"Ayahuasca destroyed my nervous system."

MYTH: All shamans understand trauma and the nervous system, so I can trust them to lead me in ceremony.
Don’t get me wrong-I know plenty of folks who have had positive experiences with various plant medicines. AND I’m hearing more and more horror stories like this one from my student, Juan Pablo. If you’re considering getting involved with these plant medicines, ancient healing traditions, or other bigger cathartic practices, I hope you’ll take the time to watch this interview first. It could be a lifesaver.
To follow Juan Pablo's Channel: / @elnerddeltrauma
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Thank you for being here!
1. Leave a comment and let me know how this video impacted you. Feel free to leave a question (my team answers them each week!)
2. To get more nervous system health resources, plus learn more about me and my credentials, plus the many ways you can work with me at the practical level, head to my website: irenelyon.com
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4. GOT QUESTIONS? Send an email to: [e-mail]
Please know that...
The statements on this KZbin channel or in videos are simply opinion. Content presented or posted on this channel is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or a professional therapeutic relationship. Content presented or posted is intended to provide general health information for educational purposes only and you should contact the appropriate healthcare professional before relying on any such information.
My website is a wealth of information, free resources, and information on how to start this work, so here it is one more time: irenelyon.com
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[@emmaphilo4049]

We live in a society who values extreme stuff. As if gentle was not good enough.

[@annastone5624]

Great comment.. so true

[@emmaphilo4049]

@@annastone5624 thank you!!

[@m0thdm]

That was good to hear, Emma

[@upendasana7857]

Totally,whilst I believe and have no doubt that these ceremonies and plants can be powerful medicines for some people at certain times,this I want a fix now society and wanting the drama and intensity is definitely a western thing.I think people are at one time desperate to expereince life fully whilst simultaneously being too scared just to simply open up to people around them or in ways that are bit by bit each day.

[@MizzFujin]

so true. quick fixes or super bombastic, romanticised transformative " i met god" experiences. For someone who got sold on the new age spirituality with past life regression, i can tell you its a big fraud.

[@caffowood5963]

I have used plant medicine/psychedelics on several occasions, including MDMA to treat life long ‘untreatable’ depression. What I was shown and had to process was truly horrifying, so I understand how the experience can be destabilising. But I have to also point out, that 3 years on, I don’t know myself. Actually, for the first time in my life, I do know myself. I have come home and it feels like a miracle to me. Before I took any medicines, there was a 3 month lead in time of inner child work, meditation, intention setting work with a guide on a weekly basis and on a daily basis by myself. The ceremonies were not in an insane group setting where you absorb the energy of others going through their own stuff, but in a peaceful, quiet almost reverent setting with just me and the guide. Afterwards, it has been 3 messy years of intense weekly work with a somatic practitioner who is beautifully skilled and well versed in other modalities for working with trauma eg IFS. I also used neurofeedback, yoga, meditation, tai chi, nootropics, etc to augment my healing. The now-cliched “it was like 10 years of therapy in 1 night” is bullshit. The medicine is the catalyst and it loosens the soil. YOU are the medicine. I’m not surprised people are having rough experiences that are overwhelming and destabilising. I’m not sure how people who are under prepared hold their minds together. Psychedelics are fearsome in their potential. Treated correctly, it can be life changing. Also, not everyone should use psychedelics. And I would certainly be wary of using them in a circle of strangers, some of whom almost certainly have unprocessed trauma.

[@soulswork1111]

I loved “The medicine is the catalyst and loosens the soil”…. So very true. It takes much integration and commitment after ceremony but, in the end, is often very rewarding/liberating but you must be committed to continuing the work. It’s not a quick fix by any means.

[@caffowood5963]

@@soulswork1111 I completely agree. Definitely not a quick fix, or a panacea.

[@CJ-jp3zw]

he was taking advantage of it, to gain a trip. Looks like he got what he deserved for wannting to experiment with drugs. I'm not sorry for him.

[@CJ-jp3zw]

@@marciestoddard730 he wasn't traumatised. He just wanted to manipulate his ex lover. he was just looking to get a trip. lolol. Not sorry for him.

[@jambonsambo]

I think taking a psychedelic in a circle of random strangers is a bad idea. My inner Cynic imagines that this circle or group model has more to do with the economics of running retreats than with what is actually the best way to engage with these medicines.

[@hotuish]

This is click bait. He had a bad trip and he is prone to psychosis. Experiences like this can cause a psychotic break in people that are prone to schizophrenia. You aren’t a nervous system expert. You are making this up as you go along.

[@emmabeyza6036]

Great video!! Substances like psychedelics when administered temporarily and in the minimum and safe dose can save life (prevent suicide), yet..long term all of them are NOT the answer (solution to the problem). self honesty, emotional and spiritual healing (done correctly) produce safe and lasting results..health happiness, inner peace

[@annemoore4461]

I’ve been researching on psychedelics and it’s benefits to individuals dealing with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD and from my findings, they really work and I’ve been eager to get some for a while but its been difficult to get my hands on them.

[@ohmakure4716]

The Trips I've been having really helped me a lot. I’m now able to meditate and I finally feel in control of my emotions and my future and things that used to be mundane to me now seem incredible and full of nuance on top of that I'm way less driven by my ego and I have alot more empathy as well

[@dilara4130]

I was having this constant, unbearable anxiety due to work stress. Not until I came across a very intelligent mycologist. He saved my life honestly

[@dilara4130]

His name is *DR Adolf Petter*

[@ryancihet555]

@ohmakure4716 I feel the same way too. I put too much on my plate and it definitely affects my stress and anxiety levels. I am also glad to be a part of this community.

[@alicehesselrode467]

I have participated in ayahuasca experience 3 times. Twice in Peruvian jungle and once in jungle in Ecuador. Always with genuine indiginous shaman. I have no psychological problems. Didnt do it for that kind of healing. Three wonderful profound spiritual experiences. The first time heard everything singing and now I know everything sings beautiful sounds all the time but not in state of mind to hear it. 2nd time floating in embryonic fluid of universal love. 3rd time healing of relationship with my deceased parents who came into my being. I am a long time meditator. I have done a lot of spiritual work. I dropped acid back in the 70s. Possibly more prepared than a lot of people and really understood it is a very sacred ceremony. I carry what I experienced with me and would do it again. Research. Go with someone you trust and make sure you are physically and spiritually and mentally prepared. Peace

[@ThisIsEmilyKate]

I wish people would stop taking spiritual practices and substances out of their specific cultural context and commercialising them, without proper grounding 🤦‍♀️ It’s disrespectful and as we’re seeing, dangerous. It’s not the FU to big pharma that so many want to believe.

[@queengoblin]

I would say it's less about cultural context and more about spiritual context. If you are doing these things without understanding of the deep spiritual root of them and where they came from and how and why they were used spiritually by the people who first found them, that is disrespectful, not just to yourself but to the medicine and to the people who's spiritual lineage understands the substance better than you do. I have had incredible life changing experiences with plant medicines administered by shamans who weren't from the culture the medicine is from, but received the spiritual training of the culture. So the medicine was honored because of the spiritual lineage, not the cultural one.

[@Btouhy1]

@@queengoblin correct

[@Elle-ht3km]

Some people are so desperate for help and have no where left to turn, survival trumps all 😢

[@ThisIsEmilyKate]

@@queengoblin I want to agree with you quite a bit, but i do think that there is value in realising that the culturally-specific and site-specific is important, right down to it being a part of your actual, genetic lineage. Something that has been part of your ancestors ingestion is encoded on your DNA and is also entwined with other plants and practices. Nervous systems are in different states of repair (or disrepair) and that’s tied up in colonisation - both for colonised people and the colonisers. I’m an Anglo-Celt. I do not expect that the spirit medicine of Latin America is mine to take or would be of benefit in the same way to some whose lineage it is. I’ve met one too many suburban white boy ‘shamans’ 😂 who would need to find other employment if they weren’t making people throw up in living rooms 🐸

[@AthenaMoreno]

@@ThisIsEmilyKate THIS!!!!!

[@dorinaelenidapodasca8335]

My first ceremony with Ayuhasca was the best experience ever even thou it was profoundly painful as it revealed a lot of the memories and emotions I’ve buried. For 6 intense hours I was taken constantly from a traumatic event to another. Once the traumatic event was elaborated, re-written and integrated, I was taken to another one. I can understand how this experience can be very triggering for someone that is not prepared to face their deepest traumas and don’t have the emotional capacity to integrate and elaborate what is happening during the ceremony. For me, Ayuhasca helped me solve in 1 night with a single dose, traumas that neither 10 years of psychotherapy would’ve been able to help me with.

[@muhyadindahir3188]

I’m thinking about doing ayuhasca or 5 Meo-DMT but i don’t know how i Will integrate what will come up

[@dorinaelenidapodasca8335]

@@muhyadindahir3188 Go with an open mind and trust that you will have the mental and spiritual strength to cope with everything that will show up. It’s not a given that you will have visions. Many people in the group I was in had none or very little. Just trust the process. Be an active participant and be curious. If something shows up, asks to understand more about it. You are conscious the whole time and to get out of a vision all You have to do is open your eyes. I have done 5 ceremonies so far. The last one was last night. And I have always had profound beautiful experiences even thou there was always some buried emotions and truths I had to see and feel. I wish you make the right choice for you and be sure you will do it in a safe environment with people that are capable to conduct the ceremony properly. The integration process usually happens the day after with the facilitators/shamans. At least that’s how it worked whenever I’ve done it. Best of luck to you.

[@Stasunger]

Absolutely 💯 the same experience with me!!! You communicate with your soul which is your higher self, your higher perspective and there is nothing bad about it. If you are not ready to reach higher levels at the moment, you will go through tough moments with the medicine.

[@micamaik503]

@@muhyadindahir3188 not sure if that dmt you mention is the type that takes you in an intense concentrate trip for 15 minutes only. If that's the case i dont reccomend. Specially if u havent had ayahuasca experiences that would give ypu a frame from where to work with a shorter dmt trip. I had 7 ayahuasca ceremonies at the tine i did my first short dmt, and, boy, that was traumatic, not the 7 previous all night ceremonies. Ay gives you time to process. All night, and slowly integrating day after. Of course it can be too much. But if one's gonna compare one medicine and the other, they are way different because of time and duration.

[@marG520]

With whom did you do your experience? Did you utilize your somatic energy during? Pablo had to use Levine technic m to integrate.

[@GutsAndGall]

Sometimes I have thought about doing ayahuasca, but I'm so sensitive. This solidifies that it's not for me.

[@willverify1606]

Same

[@marisacognetta4985]

I’m so glad! I wish I had heard this information before doing it as this same thing happened to me! It’s been an awful several years since I’ve done it…but because of the cult like following this medicine has…this kind of information was not available at the time 😢

[@nepsessu258]

OR it could be your own self holding you back from true healing. Fear blocks a lot of blessings and opportunities.

[@nepsessu258]

​@@marisacognetta4985 What was your purpose of taking Ayahuasca? What was your intention? Were you seeking healing? Or recreational purposes?

[@brionyvince9640]

I am sensitive and I just had a lower dose, was one of the more life changing experiences of my life and can’t wait to do it again!!

[@zoraidita2022]

I wouldn't personally mess with this.... Do old school therapy.... No psychedelic drugs.

