Preparation Guide

Preparing your body, mind, and spirit is an essential part of working with Ayahuasca. 

The Ayahuasca dieta, or diet, is a sacred practice that enhances your connection with the medicine, clears your energetic pathways, and helps you align with the spirit of the plant.

At Earth's Embrace Community Church, we honor the traditional guidelines of the Ayahuasca dieta to ensure the most profound and healing experience possible.

Why Is the Diet Important?

Enhances Sensitivity to the Medicine: A clean diet helps you attune to Ayahuasca’s subtle energies.

Detoxifies the Body: Eliminating toxins improves your physical and energetic receptivity.

Minimizes Side Effects: Following the diet can reduce nausea, dizziness, or other physical discomforts during the ceremony.

Aligns Your Spirit: The dieta is a spiritual practice that promotes humility, clarity, and openness.

General Guidelines for the Ayahuasca Dieta

Eliminate these foods at least 7–14 days before your ceremony:

• Salt and Sugar: Avoid processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and added sugars.
• Red Meat and Pork: Heavy proteins can block the medicine's energy flow.
• Fats and Oils: Avoid fried or greasy foods.
• Fermented Foods: No aged cheeses, alcohol, vinegar, or soy sauce.
• Spicy Foods: Refrain from chili peppers or strong spices.
• Caffeine: Skip coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks.

Substances to Avoid:

• Alcohol and Recreational Drugs: These interfere with Ayahuasca’s healing properties.
• Prescription Medications: Some medications, especially SSRIs, can interact dangerously with Ayahuasca. Consult with your facilitator before making changes.

Focus on Natural, Whole Foods:

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Opt for organic and minimally processed options.
• Whole Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, and oats are excellent choices.
• Legumes and Nuts: Ensure they are unsalted and lightly prepared.
• Plant-Based Proteins: Light proteins like tofu and tempeh.

 In addition to physical dietary guidelines, it’s important to prepare your mind and emotions:

•  Reflect on your intentions for the retreat. Why are you drawn to this experience
• Meditate and Set Intentions: Cultivate a calm and open mindset through mindfulness practices.  
• Journaling can help clarify your thoughts.
• Avoid stressful situations and cultivate mindfulness in your daily routine.
• Avoid  Sexual Activity: Sexual energy is powerful and can distract from the  ceremony’s purpose. Abstain for at least 7 days before and after the  ceremony.
• Minimize Stimulation: Limit exposure to intense media or stressful situations.

What to bring and wear:

Please be sure to bring ALL of the suggested items in the preparation guide with you, even if you think you will not need them. It is very common to get colder than you might expect to get in the ceremony, so please be sure to have a blanket, regardless of the weather forecast. 

• Light-colored Comfortable Clothing. Loose, breathable clothes for the ceremony.. To minimize distractions for others, please dress modestly - no short shorts, skirts above the knee, bare midriff tops, see-through clothes, tight-fitting clothes, bare chests, or nudity. Some guests may be working to heal sexual addictions, and we hold a space of sobriety and modesty.
• Bring a change of clothes or two, in addition to ceremony clothes for each day. 
• Warm Layer. A sweatshirt, warm pullover or similar, warm socks are nice too. Easy on-easy off.
• Personal Hygiene items; toothbrush and toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.
• Water Bottle. A sturdy water bottle – stay hydrated.
• A mat or thin inflatable camping pad to make lying on the ground comfortable during the ceremony
• A comfy blanket and/or sleeping bag. This serves to provide warmth but also a familiar comfort item for use during ceremony. The sacrament can make you feel colder than usual. Even in Florida summer, the medicine could make you feel cold. Over-preparedness can't hurt.
• A sheet on warmer days. A sheet is also nice to protect against mosquitos.
• Pillow(s)
• Medications. This will need to be checked by the medical staff. Please call with any questions.
• Weather can change quickly! Be prepared for all types of weather, except snow. A raincoat, umbrella, and water-friendly shoes are recommended.

Optional:

• Eye mask, or cloth to cover your eyes, and ear plugs to help you minimize distractions
• Bug repellent
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Journal/paper & pen 
• Family photos, personal objects, crystals, essential oils, etc, to support your intentions

If Camping:

• Tent, hammock or preferred shelter. Most tents are ok however if you are bringing an oversized tent please call prior to arriving to ensure space is available to accommodate size.
• Sleeping pad
• Sleeping Bag
• Pillow
• Small battery powered fan, optional but wonderful during the summer.