AYAHUASCA
The preparation called Ayahuasca is extracted from the plants Banisteriopsi Caapi and Psycotria Viridis, and is widely used throughout the Amazon basin by Indigenous tribes and shamans, for healing and spiritual development. Plutarco Naranjo mentions that the oldest known object related to the use of Ayahuasca, is a ceremonial cup, hewn out of stone, with engraved ornamentation, which has been found in the area of the Pastaza culture, Amazonian Ecuador, forming part of the collection of the Ethnological Museum of the Central University (Quito). This culture covers the period 500B.C. to 50 A.D. (Naranjo, P 983).
The plants
Under a wide variety of names: ne'pe, xono, date'm, kamárampi, pilde natema, yagé, caa-pi, mihi, Iona, mii, nixi pae, etc...tribes widely separated from each other, manifest a deep knowledge the use of ayahuasca. In the early 1920s, this indigenous tradition touched the white man, and several churches were founded in Brazil, including Santo Daime, União do Vegetal, Barquinha and later, other independent centers. Chemically, the Ayahuasca compounds of current interest have a common structure and influence the actions of the central nervous system. Even more striking are its chemical similarities to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT). It is known to be a 5-HT 1A agonist and 5-HT 2 receptor (Deliganis et al 1991). Combining specific serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs, such as Prozac) and other antidepressants with Ayahuasca or other MAO inhibitors can result in life-threatening situations (Callaway, 1994).
Spirituality
The “spiritual search” is a natural quest. In order for this search to be realized in terms of fulfillment, it involves faith in something greater than just life itself, as well as trust in some higher intelligence, or higher levels of consciousness, that created ourselves and the universe with such perfection. The mystical experiences with the ritualistic use of Ayahuasca promote this faith, and trust, as well as a space of inner peace, opening the path for the individual to feel connected to God – creative force, without any dogmatic concepts. As his faith grows, he is able to perceive himself as the being of light that he is. Some visionary experiences with Ayahuasca showing heavenly landscapes with angels, spiritual beings or mystical realms, create a bridge to the sacred within, fulfilling various aspects of the spiritual search. These experiences create a common ground to explore the many aspects of the spiritual identity, with surrender and trusting the inner guidance. This common ground will merge with the insights, allowing reconnection with inner truth. With the continuous use of Ayahuasca, the individual finds the path towards the divine within, establishing the connection with creation itself, and fulfilling the spiritual search.
Effects
Ayahuasca has two primary properties, cathartic and abreactive. The cathartic property relates not only on the physical level as a detox and cleansing agent, but also on a metaphysical level as the person cleanse his system of a lifetime’s abuse. The abreactive property initiates the regression to the origin of one’s problems, revealing new insights into the development of their hopelessly self-defeating problems, allowing them to free themselves from its influence and to form a new perspective to life. Ayahuasca enlightens transpersonal areas. Its entheogenic property facilitates a bond with spirit and rejuvenating fusion with the divine within. The properties of the Ayahuasca compounds, have been incorporated in the treatment of drug dependency, with the combinations of plants including Banisteriopsi Caapi, Psycotria Viridis, Peganum Harmala, Mimosa Hostilis and others with the same components. Among the objectives of the work with these plants are the expansion of today’s cultural awareness through an enhanced exploration of different belief systems and the establishment of a firm scientific and educational foundation to sustain a life lived through a new consciousness. Ayahuasca embodies bold potential in conjunction with behavioral therapy techniques in the treatment of drug addiction, depression and many other disorders. With Ayahuasca, the clinical needs within the different stages of treatment are satisfied, while honoring the essential dynamics of spiritual search.