[@m0thdm]

Being literally surrounded by psychedelics and mental health specialists, I am coming to the conclusion that a great portion of the people doing psychedelic treatment are looking for a shortcut to spiritual groundedness or healing.

[@bm5_5_5]

Agree with this

[@isabelkelly7717]

Only if you take the shortcuts and dont follow the necessary protocol. Also when one combines several different medicines, which is not following protocol.

[@shushimushi]

You are right. I'm just an exception. I used to have horrific bad trips without ever taking any psychedelics. I'm afraid If I do so, I will go out of my mind completely. There's too much junk in my subconscious mind. Spiritual path is never easy. If that's thr case.

[@Mr7Poz]

Sort of true. It is a bit of a bypass that should inform you and not become a crutch.

[@bplayerr1]

I havent taken psychodelics. But it seems to be a journey of intention. A friend did it in Peru with a Shaman and a team of nurses. It required a 3 day fast, constant meditation and intention before taking ayahuasca. So, it is not like smoking weed or popping pills. That's the wrong approach.

[@esrasees]

I think going to India, Bali or some exotic place to heal is an expansion of the idea that we are not enough and the answer is somewhere outside. We dont need to travel, we need to come home to ourselves.

[@naturesrhythm8506]

Amen! I made this mistake. But the greatest healing has happened at home in the UK

[@naturesrhythm8506]

And I also think if something is getting you 'high' rather than bringing you into a more connected relationship with your body, that's also the same thing.

[@rasheedahsilvertreemusic]

Say it louder!!! Lol all jokes aside…home is within

[@karolyn63]

Sometimes we are looking for healing in all the wrong places..thank you for sharing.

[@Anna-Maria79]

So true 🙏

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

That’s how some ppl feel about big pharma sedatives etc

[@sinforoso1974]

@@Pikachu-qr4yb that is why we have to stay away from hardcore experiences such as ayahuasca or mushrooms, so we remain safe and sane enough to not go into any mental institution. Mental institutions are full of people that develop psychosis after those extreme experiences. We should take care of each other.

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

@@sinforoso1974 lol

[@negy2570]

@@Pikachu-qr4yb it's not a war between evil big pharma and the innocent plant medicine. One hopefully would be lucky enough to avoid both. I'm not sure why people feel a need to excuse one or the other. It seems like an eternal need to divide, take side and more or less unknowingly work on an agency's behalf.

[@ilikemaline]

I mean all I am really getting from this is that people have no idea what they are getting into and that is very dangerous, plus it is absolutely not for everyone. Aya is not a quick fix the integration period that follows is hard because you have to deal with everything that is brough up. Plus now this is turning into a mass tourism thing and you have to be careful where you go and who you trust. No, the curanderos can't support you enough because they live in a comunity where this is a part of their life and they see and experience life completely differently that we in the "civilised" western world do, where we created a sick society and we are totally disconnected from everything and we need intense therapy before and after and at least some meditation practice before we even think about attending anything like this. A lot of people in the comments saying how hard it was for years but now they feel better. That is exactly what working on yourself feels like. It's painful and unpleasant. When you mix in something that makes the work 100x more intense and faster and you do it without support of an integration therapists, to me that is insanity. I can empathise, I understand how hard it is, I have gone thorough it myself and although I was prepared my life fell apart but I also was able to process trauma I truly don't think I could have otherwise. I am glad this video was posted, I hope people think twice about what they are doing and that it takes hard work and a lot of time and support to process and heal.

[@remmy29]

I am another person who developed serious nervous system issues post Ayahuasca. It took me over two years to recover. I could not sleep for more than 4 hours for almost a whole year. This man almost had an identical navigation that I took. I spent close to $10,000 trying to figure out how to heal, going all over the place seeking out people to help me. My doctor said I should write a book also. So I'm about 4 years out now. I was able to go back to work fortunately. But I still suffer from sensory overload and memory loss. I'm considering getting a $3,000 assessment with neuropsychology because this issue. I don't advise anyone to take Ayahuasca if you are a highly sensitive individual, possibly have ADHD or on the neurodivergent spectrum. The rewiring of the system significant chaos. I'm thankful to be able to work again because at one point I thought I was going to be homeless. I'm a medical professional as well. It's been a really tumultuous past 4 years years. I'm glad to hear that this man healed.

[@IreneLyon]

Hello, Sophia from Team Lyon here. Thank you for sharing. You might find this podcast featuring Irene quite interesting irenelyon.com/guest-appearances/30-ayahuasca-nervous-system-health-wellness-irene-lyon-collective-evolution-with-joe-martino/ Wishing you a smooth onward healing journey.

[@remmy29]

Thank you

[@soprotivleniye7620]

Hi there, I am severely crippled 8 years after having several bad ayahuasca trips. I can only work about 5 hours a week. I am bed-ridden about 80 percent of the time. Could you please tell me what helped you recover?

[@macintoshimann9892]

Can I ask what was different about your experience from the insomnia so many people experience? Not getting enough sleep is quite common and has a lot of causes, what makes you think its connected with ayahuasca?

[@TheChoice2121]

How did you heal? I am going through something similar.

[@juanitawatson3049]

Thank you for sharing. This was an amazing video. Plant medicine is big business now, and there are more unhealed healers holding ceremony, making tons of money and leaving people unresolved, thinking they had a healing, creating more trauma. It's like a rite of passage to go through all that physical/psychic/emotional/mental intensity...peak experience....Plus there are so many healing centers that seem like cults....you really have to be SO discerning with where you are going to heal.

[@ritagordon9859]

What you experienced is called a spiritual emergency. I had this 8 years ago when my natural DMT releases from my 3rd eye and I thought I was loosing my mind and having night terrors and flash backs etc. yes I had severe trauma background. Please note that this happened naturally so without plant meds. The soul can decide it’s time to spiritually wake up. It took me 2 years to integrate but it was so worth it

[@krhzs]

Can you share your tips for how you integrated and how it affects you now? Thanks

[@nagibanina]

Integrate how. Mine happend 2015 and still have not know How to integrerats. 🙏🩵

[@Mandance]

This can happen to you even without ayahuasca, it’s an awakening and can happen from loss, stress, breakups anything can trigger it and your entire life can fall apart because this is process of healing from the person you thought you were into your true self.

[@nicky9173]

Absolutely

[@e2daz265]

Talk your shit !!

[@skyejacques]

This is soooo true. I had that with certain men coming into my life, one was a narcissist. Then a healer who screwed me over, then multiple mental breakdowns and last year I had an Ayahuasca type experience by meeting another masculine soulmate on marriage app, met him once and went through what was another breaking down of my ego. When I finally did plant medicine a few weeks ago to clear more depression, the impact was exactly the same as when I met the man! 😮 Except much gentler and I haven't been acting like a crazy obsessed person 😅 but been able to cook and attend appointments and be whole. I like to believe it's divine energy flowing through me and all my lost soul fragments coming back because before I've been so depressed and demotivated

[@Doorto_theriver]

Definitely. But that’s “organic” reality rather than placing yourself into a drug induced ceremony your system may not have the captivity for.

[@TeaRose9]

Exactly what I was just about to say as well. I’ve experienced this from seeing the truth and seeking to understand.

[@lunkerjunkie]

your point about cultural illness being unnatural got me thinking about a grove trees I used to walk through on the river. initially when I would go through there I would suddenly get a sense of panic, the urge to escape immediately. even in broad daylight. after a few months of this I finally stopped to ask the trees what's going on. they responded by saying "you're ok, we are just trying to keep the assholes out. fear is a universal repellant." they eased up on me from then on. I reckon my acknowledgement of their presence allowed for some kind of pardon. I can't even imagine using a powerful plant medicine without being attuned to earth mama first. sounds like a roll of the dice.

[@Saral_Lekhi]

We have a saying/ wisdom in Hinduism which goes "Too much Amrit / Manna is also poison". Which tells you Greed never helps the body. I am seeing many people who get access to these drugs become , irresponsible and greedy and overdo it because they think "Too much of a good thing cant be bad right?".

[@ceydakurhan6485]

I Cant believe the watch this now.. 5 years ago I exactly lived the same experience what he told.. it was horrible..this is serious not a toy

[@soprotivleniye7620]

How did you recover? Please help.

[@Cbnmmgcc135]

The same thing happened to me. Overly intense experience went for 12 hours straight. Negligent and untrained people in charge. Matter of fact, The shaman left midway through. Left me scared for 2 years and to pick up the pieces. People don't understand this is not a toy or a weekend fix. Auyahuasca is like opening up pandoras box what you see, find out and realize are yours for life but what you sacrifice far out weighs its beauty.

[@JamieR]

I'm glad you found your way out of it. Must've been very challenging. I also had a really terrifying experience. The "shaman" had the fix for me when I said that I felt off and needed help. He gave me more. Luckily I managed to pull through and ended up with a really solid experience that taught me a lot about myself. That said, I'd never recommend it to anyone. It is after all the most potent psychoactive drug on the planet. I also know one person who has been on psychotic meds since he went to the jungle, and another who is completely lost. They'll never be the same.

[@KosmicKaren]

@@JamieR that’s awful!

[@Cbnmmgcc135]

@@JamieR Bro that bothers me so deeply. I hope they are alright! I met a teacher who is legit and he gave me tools & techniques for which I came out of about 80-90% of my Auyahscua Issues and also the issues that I was looking to find in the first place. It all came full circle in its own time. In my opinion, no one is too far gone. Respectfully, I have to disagree with you there, they can come out of it. It would just take a lot of work. Take care Jamie.

[@ceciliaalejandraavil]

F around, and find out 🤷‍♀️

[@oliae2898]

true.

[@tz3887]

Yes sounds like a kundalini awakening. Its intense and brings all the shadow stuff up, that one have not faced yet.

[@Katalina_N]

@TZ totally.

[@FindYourFree]

All of the shadow stuff. In Brazil they call it "trabalho" (work). It is definitely that

[@sarahreavis2924]

I can deeply relate to Juan Pablo’s story, and I’m so grateful he shared. Every part of his story, from his childhood existentialism, to losing his senses and feeling as though he was dying, to his journey to healing resonates. That’s also how I found Irene. These stories aren’t talked about often, but they aren’t uncommon. Your bravery will help others ❤️

[@CJ-jp3zw]

just another young wreckless guy looking for a quick trip. Lame.

[@karenslaughing]

Thank you Irene! I’m in the same boat as Juan. It is not a panacea. I had several very negative experiences. My CNS was really freaked out from it.

[@MM-px1gy]

I had a really horrible Ayahuasca experience as well that left me really messed up, and the organizers say it's "just the healing taking place." I was in a constant triggered mode where I couldn't sleep, and I was so ungrounded I started to lose touch with reality and go psychotic and lose my mind. This was over 3 years ago and I'm doing so much better now, in fact the best I ever have before. I can't say I regret doing it because it really got me talking about my painful past and my beliefs but I compare my experience through this like botched surgery that I ended up recovering from. I feel bad for the people who don't have a support network or cooler heads in their life to help them with what happens after an experience like this because it was the hardest thing I've ever been through and I'm grateful I'm here today thriving. Use extreme caution before going to one of these retreats, please. Do not get swept away by their magical healing talk and how it's all "meant to be" and all sorts of asinine new age junk that's thrown in and easily confuses a person who isn't thinking straight from all the painful beliefs and memories they have and physical/emotional state they are in. There is a tremendous amount of risk when it comes to this stuff and they throw all caution into the wind cause "they can just feel and sense who is ready to drink the medicine." It's much safer to do a lot of research and do this in a modern therapeutic environment with people who have training and oversight, there is definitely need for some oversight and a more comprehensive and developed screening process and support system after taking stuff like this. Not some retreat in the middle of the jungle where they just send you on your way after.

