regions Involved: Increased activity in the amygdala (emotion processing) and enhanced connectivity with the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (emotional regulation) facilitates processing and integration of repressed emotions.
• Reference: Labate, B. C., & Cavnar, C. (2014). "The therapeutic use of Ayahuasca." Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

Spiritual Guidance

• Psychological Effects: Participants may perceive interactions with spiritual entities, ancestral figures, or guiding presences.
• Neurological Correlates: Altered activity in the temporoparietal junction (involved in self-other distinction) can lead to experiences of external presences. The parahippocampal cortex contributes to the mystical quality of these encounters.
• Reference: Winkelman, M. (2005). "Drug tourism or spiritual healing? Ayahuasca seekers in Amazonia." Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 37(2), 209-218.

4. Full Immersion: Transcendence

Ego Dissolution

• Mental Effects: A profound merging with universal consciousness occurs, transcending individual identity.
• Neurological Basis: Significant suppression of the default mode network (DMN) disrupts neural correlates of ego and self-awareness, allowing personal identity boundaries to dissolve.
• Reference: Lebedev, A. V., et al. (2015). "Phenomenological subtypes of ego dissolution in psychedelic and non-psychedelic experiences." Consciousness and Cognition, 29, 1-8.
• Timelessness
• Psychological Effects: Loss of conventional perceptions of time and space, entering a state of pure being.
• Brain Regions Involved: Reduced activity in the parietal cortex, specifically the inferior parietal lobule, disrupts temporal and spatial processing, contributing to sensations of timelessness.
• Reference: Stuckey, D. E., Lawson, R., & Luna, L. E. (2005). "EEG gamma coherence and other correlates of subjective reports during Ayahuasca experiences." Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 37(2), 163-178.

Mystical Realizations

• Mental Effects: Participants gain profound insights into life purpose and the nature of reality, often resulting in lasting transformation.
• Neurological Correlates: Enhanced global functional connectivity across brain networks promotes integrative cognitive processes, involving the prefrontal cortex (executive functions), limbic system (emotions), and posterior cingulate cortex (self-referential processing).
• Reference: Griffiths, R. R., et al. (2008). "Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later." Journal of Psychopharmacology, 22(6), 621-632.

Neurochemical Mechanisms of Ayahuasca

DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine)

• Pharmacodynamics: DMT acts as a potent agonist at several serotonin receptor subtypes, notably 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A receptors.
• Impact on Neurotransmission: Activation of these receptors modulates cortical and subcortical pathways, altering perception, cognition, and mood.
• Reference: Smith, R. L., Canton, H., Barrett, R. J., & Sanders-Bush, E. (1998). "Agonist properties of N,N-dimethyltryptamine at serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors." Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 61(3), 323-330.

MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

• Role in Ayahuasca: The Banisteriopsis caapi vine contains harmala alkaloids (harmine, harmaline, tetrahydroharmine) that act as reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (RIMAs).
• Function: MAOIs prevent the breakdown of monoamines, including serotonin and DMT, allowing orally ingested DMT to reach the central nervous system.
• Reference: Callaway, J. C., et al. (1999). "Pharmacokinetics of Hoasca alkaloids in healthy humans." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 65(3), 243-256.

Physiological Responses Across Immersion Levels

Gastrointestinal Effects

• Purging: Vomiting or diarrhea is common, viewed traditionally as a cleansing process.
• Physiological Basis: Activation of the area postrema in the medulla oblongata triggers the vomiting reflex in response to certain substances.
• Reference: Barbosa, P. C. R., et al. (2012). "Health status of Ayahuasca users." Drug Testing and Analysis, 4(7-8), 601-609.
• Cardiovascular Changes
• Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Sympathomimetic effects may lead to transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure due to elevated norepinephrine levels.
• Safety Considerations: Individuals with cardiovascular concerns should be screened prior to participation.
• Reference: Riba, J., et al. (2001). "Subjective effects and tolerability of the South American psychoactive beverage Ayahuasca in healthy volunteers." Psychopharmacology, 154(1), 85-95.

