We use traditional brew which contains only two ingredients: AYAHUASCA VINE (Banisteriopsis caapi) and CHACRUNA (Psychotria viridis that contains DMT component). All the medicine is 100% brewed in Peru specifically for our shaman needs.

On average ayahuasca ceremony lasts between 6-8 hours.

Though at times it may feel like eternity or blink of an eye. Experientally it is a very inaccurate science.

A Shaman is the multi tool of the spirit world, they are not a facilitator or a barista or a sitter of this medicine, they walk and see in Ayahuasca world / field and therefore know how to interact with its language.

This language is influenced by sacred icaros, mantras, music, voice, presence, silence, the drum, flute, in short a wide arrange of tools that hold the transformational presence of the ceremony together.

A good shaman in this field is a spirit dweller, a walker of other worlds , a clean being, a psychologist, a musician, friend and brother or sister, embraces humility and compassion.

With Ayahuasca, vomiting is usually referred as The Purge. It is considered one of cathartic release mechanisms of the mind/body. Vomiting should not be confused with other areas in life due to sickness or alcoholic indulgence, the experience is of entirely different nature. The purge is a cleanse as well as a somatic release and a stimulation of the enteric nervous system. A very earthly prayer often followed by a feeling of lightness and rebirth. All that does not serve you stays in the bucket.

NO. But it may show how twisted and misperceived your life has been. Be prepared for change, it is what you have come here for.

No. The format is designed through the best results produced. A one night session is not enough internal commitment to produce results in general nor will it provide for satisfactory time to integrate, allowing changes to settle.

At Shamballa we regard this experience as soul work that does require time and dedication. It is NOT a "psychedelic trip".

Though, while on the retreat, you are never forced to attend any ceremony nor pressured , as the flow is just seen as part of the path, your journey.

Yes, you can attend Shamballa Ayahuasca ceremonies on your moon cycle. But let us explore this topic in depth.

In traditional ceremonies it is generally frowned upon. Why ? Mostly the reason is that the energetic field of the menstruating woman can bring chaos energy in to the field: "attracts bad spirits, disturbs the work of the shaman". The monthly cycle is seen as a cleansing and clearing of bad energies that have accumulated within the month and it was believed that the attendance inside of a ceremony creates a field of influence that may be detrimental to the space.

Unfortunately, a lot of this kind of belief is mixed with Christian belief systems and is how power has been placed in a male field for so long. Much of this ideology exists due to the influence of Christianity.

Shamballa experience is the following : yes menstruating woman may bring more energy into the room, however if it cannot be contained by an experienced shaman, then it should not be blamed on a woman’s cycle. It does not take too much questioning to see that there is a tsunami of prejudice in this area. We repeat it – it is up to the individual shaman, but do not make the feminine an excuse. Entities and spirits are real in this work, but mental cages and static psychological beliefs are also a powerful field.

Yes most certainly. Partners bring many valuable relationship questions to the gatherings and often evolve as a couple while on a retreat.

Although often it is a normal practice to do your first Ayahuasca retreats separately. This enables both parties to address their own separate quest/ journey.

Yes, this is a prerequisite in order to participate in a retreat. Every case will be addressed individually to ensure your safe participation and appropriate care from our side.

Whether it is formal prescriptions or herbal potions. Whether you have drug, alcohol or sexual dependencies. They are all just part of the human story. Look on the bright side, we shall pay you special attention.

Help is available 24/7. We have multiple assistant facilitators during the ceremonies, mentors to talk things over with and other helpers/therapists who just have ears.

Personalised conversations can be had with our shaman Pitt Ewart at any time.

Yes most certainly, it is essential to have a high quality of duty of care. During your time at Shamballa, you are expected to come for healing and awakening and that only.

We have helpers allocated per number of participants, they are there to assist during and after ceremonies. Every single helper at Shamballa have minimum 3 years of experience working in this field of plant medicines.

Yes by all means - any time you feel the need for support, or a chat regarding your life perspective, changes, confusion... Gintare, Peter or any other team members are at your disposal. This service is not charged as we consider it a bear minimum part of the journey.