[@Btouhy1]

@@marciestoddard730 Correct, many are engaging with the most powerful experiences that are possible without being ready or called. I really believe this is the reality, and if you are called and have this expiereince its exactly what your soul needed. These medicines are not little retreats they have the ability to do anything that is needed including break you to your knees.

[@justynaswiercz3013]

@@Btouhy1 very true. The intention was fear and ego based not based on soul calling. And disrespecting the preparation diet. This medicine is s very powerful healing tool and not to be taken lightly, but with full respect and responsibility. Ayahuasca is for everyone, but not everyone is for Ayahuasca.

[@f12sus]

Thank you for sharing your experience, I was considering doing Ayahuasca on a retreat in Hawaii… but now I will reconsider it… they offer a 4 hour journey… this made me suspicious… I’m quite sensitive to pharma meds, so plant based meds are my go to… but we must be careful, even with nature and quick fix remedies… I’m glad I found this video!

[@dominique7269]

@@f12sus 4 hours is way too short!!!

[@OfficialGOD]

you have to let go

[@skybison_9]

You didn’t need anything outside yourself Juan! You were on the path already unfortunately the people you were interacting with at the moment made you doubt yourself. The image of you reaching the “good side” and it flipped to the “bad side” was telling you to not look outside of yourself and understand how the feminine and masculine energies complement each other to see the bigger picture. You are the center and the fountain of your whole being.

[@Carroty_Peg]

this is almost taboo! it's like the flip side of big p harma - looking for some substance to cure us with little effort!

[@queengoblin]

Yes absolutely. When I am called to do plant medicines, I'm called months in advance. I get signs everywhere and I start going inward and preparing or asking myself why and what I'm wanting to look at through the medicine's eyes. It's extremely rare that I get the inner call anymore to do these things. I've not yet done Ayahuasca. I have a lot of healing to do but I know I'm not ready to meet her yet.

[@Lettie22]

That's really perceptive. I agree 100 % but hadn't quite seen it like this before. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@Thelittleclipstore]

I didn’t try this but It almost sounds to me like people that are already sensitive souls and can get deep into themselves that these stuff can just takes things too far for a human to handle. I did some heavy deep breathwork and fainted , I kept blacking out throughout the day, got super weak and couldn’t get back to myself for weeks, I was told it would heal me and it’s only beneficial it can’t harm but I learned that there’s no shortcuts and natural and slow works best. So I will stick to my old methods that work like regular excerises for nervous system and natural breathing , nothing to crazy. Stuff that feels like my body can handle , meditation and prayer :)

[@kristianaklause2574]

Great insight

[@saintejeannedarc9460]

Did you try that hyperventilating type of breathwork where they tell you to breath in and out really forcefully and fast? That didn't look right to me. It looks like mimicking a panic response, and I don't know how that can be beneficial? I'm sure you're right that the drastic methods can look attractive, because we think they might be faster. Slow and incremental, w/ moderation is usually best. We're already in distress in various degrees, bringing on more distress (in the name of helping) can't be right.

[@Mpiman]

I did Ayahuasca 15 years into my personal development and spiritual journey And I had a very good experience! I think the preparation is very important and also many other factors such as the space, the shaman and the community

[@skyejacques]

Yes, definitely.. also to not force it and go when ready. I have waited 7 years to overcome serious trauma and fears before taking it

[@Nadiesalevivo]

These are the kind of videos that SHOULD be recommended and promoted not the pro- drugs ones.

[@sarahs8712]

I was stuck in the endless loop of suffering too. There are no words to express how terrifying it is. I thought ‘the jokes on me. I drank the koolaid… I will be here suffering forever.’ I still have flashbacks of that moment and have intense fear about the nature of reality. I do think there is a deeper message to learn from that experience. To me… I just took away from it much of what the Buddha taught… life is suffering… we have to surrender. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m grateful you came out the other side 🙏💖

[@sholonator92]

To accept the nature of reality as it is. There is no control. You have no control

[@MisterNiles]

Was this from taking ayahuasca? What was the set and setting?

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

You probably experienced your ego death

[@nyamkhamimi4261]

I understand that this guy had a really bad experience, but in no way his nervous system had been destroyed. That kind of exaggerating and just wholesale blaming the suffering on the substance rather than understanding his own role in why this happened is a very immature attitude and also very misleading to thousands of others who might benefit from this medicine. It's simply a lie, and a very harmful one. And I can't understand why anybody ingesting such a powerful substance would expect it to have no possible risks of strong side effects involved! Everything that works can also work in a wrong, or painful way. Plus, such a terrible experience could also be part of ones healing journey. Believe me, i have experienced very bad trips myself on my decades of psychedelic journey, but it was all part of my healing journey in a bigger picture/ long term time frame!

[@nataliarocha6972]

i 10000% AGREE

[@moongodess639]

Yes ! Well said

[@rba4377]

I think it’s beyond naive if you to know what such a potent medicine can or can’t do. Also, great for you but for ppl like me and him it can truly destroy lives and as you heard it yourself less ppl to suicide. If something works for you great but don’t be naive to think that anything on earth is the solution for everyone

[@marisacognetta4985]

Nah this exact same thing happened to me! Why do ppl have such an almost cult like resistance to any criticism of plant medicine 🥴 this is why more ppl get harmed because a lot of this kind of information gets pushed downed or demeaned! It’s ridiculous- it does help some ppl I understand that but it’s not always the case!!

[@MicaelaArroyo]

Aho! 🙌🙌🙏🏽

[@paulrossi3469]

If anything, I have an impression that Juan Pablo suffered from a lack of love or perceived love. I may be wrong, of course. I really wish that people stopped the self-serving BS of ego-death and resistance to drug 🤦‍♂ Jeez... these are the same sort of phoney standard replies that system psychiatrists give to patients when they are faced with bad effects: you're doing resistance to drug, keep on taking it! Both certified medical doctors and self-proclaimed shamans make a living out of people's pain. The next time you express your ongoing difficulties and someone asks if you want another cup, tell them: Ask my lawyer first! Make them afraid of consequences. Let's see if their job starts from a point of love AND competence. Both are required. When you put yourself into the hands of any healer, make sure they chose their path from a point of love, not money-making nor self-celebration nor life occasion. Sure, some people will get beneficial effects, but it's a matter of hit or miss. No drug is custom-made. We had the Prozac craze, then it faded (why??? Nobody asks), then SSRI and SNRI given with great superficiality. I actually saved a person who got suicidal after only 3 pills of a famous SSRI given by a psychiatrists after a 20-minutes talk. She never ever experienced what is called "suicidal ideation" before and after and it's impossible to know if it was something deeply buried that the drug brought up, but I very much doubt so. He asked her if she had friends... well, she had none at that moment or rather none that she could call friend in her set of values. It happens in life. He gave a dosage for major depression because, his words, a capsule cannot been cut. Good thing I was around. We have different bodies, we come from different paths and different ways of arranging our lives. The first rule for any practitioner is RESPECT. Now this Ayahuasca thing... Same story with an even more pernicious mechanism given by the exotic natural label and the magical thinking attached. You don't take 100 people, make them shell $$$$ and serve drug tea to everyone and see what happens. Guess if medical staff did the same with a mix of MAO-inibitors (similar to SSRI) from Ayahuasca plant itself and MDT from Chacruna, which is all about btw. Chemicals. There is a lot of cultural appropriation where native people knew how to do it and why and in a totally different context and way of living. Of course, this high request is economically beneficial for the local economy, even if I'm not sure who is going to make the money, probably not the natives. I'm sure tons of people are not telling their bad experiences out loud. There is sort of stigma and victim-blaming in everything that keep people silent, while others rant about their great experiences. Times change, humankind is the same with a different cloth on.

[@freddonovan2978]

I can't find a source anywhere for any good psychedelics in my area, I suffer some pretty bad depression and i got a chance to try K and man it was a miracle substance, I felt free,the only high or euphoria was from the relief of my vices being released, that's exactly what it did

[@Dwayne638]

The psychedelic experience is temporary but many people have permanent results

[@joachimlunares4871]

Mushroom completely turned my life around and my anxiety and panic attack disappeared and my personality changed into a much more generous loving person

[@lauramaria2212]

I got mine from @doctor_mckenzie

[@sebastianfelipe515]

I had 3.5 grams dried lemon tek most beautiful experience ever!!

[@joachimlunares4871]

@@lauramaria2212 Is he on on Instagram or what?

We can't stare at the Sun more than a few seconds without damaging our eyes. I think that's a good analogy about how our environment is not always hospitable. The sun sustains our lives, but we can't take it all in with abandon. We have learned that for example our skin can withstand direct sunlight much longer than our eyes. And people with darker skins can tolerate much more sun than people with fairer complexion. Things like that are common sense in our society. We know that everything that comes from the Earth or the Sun is not automatically good for us. Still, in certain circles it's quite common to take shortcuts and make incoherent assumptions that disregard common sense and can lead to unfortunate outcomes. Thank your for this very enlightening interview!

[@MikeMass12]

This seems like OCD - the endless loop you experienced was a representation of the loop that people who suffer from OCD experience. We stay trapped in these thought patterns where we fear fear and as a result we don't experience life. The hallucinations that you had after the ceremony were intrusive thoughts. Prior to the ceremony you could keep them at bay but after the ceremony that no longer was possible. Even you feeling the food in your throat and being afraid you were going to choke is OCD, it's called somatic OCD... There is help and treatment, it is ERP and it teaches how to not fear fear... I had a similar experience to yours, I was in the infinite loop during my trip as well, I also experience intrusive thoughts after that seemed like hallucinations at times... I AM SHARING THIS FOR ANYONE who might take a drug and then experience these symptoms after... You are NOT going crazy, there IS treatment, look up Dr. Michael Greenberg, and look up Mark Freeman... OCD is not what you think and there are many great treatments and you can recover... Blessings to all of my fellow people searching for peace and love in this world, you can get better, peace.

[@adoniscyp7904]

Thankyou! Grateful for you giving a helpful comment 🙏

[@celgmartinez]

Thank you for this honest feedback and saving me from a horrible experience. I have a very sensitive nervous system. I know I will have your same symptoms to Ayahausca medicine, probably worse. It’s not for everyone. There are so many more ways to heal than taking mystery drugs that we know very little about.

[@nicky9173]

It triggers a dark night of the soul . Most important thing to do is to ground yourself

[@David-pv4yl]

Now I know the reasons why I have never intuitively been attracted to undertaking plant medicine ceremonies. Thank you for sharing this very detailed video.❤

[@wtfhappenedtome]

My acupuncturist started “encouraging” me (it felt like pressuring) to lean deeper into some very traumatic family stuff and write a letter to my mother - at a time when I was teaching myself some “brain rewiring” practices that essentially involved doing quite the opposite, bringing myself back to the present and letting go of rumination on the past. She said that I was ignoring trauma and needed to face it in order to work through it, otherwise it would always stay stuck in my body. I instinctively knew this was deeply harmful for me, but I didn’t stop seeing her for several months because I was so emotionally vulnerable. I didn’t have the self confidence to do what was right for me. I can see now that this had a negative impact on my healing for a while. Listen to your instincts.