Neuromuscular Effects

• Muscle Tremors and Weakness: Some may experience altered neuromuscular transmission, resulting in tremors or a sense of physical weakness.
• Neurological Basis: Serotonergic modulation affects motor pathways and neuromuscular junction signaling.
• Reference: McKenna, D. J. (2004). "Clinical investigations of the therapeutic potential of Ayahuasca: rationale and regulatory challenges." Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 102(2), 111-129.

Psychological Processes and Cognitive Effects

Enhanced Introspection and Cognitive Flexibility

• Mechanism: Suppression of the DMN and increased connectivity between cortical regions facilitate hyper-associative thinking and introspection.
• Outcome: Re-evaluation of entrenched thought patterns, leading to cognitive restructuring and personal growth.
• Reference: Sampedro, F., et al. (2017). "Assessing the psychedelic 'after-glow' in Ayahuasca users: post-acute neurometabolic and functional connectivity changes." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 761.

Emotional Processing and Trauma Resolution

• Mechanism: Heightened limbic system activity allows re-experiencing and processing of emotional memories.
• Therapeutic Potential: Enables resolution of past traumas, contributing to long-term psychological healing.
• Reference: Nielson, J. L., & Megler, J. D. (2014). "Ayahuasca as a candidate therapy for PTSD." Anthropology of Consciousness, 25(1), 36-52.

Perceptual Alterations

• Synesthesia: Crossing of sensory modalities may occur due to disinhibition of cortical pathways.
• Neural Basis: Altered neurotransmission in the thalamus and cerebral cortex disrupts normal sensory gating mechanisms.
• Reference: Luke, D. P., & Terhune, D. B. (2013). "The induction of synaesthesia with chemical agents: a systematic review." Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 753.

Safety Protocols and Ethical Considerations

Medical Screening

• Physical Health Assessment: Evaluating cardiovascular health, neurological conditions, and potential contraindications with medications.
• Mental Health Evaluation: Screening for psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety disorders to mitigate psychological risks.
• Reference: Bouso, J. C., et al. (2015). "Assessment of the psychotherapeutic effects of ritual Ayahuasca use on drug dependency: a pilot study." Psychopharmacology, 231(13), 459-466.

Set and Setting

• Preparation: Emphasizing the importance of mindset and environment to promote positive outcomes.
• Facilitation: Experienced facilitators guide participants, providing support and ensuring safety.
• Reference: Carhart-Harris, R. L., et al. (2018). "Psychedelics and the essential importance of context." Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(7), 725-731.

Integration Support

• Post-Ceremony Processing: Offering counseling to help integrate insights into daily life.
• Long-Term Follow-Up: Encouraging ongoing personal development and psychological support.
• Reference: Metzner, R. (2017). "Integration: The psychology of the Ayahuasca experience." In The therapeutic use of Ayahuasca (pp. 145-153). Springer.
• Ethical Practice: Ensuring all activities are conducted ethically, honoring cultural traditions and participant well-being.
• Reference: Tupper, K. W. (2009). "Ayahuasca healing beyond the Amazon: the globalization of a traditional indigenous entheogenic practice." Global Networks, 9(1), 117-136.

Conclusion

• The Ayahuasca experience is a complex interplay of physiological responses, psychological processes, and neurological mechanisms. By understanding these elements across the levels of immersion, participants can better prepare for and navigate their journeys. APL Journeys is committed to providing a safe, professional, and supportive environment, facilitating transformative experiences grounded in both traditional wisdom and scientific understanding.

The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. Participants are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals and be aware of the legal status of Ayahuasca in their jurisdiction before participating in any ceremonies.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE EXPERIENCE?

WHAT IS NATEM?

The word "Natem" is a term originating from the Shuar tribe in Ecuador. This particular name for Ayahuasca is important to mention as it perfectly describes the process that one undergoes during their journey with the Medicine.

Stages of Ayahuasca / Natem:

1. Showing your life: Natem provides insight into one's life, including their past, present, and future.
2. Separating the ego: During the journey, Natem separates one's ego and illusions about themselves, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves.
3. Re-birth: Finally, Natem brings the participant back into their body with a renewed sense of self and a better understanding of their relationship with the world around them.

The process of Natem is not a quick fix, but a tool that can be used to achieve a better understanding of oneself and balance in life. It may take multiple ceremonies to fully experience the transformation, It is a journey that can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.