Ceremonys

Ayahuasca has been used for time immemorial by the Shipibo-Conibo people. As their knowledge is primarily transmitted orally, there is no precise dating regarding the origin of this practice. However, many testimonies suggest that it has been used for several millennia.

The Ayahuasca decoction is a sacred beverage made from the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the leaves of the Chacruna tree (Psychotria viridis). This powerful mixture is at the heart of Shipibo-Conibo spirituality and traditional medicine.

Ayahuasca is seen as a teacher, revealing to healers the role of each plant, their medicinal capabilities, and how to conduct ceremonies that allow for the healing of various ailments. It paves the way for a deep understanding of the physical and emotional pains of participants.

At Casa Chaikoni, the ceremonies begin in the early evening and take place in the Maloca, the ceremonial house. They usually last between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the number of participants.

Each participant receives a dose of Ayahuasca, with the quantity determined by healer Isabel, based on individual needs.

After about ten minutes, the effects of Ayahuasca begin to be felt, leading to a state of drunkenness known as "mareación." This altered state of consciousness allows access to the worlds of plants and spiritual dimensions, fostering deep introspection.

During this mareación, participants are invited to focus on their intentions or issues. They must ask the spirits of Ayahuasca and the plants to assist them, guide them, and teach them the source of their discomfort. This process can lead to revelations, releasing memories and energies that have been blocked or hidden, thus facilitating the path to healing.

Each person experiences a unique journey influenced by their background, life, and past. A multitude of wounds, illnesses, fears, anger, traumas, familial energies, relationship issues, depression, and blockages can be addressed during this transformative experience.

At the same time, Isabel begins to sing the first Ikaros, sacred songs that prepare the Maloca and create an atmosphere conducive to healing. The Ikaros, transmitted by the spirits of the plants and trees during Isabel's diets, as well as by her father, are powerful allies that work on the energies present, both in the sacred space and in the bodies of the participants.

Each participant receives a unique Ikaros tailored to what they need to cleanse, heal, or transform. These songs are adapted to the moment, the healer's visions, and the energies felt.

Cleansing occurs through the Ikaros, through purges induced by the Ayahuasca, which expels negative energies from the body, as well as through tears, sweat, and any other form of physical release.

During the ceremonies, tobacco is also an essential element. Used as a valuable ally, it protects, strengthens, and opens visions, thus amplifying the effects of the medicine. Tobacco is consumed in various forms, whether smoked in a pipe or as Mapacho (traditional cigarette).

Once the healing session is complete, the end of the ceremony is announced. Participants can then choose to discuss their experiences, return to their homes, or stay focused in the Maloca to continue their introspection.

This holistic approach not only addresses symptoms but also restores harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, offering a valuable opportunity for healing and personal transformation