[@ucanleaveyourhaton]

That really sucks ! I’m sorry that happened to you. I hope you get back on track for your best healing. 👍🌈

[@wtfhappenedtome]

@@ucanleaveyourhaton thank you yes, I am back on track with healing.

[@littlewillowlinda]

That's a major issue with talk therapy too. Trauma needs to be dealt with differently esp for those of us with rumination issues. Same with journaling.

[@kristianaklause2574]

Sounds like they were out of their scope of practice as a “acupuncturist”

[@ThisIsEmilyKate]

UTTERLY outside her scope of practice. Reportable to her professional body, additionally she would certainly be in breach of the terms of her insurance. I’m sorry this happened to you and I hope you find yourself in a better place soon ❤️

[@elisabethdana]

I wish I could share this conversation with everyone I know and their friends! I am a Somatic Experiencing practitioner and in the past year I am getting more and more requests from people who have had bad ayahuasca experiences. It has become so popular as people are seeking new avenues to explore their truths, which in itself is beautiful. But with more and more inexperienced spaceholders with hardly any awareness of the risks and dangers, this is a recipe for disaster for many. Thanks Irene and Juan Pablo for sketching this picture in so much detail, as well as the hopeful message for anyone who has gone through a similar experience!

[@soprotivleniye7620]

Hi there, I have been terribly damaged by ayahuasca to the extent that I am barely able to function at a very basic level and am unable to work. So I have lost everything and am homeless now. I have been desperately trying to find a somatic experiencing practitioner but they do not accept Medicaid. Do you by chance know if anyone does accept it?

[@Creatorincharge]

Hey, you can learn it yourself; that’s what I’m doing. I’ve never done ayuhasca, but I had an unintentional kundalini awakening 5 yrs ago… Let me know if you’d like to connect. Are you doing any better now? Интересный ник, кстати - Сопротивление…

[@elisabethdana]

@@soprotivleniye7620 In the directory of practitioners of Somatic Experiencing, you will find people that accept insurance.

[@Aarya_Sufiana]

My nervous system was very disturbed for at least one month after doing the journey, I was told that my chronic illness will be gone from this journey but actually it got much worse. But mushrooms were much better for me than ayahuasca --- my body rejected aya completely, and it felt that it was very very wrong for me..... there seemed to be something very dark in this medicine which I cannot put in words. But as a highly sensitive empath and a light worker I can say that it's not the best medicine for every person as people tend to believe. I also know someone who committed suicide after that and also someone who became schizophrenic after that. So people need to be careful. Thank you for this video. 🌷🌟🌷

[@Goldun-nah]

This is not a one size fits all. But let’s not skew words. For FEW this medicine is not for you… for the majority of people who take it it’s fine… As with most things. I’m glad to hear the perspective of the exception/minority. The experience is mostly healing but it all depends on who you are, who is guiding you, where you are at in life… I don’t mind this conversation, I appreciate it. What I don’t appreciate are your SELECT WORDS… the words you used specifically, was “many”, when referring to the FEW- in the face of the majority, … but then saying “others” when referring to the MANY/MAJORITY of people who had beneficial experiences. Not all negative experiences in the moment are negative in it’s totality… …. It’s all about integration… that can take years and it can enlighten you beyond measure… but people expect only positive… that’s not how anything works… people need to know their body and minds state of being before taking such strong psychedelic medicine… it can be psychologically traumatic if you don’t have proper preparation, knowledge of self and what you’re taking, your reasons for taking it and most importantly what your integration. process was after the experience.

[@blackteaspeaks5382]

From what I understand too is that Ayuhasca has its roots in Indiginous cultures and I have found that when a lot of those things are taken out of context out of the original culture and become popularized people don’t have the context grounding and connection discern or utilize it as it was meant to be used. Which then often times has negative ramifications from the cultures who originated the practices as well because they get demonized, or their materials over harvested etc. the fact that a lot of us in this culture are not grounded with the earth with the land (because we have not reckoned with the historic trauma that has been settler colonization) to really be messing with some of these traditions that come from and of the earth. Sometimes it’s a f around and find out kind of thing. But I do wanna mention that, there is the cultural context to it as well. And the fact that, Indiginous knowledge, ways of being and healing, in which some of these plant medicines have the potential to be safe in a lot of cases have either been lost or are struggling to persevere. And when we consider that oppression in and of itself is a systematic trauma, there’s a lot to consider how we talk about and understand it.

[@BravoTassia]

I felt similarly when I went to a Vipassana retreat.... I felt scared and unsafe and had some hallucinations once I returned home. I felt more depressed than I had for years... I have no desire to return.

[@itr6540]

I have thought Vipassana would be about silence and disconnection to technology, and I do it on my own, at home or in nature. Then it is very calming for me… aren’t mass practices a bit polluted with strangers’ energy? Wish you all the best, sea and nature works the best for me.

[@evadebruijn]

@@itr6540 As I was thinking about all these spiritual practices done in groups: Not everyones aura can handle this energetic closeness for so much time (I heard of a Vipassana retreat in a large group that is 10 days, someone told me enthousiastically I should totally do it) Maybe being a Projector in human design or just a cptsd plus psych med withdrawal hypersensitive nervous system/hpa axis / nervus vagus, I am sure that if ayahuasca ever calls me I better not go to Costa Rica and have sessions with a collective of hundreds of people in one big venue, but have a one on one session with a very ethical shaman.

[@loes1655]

@@evadebruijn Sinds i know that iam a projector in HD things falls in place.

[@LoriDoyle]

I never read or heard of a Vipassana retreat using hallucinogens for meditation.

[@inokruysen649]

​@@loes1655 what do you mean by that?

[@Inspiriments888]

Very similar path brother. Thank you both for having the bravery to speak on such a topic and provide harm reduction wisdom to those concidering this means of healing. Blessings continue to follow you where ever you go!

[@farmpunk_dan]

My takeaways from this video: -Psychedelic experiences are not inherently healing experiences. -Setting and context are a MASSIVE factor in the potential for psychedelics to heal or cause harm. -If you are a person searching for healing, you should not put your mental health in the hands of someone who does not understand trauma, or at least have some background in psychology. This person must also be trustworthy in that they will LISTEN if you express a lack of openness to ANY experience, not force you deeper into it. - consent is critical, especially in an altered mind-state. It’s good to bring awareness to the potentially negative outcomes of entheogens, however this experience strikes me as a cautionary tale of someone who did not take the necessary precautions. This is not to say they are to blame for their experience, however, as an anecdote to inform others I believe it’s unfair to use this story as a basis for condemnation of psychedelics or a reason for anyone to write-off psychedelics as a way to healing. They are a useful tool for many. It’s critical to also do the work, be on an intentional path of healing, and only use entheogenic substances as a way to open the mind to deeper healing. Plants can’t be assumed to do the work for you. I have had a profound shift in my consciousness, trust, quality of life, fulfillment and engagement with experiences since a single, mild dose of psilocybin. I’m continuing to do the work, and grateful that nature has provided substances than have the capacity to help us, when used respectfully, correctly and mindfully.

[@queengoblin]

Psilocybin has changed the direction of my life on 2 different occasions very positively. Kambo as well. But each I did with full knowledge and intention of what I was doing. Kambo was led by trained shamans who took excellent care of me. The psilocybin I did with trusted friends. Each time I did these I prepared months or weeks in advance and did a lot of inner work leading up to them. I've had a horrible trip on acid before that would have left me traumatized if I hadn't known how to do shadow work and basically talk myself out of it and process psychosis while in the trip. It was terrifying. I had disrespected the drug and tried to take it as a party substance and it kicked my ass. It was scary. I feel lucky that I have the background in personal healing I do or else I think that trip would have been extremely traumatizing. I was fighting for my sanity with my own demons for 18 hours. It was awful. I learned about the very real dangers in taking powerful medicines without care from that trip. I'll never do it again. People who do these things for fun or as a party drug or without prep or good people around them are disrespecting their purpose and playing with fire, possibly demons as well. Not in the religious sense necessarily, but our own inner ones we aren't ready for.

[@Btouhy1]

Correct. Theres tow factors that play into these experince, one the ones you said, any very difficulat experinces and i wont call them bad trips any more as my work with medicines clearly shows you there is no such thing as bad, any difficult are usually from being in werid not optimal situations when working with medicines or not respecting the,. 2. even if you were in the best experince when you work with these medicines you are opening yourself to something much higher and differnt than out natural logic, having a very hard year or two after is now part of the process that divinity and your higheset self has for you as killing your broken self is its goal, and it will literally kill you if you are not willing to surrender. I am personally coming out a the hardest two years of my life while working with medinines but whats happening underneath is literally miraculous and impossible for any other system to do. There is healing that is idescribable. This guy found nervous system work after his was pushed to the edge. the medicine didnt do it, it revealed it. Without it he would not be learning to regulate a system that was unregulated and hiding before. If your not willing to die to yourself and everything you thought was important you should not work with medicines that are supernatural. when you do be willing to pushed to the edge of reality. Im speaking from experience and i woule never go back. my work lead me to Irene

[@caffowood5963]

I agree with you. Beautifully expressed.

[@northernflicker1111]

Well said. I'm currently seeking out a possible psilocybin experience to help me with a chronic condition/pain. I feel it's what I need to fully access my subconscious beliefs about myself and my body.

[@lisajayne9523]

This happened to me with ketamine at the AIMS clinic in Seattle. They had absolutely no idea how to help me. It’s been a long road back. All of these centers are charging huge amounts of money and you think you’re safe because their medical professionals. Wrong!

[@queengoblin]

That's so crazy. IMO if they're not trained shamans and spiritual professionals with backgrounds in psychology as well as medicine, they are not qualified to give the drug. The spiritual aspect is overlooked by "medical professionals" and that is often the most important aspect, it carries the root of what is going on.

[@sofiafantin5280]

How did you heal ? I’ m in the same situation, because of THC

[@lisajayne9523]

@@sofiafantin5280 Time. Somatic treatments. I’m still not completely healed. The medical PTSD is worse than ever.

[@sofiafantin5280]

@@lisajayne9523 did you do Irene’ s 21 days program or traditional therapy?

[@lisajayne9523]

@@sofiafantin5280 no…I can’t afford it.

[@thewitchskitchen]

I've been drinking Ayahuasca for 22 years with the Santo Daime church. For sure it's a strong medicine, originally, just for shamans or those going through spiritual trials to be healers. As you can see from other comments, Spiritual awakening can be triggered by meditation, yoga and spontaneously, not just with medicines, and that while it is true that most medicine facilitators don't know how to manage spiritual/kundalini awakening, neither do doctors or most therapists...this is a broad subject.

[@vitaliabio3462]

It really makes me sad that this is getting attention explainingthe practise in a negative way when it is always up to the person. He clearly was not ready to work with the medicine and when he was experiencing the ego death he resisted. The medicine was trying to heal him but all that fear, lack if trust and resistance created the trauma. When people are faced with the ego death and don't surrender they are rejecting the medicine. It's interesting that everyone talks about surrendering until they actually think they will die (the whole point with the ego death is that you don't know it's only your ego you actually say yes to dying and leaving your physical life). The intelligence of the plant is beyond ours and unfortunately some people are not ready for what it has to teach us. In this case obviously the expectations were "it's beautiful"... going into the deepest healing work you can do thinking it will only be beautiful, then the plant will show you otherwise. It's all about ego. Hopefully one day he will come to terms with his shadows. All the best wishes but don't believe Ayahuasca is only this. It is life changing experience for so many who are ready to face themselves.

