the spirit of Ayahuasca. Reduction of these should commence as soon as one commits to the experience.
Pork in particular is considered to be impure and is studiously avoided by Ayahuasca practitioners. Complete abstinence from pork and lard for at least two weeks prior to the first ceremony is recommended to participants to reduce the impact of the purge. It is also recommended that this abstinence continue for at least two weeks after the final ceremony.
In the initiatory diet for those seeking personal cleansing and healing, chicken, fish, wild game meat, fruits, and vegetables may be eaten but with little if any salt, sugar, oils or spices. The cleansing effect and strength of the visionary experience can be greatly enriched by one’s commitment to these preparations.
Sexual abstinence also forms part of the diet and is a traditional requirement of Ayahuasca cleansing and healing. We recommend abstinence from sexual activity for a few days prior to the ceremony, and to continue a day or two after the last ceremony.
FURTHER READING ON AYAHUASCA
Books
The Cosmic Serpent, Jeremy Narby (Tarcher, 1999)
Sacred Vine of Spirits: Ayahuasca, edited by Ralph Metzner (Park Street Press, 2006)
Ayahuasca: The Visionary and Healing Powers of the Vine of the Soul, Joan Parisi Wilcox (Park Street Press, 2005)
Wizard of the Upper Amazon: The Story of Manuel Cordova-Rios, Cordova-Rice Lamb (North Atlantic Books, 1986)
Plant Spirit Shamanism, H G. Charing, & R Heaven (Destiny Books USA, 2006)
Howard G. Charing, is an accomplished international workshop leader on shamanism. He has worked some of the most respected and extraordinary shamans & healers in the Andes, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Philippines. He organises specialist retreats to the Amazon Rainforest He is the author of the best selling book, Plant Spirit Shamanism (Destiny Books USA), and has published numerous articles about plant medicines. Website http://www.shamanism.co.uk