[@sebk174]

Well described.

[@christinamaytham3062]

100% theres a high level of attachment here but not the plants fault

[@nicky9173]

Interesting

[@alicecasella2039]

Thank you for this!

[@patti.untouchedbytrauma]

Man, this interview triggers stuff in my system. I had a traumatic event like that with marihuana. Extreme fear and then dissociation, that left me with years of panic and chronic fear.Back then I didn’t know I was so disregulated that my system couldn’t take such stimulation. I was angry with myself that I listened to a friend who recommended me to smoke that joint so that I can relax a bit. My dad passed couple of months prior to this and I was in a bad shape already then this harmless friendly meeting turned into a nightmare. Thankfully now I know more and I am healing with Irene’s program day by day. It has to be slow and steady so that my system can feel safe in this world again.

[@thewaterprophet6880]

I was from a very very traumatic family. At 16 I had one try on a joint and tried to take my own life that night. That’s how sensitive my system was and is x

[@sofiafantin5280]

How are you now? Has SE work removed your fears and anxiety?

[@sofiafantin5280]

@@thewaterprophet6880 how are you now?

[@patti.untouchedbytrauma]

I am on my way to regulation, through SBSM with Irene I’ve gained so much wisdom. My capacity has grown and I understand myself and my system better. This work isn’t about removing anything, it’s about learning the language of the body and how to be with it in "good and bad". You can watch an interview Irene did with me this August. I am forever greatful for her work, it really have saved my life.

[@sofiafantin5280]

@UpRyzeQueen which course is it ?

[@Sosa12]

The work with the medicine is not supposed to be a fun ride, if that is expected working with Ayuasca will be extremely difficult (like in this case). This interview feels bias and one sided. The fact the subject was allowed to walk, yelled and be intrusive to others during ceremony tells me right way he wasn’t with good healers (calling anyone a shaman is a stretch). The others were probably having just a difficult time. The ego death he experienced is normal during ceremony and only traumatic if you resist it. You are supposed to let the energy flow. If you resist it, your rational mind will try to control the experience . Ayuasca is not for everyone and people with mental disabilities should not do this. Workin with the medicine shouldn’t be called a spiritual bypassing (complete off base). It takes courage to do the work with the medicine. The word bypassing means the opposite this . Nature loves courage and that is a fact

[@JediShamanJedShlackman]

Trauma healing work can be quite challenging and involves a balancing act of providing a safe space and resources and preparation in tandem with reprocessing traumatic memories. If you push someone into the reprocessing before they have adequate preparation and resources then it can leave them stuck even deeper in their trauma states. Psychedelics are particularly hazardous since they use chemical intoxication with foreign substances rather than meditative skills to disrupt the ordinary mental filters that keep things in the subconscious out of our awareness. It's harder to withdraw from the encounter if you are not ready for it. Psychedelics can be powerful facilitators of healing but care is definitely needed when using any powerful tool.

[@fixfaxr]

So, not a word about Juan going into his ayahuasca experience with a self described "manipulative" plan of how this could put him more in favor with his gf? Not saying this to be mean, I actually really feel for Juan and what he had to go through. I've had several rough and "bad" trips on LSD, some of them taking me weeks to come out of, but usually after doing the work integrating and processing what happened, I have found my intentions and motivations going in to those trips to be corrupt in some way. Juan had an ego-minded plan to use ayahuasca to fix his relationship for him, and ayahuasca punished his ego quite severely for it. If this happened to me, that would be my starting point in trying to unravel what had just happened. The mechanics of how reality works, action and reaction, are no different while tripping than while not tripping. The shaman pushing this extra strong 2nd dose on the guy also happens in response to something. In order to come to terms with experiences like this and not feel victimized, you have to be able to ask yourself hard questions and the answer to why things happened the way they did are never found in the behaviour of others or by what dosage or any thing else external. If your intentions are corrupt or you have some delusions about yourself and reality going in to a trip, you will most likely have your rear end handed to you. Things can happen that appear cruel and unfair to you and you have basically two choices after such experiences. You can blame the substance, the shaman, the dose, etc. or you can do the tough detective work and discover what it was about you and your behavior that placed you in that situation to have such an experience. These are quite often not gentle teachers, although in my experience they will never needlessly torment you, but I think people ought to be much more aware of the harsh response they may receive, and not hesitate to seek more gentle ways of self development in order to better know themselves before they approach something like ayahuasca.

[@Mr7Poz]

My feeling too. You can't fake your way in.

[@MicaelaArroyo]

Aho! 🙌🙏🏽

[@alicecasella2039]

Absolute well described

[@silviahabova80]

This video makes me super angry. I'm going to Ayahuasca retreat in a month and I did my reaserch for years before. I don't want to be rude, but JUAN DID 3 BIG MISTAKES. 1st HE HAD SEX before going to the retreat and each retreat is warnig, THAT PORK, ALCOHOL, SEX ACTIVITY OR CANABIS befor Ayahuasca CAN BE POTENTIALY VERY FATAL WHEN COMBINED, because this strongly CONTRAINDICATES WITH AYAHUASCA. 2nd MISTAKE - He didn't hear Ayahuasca calling, he went because his that time girlfriend decided to go and he went because of her. THIS IS ALSO WRITEN ALMOST EVERYWHERE, that Ayahuasca is not a boot camp. You don't go there, because your friends are calling you, You need to go because only you want to and feel that you need to go. 3rd big MISTAKE - When was Juan in the ceremony, he needed to suround, and not avoid the feer of dying, because if he don't listen and trust Ayahuasca, she will come and show him again even stronger m what she did when she shoved him the 2 guys one good and one bad and he always run after the good one. You need to "die" in order to be reborn again. You need to overcome the fear in order to change. That is what he was always doing since he was kid. He new that there is something wrong, but he never asked his parents , because he was afraid, He did the same on the ceremony. Instead of suranding, he stood up and was walking and sending other people love, he was avoiding the fear, what is wrong. Again, if he would spent time with good reaserch before Ayahuasca, he would already know this. It is nice, that he was doing all the reaserch after when he didn't feel well and I'm really sorry for that, but honestly, if he would spent the same amount of time with reaserch before and how important is to comit to the DIETA, because this can be very dengerous, he would never end so badly. I'm looking forward for an Ayahuasca retreat, because I'm wiling to change and strongly comited to change and trusting the proces whatever comes I won't avoid it. I'm going to the retreat because I heard many cases like Juans and I would like to became a therapist and help people like Juan that had bad and traumatic expirience, because I believe, that therapist are not helping, they just prescribe medication, they don't fully understand. I agree in this with Juan. But honestly, this what happened was only his responsibility, he should take it 100% seriously. The strict preparation and skip sex and also intension, not going there because his girlfrien was going. Ayahuasca is not for everybody and if you don't feel it from bottom of your heart dont do it. I'm usualy not writing coments, but it is not fair towards Ayahiasca , medicine that helped so many people. Yes , some unfortunatelly died, only because they were taking medicine, or drugs they are strongly contraindicated and good retreats would inform about this everyone, you even need to sighn, that you will comit to it. All the best, I'm happy that you are doing so good. You can see how strong you are when there is not other option.

[@krystalizedmagic4894]

People DIED from this drug?? How can people die from a drug like this when it's just a hallucinating and conscious altering drug? Genuine curious btw. Please inform me

[@Sabnock1990]

Uhhh, i assure you, neither sex, nor pork, nor alcohol, nor cannabis is going to kill you in combination with Aya, i've personally done all that during my extensive Aya work, and i personally love cannabis/cannabinoids and Aya/other Psychedelics and the two go hand in hand for me personally. I've also consumed various alcohols with heavy dosages of Harmalas/MAO-A inhibition, no issues there either, same with foods, there's no dietary concerns when it comes to Ayahuasca/reversible MAO-A inhibition, that's only an issue for irreversible MAOI's and that's only about Tyramine, not alcohol or pork. The only risk with sex or masturbation is having those energies/images show up in the Aya experiences, which ime hasn't been any issue, just a distraction, although i have also had tantric inner orgasmic experiences from Aya which is way better than anything sex can give so imo it's worth it to aim for the tantric stuff than to have sex lol.

[@Sabnock1990]

And yes, i know there's a "diet" thing that's often followed with Aya work, but that is a "master plant dieta" which is it's own practice and has nothing to do with Ayahuasca but is a practice that is done when "dieting" any number of different plants, even a simple/common plant like rose or mint or any plant really. Has nothing to do with Ayahuasca itself or any dietary interactions. Plenty of people don't abstain from anything but the few contraindicated medications like SSRI's/SNRI's, MDMA/Amphetamines and a few other things (mainly things that inhibit the reuptake of Serotonin quite strongly), and nobody ever has any issue because there is no issue.

[@Mr7Poz]

It is an extremely powerful plant. Following the guidelines is super important. It's for a reason. No meat, no alcohol, no sex 2 weeks before. Also, the intention is very important. Naturally, a reputed shaman is of outmost importance. Even if it can be a very positive blissful experience, it could also be super hard. It does feel like you are dying. But you won't. It should not destroy your nervous system. I found the fear came from resistance and is self-created. You need to punch throught the barrier and realize that nothing can truly hurt you. At the end, there is only God or Love.

[@ritaevergreen7234]

This reminds me of an EDMR therapist who suggested and pressured me in the session to do a bresthwork excercise that was prana. It literally traumatized me that it wiped out my stomach acid leading to me almost being hospitalized. I don’t even knew that could be possible but I’m never doing that again and I’m never even going back to EDMR. Gentle somatic work has been more than enough for me and body feels better because of it.

[@Thelittleclipstore]

I had similar thing and did deep breathe work I was told it will heal me and I blacked out few times and felt super weak and took me weeks to stop feeling so weak and scared . These things can be so scary

[@saintejeannedarc9460]

I don't understand all the terms and abbreviations people are using. Where you both doing some type of intense breath work, that must have been pretty unnatural? Can you explain what was the method to avoid please? I've done gentle types of breath work that can be very grounding and helpful. Breath is life and we tend to shallow breath or hold our breath when really stressed, so regulating breath and getting oxygen into the tissues properly can only help. I've seen methods for a type of super fast breath work where you're told to hyperventilate. I instinctly thought that can't be good, at all.

[@alicehesselrode467]

I have done holotropic breathwork with a group of 10 people facilitated by a therapist who studied with Stan Grof. Really great. Did it twice with her. Traveled out of body. visited a friend 40 miles away. Called her on the phone later and told her what I saw, what she was doing, so verified i'd actually gone. Confirmation consciousness does not reside within this body. No fear of death.

[@saintejeannedarc9460]

@@alicehesselrode467 Please be careful. You got taught to astral project. it's very real, but people have had very bad experiences after awhile when they've detached from their body. It can leave you open to very negative entities and some people have found they were detaching when they didn't want to anymore and there was nothing positive about it.

[@alicehesselrode467]

@@saintejeannedarc9460 I appreciate your concern. I had holographic breath work session close to 20 years ago. I have learned remote viewing through Institute of Noetic Science, and through Russell Targ. . I have met the angelic beings who hang out with me. Non physical beings. And that was not my first out of body experience. "Awoke" in the midst of serious operation in my 20s and saw doctor and nurses in operating room. Now I am in my 70s so many years of psychic experiences . I will not buy into fear. Maybe if someone is fearful and doesn't know the benevolent non physical beings bad stuff could happen.

[@rasheedahsilvertreemusic]

I tend to go on my own silent retreats…I call it silent fasting. No Wi-Fi, cellphone, or human interaction from 3-7 days. That is where I meet who,God, my fears, inspiration, guides, etc.) it doesn’t cost anything but prepping the space and time for it. Group healing is too much for me.

[@La_Desolada]

This happened to me with kambo & bufo DMT 🐸 😔 .. The kambo I was literally paralyzed & in EXCRUCIATING pain through my legs & hips - I can’t even put into words the torture & agony I was in for a good 10mins. The fake shaman didn’t help me at all and they just kept walking around even though I was screaming for help. Then I almost died during the bufo DMT experience bc they weren’t paying attention & I was throwing up while lying on my back swallowing my vomit (I have a video & footage on my channel of it), and afterwards was left in psychosis for weeks. I almost committed myself to the mental hospital, I had to have ppl stay w me the first couple days bc of the crazy thoughts I was having & the psychosis..I didn’t sleep for 3-4 days after bc of the psychosis, it was absolute HELL. The fake shaman didn’t help me at all and just told me to eat meat to ground my body. It was the worst experience I’ve ever had. I instantly regretted my choice in taking part in this group ceremony, it was one of the stupidest decisions I’ve ever made, but you can bet I’ll never make that mistake again!!! ((To clarify it was not NNDMT which actually cured me completely from fibromyalgia, suicidal depression, chronic anxiety, alcohol/cocaine/pill addiction of 10yrs & took my CPTSD down to just PTSD in just one use 😭 it saved my life…but as you said, these things aren’t for everyone, and I also believe that soooo many factors go into whether or not it’s the appropriate time to do them, if ever ❤️) … thank you for this video!!!!

[@empowerment.artist]

If you are considering doing ayahuasca, I would suggest dropping this interview and do some real research into what it is, what the prepeations are, maybe try other psychedelics in a safe setting, and take RESPONSIBILITY for finding ayahuasca guides who know what their doing.

[@robster7012]

Brilliant interview. Very eye opening. Good to know the 'other side' of ayahuasca 🙏🏻

[@kayakjim007]

In ayahuasca the death trap is rejection. The entity in his experience that he related to as threat was to be his teaching but it was rejected in favor of salvation. The teaching, however, repeatedly pushed it self forward and was repeatedly rejected. Is there really any surprise here? The plant can tap into amazing intelligence if you are open to it.

[@merovingianv3462]

victim blaming

[@CaseyCastleberry-n7r]

Entities are simply nervous system dysregulation

[@sandralarsen3550]

"I DESTROYED MY NERVOUS SYSTEM USING AYAHUASCA" is more like it.

[@jeannieloveandlight3105]

People need to stop blaming Ayahuasca on what they assumed came from it. If you are not in ceremony with an actual maestro or maestra that has spent over 5 years in the jungle learning plants first hand than the person is a con no matter what country. It’s disappointing to hear the very few conned speaking bad on something soo significantly beneficial to soo many. I bet these folks never did the weeks of prior prep work nor cut off medication, drugs or alcohol.

[@empowerment.artist]

It is apparent to me that the interviewer has no knowledge about the subject, and unfortunately, Juan himself did not investigate what ayahuasca is before injesting it, AND he admits to not properly following the preparation. The first thing I learned about aya is that it is a death process. Yes, it’s ego death. You access traumas and generational wounds, that is the healing, healing means going through pain. Also, it can wake you up spiritually, and what does that mean! It means everything that is NOT you, will purge, it it a process of destabilizing and painful integration lasting for years, whether or not its catalyst is psychedelics. I get so sad when uneducated individuals want to spread fear about something that has the potential to pierce through a whole world in dissociation and numbness. That said, I am completely aware about the dangers, but people are responsible for finding the right practitioners and support, as well as respecting the preparations! My four times Ayahuasca were challenging, and life altering, but it took years to integrate and work through. It was also beautiful and the love from the guides was the most true support I had ever experienced. I did it in the netherlands.

[@ashleyoswald]

Absolutely. I think there was a lot unsaid… and these aren’t just “fun drugs” to take out of curiosity, without preparing properly and really tuning into your own intuition to know if it’s the right time. We must be cautious to not bubble wrap life or blame something - sounds like it got him on a healthy path, despite it being jolting, … and yes, he could have gotten on the path in a less abrupt way too, as always… we don’t NEED plant medicines, but they are one tool that can be incredible for the right people at the right time in the right setting and when following the pre-ceremony work properly. I’ve sat with ayahausca in really loving and beautiful ceremonies in Central America 3 times now. The first time, I opted out of the second ceremony, because the first ceremony was very intense and completely left me feeling a bit ungrounded. I knew I needed to wait to ground before sitting again. This was one of the most important experiences of my life, though. All these ceremonies were incredible and life changing for me in the best way, despite it not being a walk in the park fairy tail / quick fix after, and despite it being a lot of work to properly integrate. I’ve had friends wanting to fly down for 3 days to quickly take it out of curiosity, and I’ve always discouraged them from doing this for the reasons above. All the people in my ceremonies were grateful for ayahausca’s help.. very very grateful. Still, texts come through, weeks later, sharing their gratitude to the plant medicine mama ayahausca and shaman guiding us. I’m not sure why I was called to write this review - I’m guessing it’ll help someone who is browsing the comments. And I also hope it doesn’t come off as I’m not respecting the information shared in it - all is true - there is a lot of grey area because we are all different and this is where you must trust your own intuition. If you don’t know how to listen to your intuition, then maybe that’s a nice place to start before plant medicines. Sending positive energy to you all ❤

[@FindYourFree]

Still integrating. I have been taking ayahuasca medicine for 15 years...

[@isabelkelly7717]

I have participated with plant medicine. I have had lots of trauma as a child and young adult . When I participated I followed all the guidelines to the T. I did not play with the medicine in any way. I had the upmost respect for the medicine. I would never approach something so powerful without that complete respect. Why would anyone do this medicine and not adhere to the guidelines and expect to have good results? Also the medicine called me while I was in a deep meditation literally. I believe you have to be called to do it. From this account I hear he was not called to do it. He did it because a friend paid for it. This medicine is powerful. All the components have to be in place with the upmost respect. I have never heard of anyone committing suicide after a journey. I knew death was a possibility. I was offered more medicine and I knew myself well enough to say no to the second dose. I came into it with complete respect. It has changed me for the better. This young man approached this medicine with some degree of disrespect by not adhering to the protocol prior to using the medicine. You cannot play with this medicine for kicks and thrills, for sure. Even the deaths related to it have been brought on by not adhering to to the pre experience guidlines.

[@krystalizedmagic4894]

How does one die from a pyschedelic like this? I thought it was just altering consciousness and making it easier for one to detach from resistance... Please help inform me. R.I.P and respect to those who have passed from this 🙏✨️

[@merovingianv3462]

your victim blaming

[@isabelkelly7717]

@@merovingianv3462 victim mentality never gets us any where.

[@sylvanavargas239]

It took me five years was not the same person since that experience the great thing that happened was I committed myself to God.

[@soprotivleniye7620]

It took you 5 years to do what?

[@espucs]

I've participated in 9 Ayahuasca ceremonies. Do not know if I was really prepared or just lucky, so far all of them have ranged from positive to life-changing positive. I quit drinking (used to be a heavy drinker) and do meditation breathwork 5 times a day. Since the beginning of this journey I have never been happier in my life. Many friends and family have joined me, mostly positive with a couple of exceptions. I am no expert, but my suggestion is to pick your Shaman wisely and try to listen to your inner voice before you decide to participate in one of these ceremonies.

[@soprotivleniye7620]

Tell me about the exceptions.

[@alicecasella2039]

Also thin line to Talk about that people made suicide after a ceremony witouth any seriously research. It's more a “ heard people killed them self “ not Okej. Not professional. It doesn't seem you both kmow Much about that medicine and did a lot Of research on it. It's important to raise awareness to respect a strong medicine but this is scaring people from one single guy that my opinion did it for the wrong reasons crom The begin with and I watch it as a visitor who has know idea about he's back story or how he really is in really life. He took this medicine to repair a broken relationship. Well there came all your ego up Th at you needed to face. It's not the medicine. Plus always research the shaman and the place your doing it rather to trust blindly. Don't let yourself encourage taking a medicine that could help you because of other opinions, listen deeply Inside of Yourself it will call you for the RIGHT REASONS.

[@christinamaytham3062]

This experience, within the ceremony, sounds normal to me because from my experience Ayahuasca is not a gentle teacher. I was honestly expecting something else not what he described. Although I wasnt aware of after effects, hallucinations, etc. Ayahuasca can be very scary, very lonely. Also beautiful. And when you're in it you have to face and deal with the darkness if thats what comes, theres literally nothing you can do but surrender and thats whats scary, which in itself is a lesson is that we are not in control, control is merely an illusion.

[@krystalizedmagic4894]

Can you please talk about the highlights of your experience. Also the control part. How come control is an illusion and why should we surrender? Does the drug open you up to your own personal hell for you to learn, and heal through?

[@adyzds]

​@@krystalizedmagic4894 with 3 ceremonies done, can't say exactly why control is an illusion, but from what I experienced, I tried to maintain control and it felt like hell. After being exhausted by the immense amount of suffering, I gave up the control. That was the moment everything started to calm down and was felling amazing, like all of my problems were gone. I wasn't desiring anything, yet having everything

[@randall-q7o]

SE is an excellent modality and can serve to prepare us for our entheogenic experiences. However, when using sacraments, we get a peek behind the veil so we can see what’s going on when we release energy trapped in the body. Our healing is absolutely about bringing the mind body and spirit into alignment. Those who can’t handle the reality of the existence of the spirit realms, the impact of karma we create for ourselves, and our basic morality will wind up repressing these truths, which will result in repression. Proper preparation for entheogenic experience require both somatic modalities as well as spiritual preparation such as dream analysis to determine how receptive we are to receiving spiritual truths into our conscious awareness. If we can’t handle dream analysis, we can’t handle visions.

[@kristiewood5028]

He is describing something similar to my experience. I was drugged with ayahuasca without my permission or knowledge tho. A person I went on 2 dates with knew I had PTSD and decided he would take it upon himself to try to 'heal' me without my knowledge or permission. He had drugged me with 2 other things to get me to be compliant before hand. This person wasn't a shaman but was part of a tribe that had access to it. When, I was under.... so many similar experiences to this man's that is speaking. And the person that drugged me decided to try to break my psyche. He tried to induce a psychosis by making me afraid and causing worse haulicinations. I never thought I would come out of that state either and it had lasting effects. That man should be in jail. Police didn't believe me or do anything about it. I knew breathing work or wouldn't ha e ever been able to pull myself out. I had been in therapy for 3 years before that situation and wouldn't have understood how to check my own reality if it weren't for that. There is so much more I could say, but sharing it is hard and it's just a comment on the internet. I am glad you came out of this and survived and seem to be able to move past it. You are incredibly strong! Don't forget that!

[@pathfinderwellcare]

One size does not fit all. Ever. I am a flower essence practitioner. It is on the other end of the polarity. It is etheric, gentle medicine. And...it is not for everyone. Understanding the most appropriate medicine for you is key.

[@claudiocrypto2563]

Important question: Do you know any peruvian person or any other amerindian person who ever seek for this kind of treatment? Have you met any of these people in the retreats, other than the shamans there? I've watched plenty of videos about Ayahuasca and I can only see western/americans/europeans looking for this kind of experience, which makes me think this can be more a kind of trendy activity for adventurous and wealthy people than a medicine, but of course I can be wrong. Anyone?

[@soprotivleniye7620]

Good question. I asked it in the Peru subreddit on Reddit and the Peruvians there were like, "No, it's not like everyone in Peru drinks it".

[@aryastar2464]

Thank you so much for this interview, Irene and Juan Pablo 🙏 there are so many parallels between this story and my own. It currently feels like there is space expanding and a softening within my ribcage. Simply hearing that there is an ‘other side’ of experiences like this, that there are others who have come through and out of that terrifying experience helps me remain hopeful. It has been a year and seven months since I had a hallucinogenic experience in which it felt like my chronic freeze was lifting from my body, to name one of the less terrifying things that i experienced during those 15 hours. This time last year, I was considering suicide. Very few people seem to mention that the hallucinations don’t stop after the initial ‘trip’. I used to think that because I had acted on that ideation in the past rather ineffectively, the fear of failing again is what kept me from following through. Knowing what I known now, I realize I wasn’t giving enough credit to my body’s natural proclivity towards survival. Though, I really did feel that the after affects would never cease and could not imagine any other alternative at the time. I found SBSM through obsessive searching into what was happening and trying to find healing of any sort. I’m currently in my second round of the program, and it has been *the* key in my finding regulation again. I still feel survival stress surface from time to time, especially surrounding autonomic functions like swallowing. Now, when it arises, I am able to orient and sense my way to more relief and increased capacity as I continue practicing. I have recently been able to recognize the feeling of sensory overload before it creates a state of sympathetic activation in my body that feels like life or death. I have also begun to accept my aggression more (something I was very ashamed of as long as I can remember) now that I am aware of safe and ethical ways to express it through my body. And most of all, i have found myself slowly becoming curious again, as opposed to hyper vigilantly assessing and categorizing all stimulus and information. I have even started to find myself becoming curious about connecting with other humans again- a realization that came as a bit of a surprise to me. Connecting with my felt sense more has started to open up this integrated sense of be-ing in me that a lifetime of obsessive analyzation and spiritual bypassing could not. I am so grateful for the work you do, Irene (and Seth), and for how accessible you make this information. I truly believe that this knowledge needs to be more widespread- it bridges so many gaps present in current therapeutic approaches. For lack of words to describe how I’m feeling, I hope this emphatic thank you can convey it. Thank you!! 🙏

[@IreneLyon]

Arya Star, it's really inspiring to hear about the all changes you've created (and continue to create) as you apply what you've learned in SBSM! Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience. - Jen from Team Lyon

[@the.kai.eros.experience]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I definitely feel completely caught up in "obsessive analyzation and spiritual bypassing." Paralyzed by it. Terrified of connecting consistently to my felt sense. You purchased Irene's 12 week program then and that has supported you?

[@BigBenny28000]

Ayahuasca opens up your trauma. That is why it feels traumatic. That is what it does. It will be your responsibility how you work through that trauma. Sounds as if he was able to do that. This is a great conversation for him to share what helped him process that trauma. 1000% there needs to be more conversations and after retreat care for people to know how to process this trauma. I think there are a whole lot of people including myself that have had to deal with everything by ourselves that it doesn’t even cross our minds that other people might need help processing the trauma that comes up.

[@tinyinthewoods8130]

I just finished a therapy session talking about my ayahuasca experience gone wrong, and I swear, 2 minutes later I saw your newsletter in my mailbox with this video..... Mind blown!!! Can't wait to watch this

[@soprotivleniye7620]

Tell me about your bad trip please.

[@neveo9428]

Was your phone nearby as you spoke in therapy by any chance? I used to think that such things were huge coincidences or even more but dicovered that our 'smsrt' phones listen to all we do and fill our phone feed with related stuff. Its happened many times to me. Shocking invasion of orivacy that Edward Snowden and others have warned about. Due to other feed items sent to me on my phone I believe the phone camera 'watches' also. So if you have anything you wish to keep private....

[@donnahutton9052]

Thank you for this brave post, sharing a difficult experience. Just a reminder to everyone that we've never heard of anyone having lasting damage from music healing practices.

[@kristianaklause2574]

Are you talking about bowls?

[@jenbutler4588]

Just a few minutes in and I can already relate to so much of what Juan is saying about spiritual experiences. My nervous system was left messed up after an energy healing (Kundalini Activation Process, KAP) session and i've spent the past 2 years piecing my life back together. Irene's work has helped me immensely!

[@hearme4581]

Did you take something?

[@jenbutler4588]

@@hearme4581 Nothing at all.

[@jenbutler4588]

@Florentina It awakened for my through energy work and the 'event' itself was very pleasurable but afterwards is when things became complicated and painful. I believe the energy will awaken on it's own when it is ready, but my body wasn't prepared for what happened during that energy session.

[@hearme4581]

@@jenbutler4588 oh wow

[@katiestanley93]

I had a spontaneous awakening after an nde and it’s been four years and I’m only now beginning to regenerate. I thought I was going to die for a long time. Unfortunately people have to learn the hard way as it’s the cool thing to do these days . I think the problem is peoples ego need to heal before they will respect such deep practices ! It’s a learning curve for us all but it’s incredibly dangerous that this knowledge is available to many who have no idea what their getting themselves into!

[@heide-raquelfuss5580]

I think...your body and mind tries to protect you, when trauma happens and your mind puts the trauma, experience away, hoping to forget or at least not to be rwminded day by day. Drugs, therapies to dive into your deepest traumas to revive them again, can be potential damaging. I think your body knows, when to put things deep away. It can make things worse to dig she shite out again. Of course...sometimes your body wants to work on things, but it knows when and how. But psychedelics...i think you should not take them. Also...most people do not even know how to deal with other people, who deal with emotions and feelings. Not even professionals know... People do not know and are also very bad at comforting people. So...that means you are alone, enduring everything again, so you re-traumatize yourself. Also, people who get or are very vulnerable, in crises, are weak, and so on get targeted by people, who have no good intentions with you. Most people do not care about others wellbeing either and are not there for you Even people who want to be there for you, have no time, to be with you so much time, until you heal or get better. In nature, animals who get weak, vulnerable have less chance to survive. Do not put yourself in a position where you get weaker, more anxious, destabilized. Most people have not the resources to go for years of being vulnerable, because they need to work, study and have to earn money. Very rich people, who do not have to get up everyday to go to work, raise kids, and so on, can go and do all kind of stuff, to just get 'enlighted'. The best thing is, do not do this ceremonies with this plants, but eat healthy. See>>> Dr. Ken Berry Dr. Eric Berg Dr. Sten Ekberg To heal your body and brain. Bless you all.

[@tiarianamanna973]

My nervous system has always been a mess. I never felt any pull towards "plant medicine", nor for any kinda drugs. Good for me.... Im quite sure these meds would had been a very bad idea for me. I ve studied some energy healing, and many healers say these meds tend to mess up the energy systems as well.

[@OfficialGOD]

It is important to approach plant medicines and other traditional healing practices with caution and respect. While many people have had positive experiences with these substances, they can also be powerful and potentially dangerous if not used correctly. It is important to thoroughly research any plant medicine or traditional healing practice before trying it, and to seek guidance from knowledgeable and experienced practitioners. It is also important to be aware of the potential risks and to take appropriate precautions to ensure safety. Additionally, it is important to listen to the experiences of others and to be aware of the potential negative effects that these substances can have.

[@Freefolkcreate]

I had a similar experience with mushrooms years ago. It put me in a state of PTSD and I'm still recovering. That was 17 yrs ago. It can be very dangerous.

[@soprotivleniye7620]

What do you do to recover? Please advise.

[@MisterNiles]

When you had your traumatic experience, where you following the rules of set and setting? It's always informative to hear details about the situation, because often the environment or mental state the person were heavily involved in creating the experience.. When I've had difficult experiences, it was usually because I was being incautious, not in the right head space. I've also talked to people who had a bad time and are confused as to why. Usually it starts like this: "So, I had just had a bad breakup earlier in the day and my car was being repossessed. I smoked a big fat joint and then ate a big unweighed dose of mushrooms. I can't understand why I had a bad time. I'm not implying that's what you did, but it's so informative to know the preconditions of the trip.

[@soprotivleniye7620]

@@MisterNiles What you seem to be implying is that only totally happy people without a single worry in the world can take psychedelics. But such people do not exist as far as I know. And if they did exist, they probably would not be interested in taking psychedelics.

[@MisterNiles]

@@soprotivleniye7620 Nope. That is not what I'm implying. But the rules of set and setting are important and people often ignore them. If you actually read my post you would have seen this: "It's always informative to hear details about the situation, because often the environment or mental state the person were heavily involved in creating the experience.." and this: " I'm not implying that's what you did, but it's so informative to know the preconditions of the trip." I've taken psychedelics when my life was very difficult, but even in that difficult state, there are times when you can judge you are in a better state than you have been recently and can do some healing work. I have no idea how you got such a silly, definitive idea from what I wrote. If you don't want to follow set and setting, that's up to you. Have fun.

[@sinforoso1974]

@@soprotivleniye7620 the best answer ever!

[@Awakenwisdom108]

Thanks for sharing this conversation and to bringing light to this vulnerable subject. Spiritual bypassing will no longer work for many in the coming years as we are facing these problems. I spent a lot of time in the medicine circle and there isn't enough integration circles or even more knowledge about the nervous system, energy system and how to work with energies and unseen natural forces. I also have background in deep meditation practices, self inquiry and also trauma work. People who serve the medicine should at least have done their inner work and how to work within the container when people are on medicine. It's a concern and irresponsible if you cannot assist the participants like in his case where he was left by himself during and months after the ceremony. Plant medicine can help us to connect with our true selves but i think the most beneficial work is to first do a deeper inner work and understanding your own psychology before attending to these ceremonies..maybe for some years to really prepare yourself

[@LauraMayGibson]

I showed up with kidney failure warning stage at one point. Hypertension for years, although that could be due to the abusive relationship I was in. He lured me into this aya cult and I was a sucker.

[@Befriendyourmindbody]

Entheogens are intelligent teachers here to assist us to heal the root of our suffering on our planet. It is up to us to take radical responsibility for how we approach these teachers. Set and setting are crucial. I feel tremendous compassion for his suffering AND I also think that this path was his to walk so I see his hero's journey rather than is being a bad thing that happened 'to him'. If we 'consume' these plants or approach them to 'fix' us then we will get tough lessons. It is another aspect of us colonising our planet and that being internalised as dominance over our body and our healing instead of being in relationship with our body, our healing and our planet. If we approach them with reverence, understanding, self preparation and practice - they can assist us immeasurably and can change our world.

[@jennystone421]

Such great grounding rare information. A big takeaway is that there is no guru who knows your body & mind better than you. The instinct to "obey" as you said, can be so damaging. We are each the authority on our own lives, the hard part is actually listening & following through on what is heard, instead of giving up our responsibility to someone else (which seems so much easier). Thank you for sharing your story Juan!🙏 I almost didn't watch this video because the title sounded click-baity, but it was like nourishment to my mind to hear someone else speak of things I've experienced also.

[@giselletdc1871]

Never take the second dose of Ayahuasca unless you don't feel anything in the first. Don't feel pressured!

[@TeaRose9]

I have always said I feel like I was born depressed and it’s been a battle throughout my entire life.

[@alicecasella2039]

I dont know really what to think about this talk.. To this guy well what you described as so bad is the journey it self, going through the deepest fears nobody sad that taking mothers earth medicine is easy. And actually what you did walking arround the people that are in there own hard journey and send them you” love” and wanting to touch them I would absolutely freak out on you. You respect every ones space in such a ceremony and DONT engage with the others AT ALL. you did that because of your ex girlfriend and not because you actually felt the call to do it that's the biggest problem here. This medicine is not for everyone and shouldn't be taken by everyone but this talk I don't know..

[@giuliamander3233]

Such a good video! I can totally relate with the danger of substances and of spiritual journey/meditation. Thank you for share it guys ❤️

[@mothidentifier]

Important topic, thank you for sharing 🙏🏼 One thing I disagree with that's said in this video is that humans 'have to learn how to swim'. Babies are born with ability to hold their breath when under water and they know the body movement under the water instinctively.

[@the.kai.eros.experience]

I sat for 3 nights back at the end of September / early October. Most of my 33 years I have been in addiction and dissociation. Hiding from life. Scared of life. The first night with ayahuasca was the most harrowing and excruciating experience I could have imagined. The third night I saw a vision of my inner child shriveled up and traumatized in the corner, terrified of life, telling me "I dont know how to exist in this world." This was in Hawaii. I ended up moving back to live with my parents in Chicago, as I felt so ungrounded and unsafe. The last three months I've mostly been navigating suicidal ideation and despair and depression. Feeling incapable and like my nervous system is completely broken. Like I can't stay in my body for more than a few minutes at a time. All of this feels like it was already present and ayahuasca showed me the truth. I haven't been able to work or do much of anything other than go for walks and talk on the phone with friends, as well as seeing a therapist. I'm scared and lonely and holding on to hope that over time and with gentleness and devotion I can heal my system. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@IreneLyon]

Hi Kai. Seth here with Team Lyon. I'm sorry things have been so tough lately! It does sound like that Ayahuasca ceremony may have unpacked more than your system was ready for, which is unfortunately very common. Have you explored this work at all? Irene doesn't just make informational videos, she's also created multiple online offerings for actually doing the work and getting better at the nervous system level. Could be worth checking out! This page is a good place to start... irenelyon.com/new-here/ Also, this practice may be especially useful for you right now, and will give you a free sample of how Irene teaches people how to do the work... irenelyon.com/4-steps-to-calm-overwhelm/

[@soprotivleniye7620]

Are you feeling any better?

[@Eileenfarrell222]

I send you so much love and empathy . I do know you will heal. I'm not sure if this is helpful because I've never been in your shoes , but what I do know that struggling from trauma and abuse . Cold water therapy has changed my life . I hope that is something you will consider

[@the.kai.eros.experience]

@@soprotivleniye7620 Hey, thank you for asking. I am. I am learning I CAN handle intense emotions. I am learning that my life is my life and no one else is responsible. The deeply woundede inner child was running from responsbility, and the more I learn to dance and let him play, the more I realize I am not trapped here with no money and no hope.

[@the.kai.eros.experience]

@@Eileenfarrell222 Thank you, Eileen. It has been harrowing, but I do believe this. It's a deep dark pit but I have faith!!! facing my deepest darkest areas has been terrifying but i know with focus and courage i will get through this. cold water therapy seems important for me to build capacity to stay present with intense sensations. what I've been doing now is a little dance, breathwork and qigong. how do you utilize cold water therapy? would love to hear about your journey with it.

[@Dozereyes]

I don't get people with children doing this, you have a chance of messing up your brain, why take the chance?

[@kimoverpeck1065]

Such an important message! I had done so much emotional healing work, trauma therapy with a somatic therapist, many experiences of deep dives. And so I truly thought my experience with mushrooms would be one of expansion, enlightenment and joy…as that’s how it was spun for me. I was hesitant for Ayahuasca because I’d heard about psychic breaks, and often had very difficult experiences with marijuana. So I wish I’d paid attention to this red flag message my body was giving me. My mushroom journey was deep, dark and filled with every bit of grief, betrayal, fear, abuse and trauma that my scared inner child had spent a lifetime avoiding. It was terrifying and while others felt expansive, joyful and spiritual… my experience felt like the depths of darkness and death. It’s been a year and a half, and now I know so much better. Even a float tank, in utter soundlessness and darkness catapulted me into full on anxiety and panic. The entire time I had to speak to my scared inner child, reassure her… it’s no wonder she doesn’t trust me. I want to learn so much more about this, and plan to join your program soon!

[@SA-px3ln]

So how did you heal after

[@Eleventyeleventh]

My question exactly, how did you heal or how do you plan on facing the parts of yourself that you are avoiding at your personal pace? Therapy or solo work with(out) drugs/psychedelics or?

[@kimoverpeck1065]

@@SA-px3ln it messed with me, but didn’t fully destroy me like they described in the episode. But it did reveal some hidden and trapped emotions, so I worked with my somatic therapist and also a technique called Emotion Code and Body Code to release and clear those trapped emotions in a gentler less traumatizing way.

[@kimoverpeck1065]

@@Eleventyeleventh I had already been doing some deep shadow work, and working with a somatic therapist. I began incorporating deeper techniques such as Body Code and Emotion Code, Ho’oponopono, etc. in the end, the mushrooms were a blessing because they revealed some deep deep traumas I wasn’t aware of and was able to address them but at a slower, less traumatic pace.

[@mariamacedo2008]

Listen to Tim Ferris big episode about his experience that brought back memories of his abuse. Haven’t done it myself but your experience sounds like his.

[@throwaway999able]

"i hear some people die during the ceremony" yes because they don't follow the dieta and have serotonin syndrome from interaction with the beta carboline MAOI. DMT is non-toxic.

[@Patrizia7]

I found this discussion so resonant. I had a similar experience 30 Years ago when something was put in my drink. I got stuck in what felt like a never ending loop where I lost sight of what was real and what wasn’t. When this experience was over (I ended up in hospital after about 8 hours of looping and running away from my own self -thank god I had a friend there) I was a different person. I became full of fear and everything felt Like a threat. It affected me for 20 years until I discovered hypnotherapy and yoga. I also realised I had all the symptoms of PTSD. Once I realised what had happened to me and began releasing the control it had over me by practicing yoga, polyvagal theory exercises I am now able to self regulate my nervous system. Like you, I now devote my life to helping others heal from trauma through somatic exercises and yoga. Thank you for sharing as I have tried to piece together what happened To me that night. It was terrifying

[@neveo9428]

What an evil thing to do to you. Glad you survved it. Do you know who did this I wonder?

[@damienquigg7739]

This episode stirred so much strong emotion and feeling in me when I first watched it and it was a wonderful gift that it did because I was given an opportunity to discover what was in my nervous system, that this interview had triggered.. The same could be said for JUan Paolo and his experience with ayahuasca, that rather than destroy his nervous system, ayahuasca triggered and brought to conscious awareness what was already there. I have heard Irene talk about this in a previous video pointing out that "it will open the floodgates to the unconscious" and should be approached with caution. Ironically, I was on a 7 day ayahuasca retreat when the interview was being recorded and experienced many of the same things as Juan Paola, the difference is that I went in without an agenda ie hoping it would save a relationship, I took a lot of time in choosing the team that would facilitate my retreat, had already done a lot of work in regulating my nervous system and followed the guidance of the shamans for both preparation and integration of the retreat. Ayahuasca is not and should not be seen as a magic treatment to cure all in one dose, which it sounds like what Juan Paolo expected it to be. Yes, there are many calling themselves shamans that are nothing of the kind, which is why research and careful consideration of intention as well as expectation is so important. Ayahuasca is a very powerful medicine, to be treated with respect and approached in the correct manner. THat the interview was presented in the way it was I found both shocking and disappointing because I have heard Irene speak of the risks before, so she is not unaware. If approached and used in the correct maner, ayahuasca and indeed other psychedelics, can be a very powerful tool for healing and that more care was not taken with clarifying this in the interview I find very sad. Humanity needs all the help it can get with healing, whatever modality anyone chooses to make use of and interviews like this, serve only to cause more confusion, mis-information, distress, anxiety and division. A very biased, one sided interview, made all the more shocking that it was made and promoted by Irene, it would seem for commercial gain,.

[@christinamaytham3062]

Agreed

[@shirleysellsworldwide5893]

I've been thinking of going to a Ayahuasca retreat. May I ask which retreat did you go to?

[@grand_air_trine_astro]

I had experienced the deepest fear and the snakes crawling under my skin also. I did follow all the protocols preparing for the sessions. It has effected me since and had hypnotherapy to deal with fear of closed spaces like flying, elevators etc. This happened on the 3rd ceremony out of 4. The 4th I was scared to take and made myself sick after drinking it. I am still working with a therapist and fear. I think my fear/terror came from childhood abandonment trauma being put into a childrens home. Been doing intense inner child reparenting and shadow work around being worthy. I practice daily yoga, don't drink and don't take any substances. This fear has effected a romantic connection. My therapist suggested I might have BPD but apart from the fear of abandonment I do not have any symtoms. Mind my romantic partner twice betrayed me before and after me doing the ceremonies to make sense of the connection. After it I started seeing material on NPD and he fits the bill. Three years on I'm still not out of the woods. I no longer question why I've had to go through this but celebrate how far I have come. No longer afraid of elevators and flew twice. Have no more night terrors and feel much safer in my body and living alone. I also do cold water therapy almost daily in the sea which helps me feel safe in my body.

[@marisacognetta4985]

Oh wow I had such a similar experience! After the ceremony now for 3 years and I’ve had intense fears as well…enclosed spaces (the shower even) I couldn’t even exercise because once my heart rate got up it would actually send me into a panic attack 🙄 I wish I could meet ppl like you irl…I was adopted and have deep abandonment issues as well…and I won’t say my life was great before aya but it has been AWFUL since! I’ve lost my husband and friends and some family! And my home..job…all spiraling from not understanding what was going on with me! Because this cult like following of the aya community always will blame you for the experience! Or claim you “didn’t integrate” or “aya gives you what you need not want” “it’s a tough teacher” “you weren’t ready” etc etc I’ve heard all the spiritual bs! That is essentially just well disguised gaslighting…anyway I’m so glad to have found this video!

[@negy2570]

@@marisacognetta4985 💗 - you “didn’t integrate” --> others did, so it must be you - “aya gives you what you need not want” ---> why? and if it is so, why you did tell me the opposite before or you left all unsaid? - “it’s a tough teacher” ---> eww, not her fault, she's a Mother. Thank you, I already had one. - “you weren’t ready” --- and you didn't even know! Your fault again. Yes, total gaslighting and total spiritual big BS. Notice how these statements are briefly spit out of mouth and no more explication given in the same exact form in many different contexts, regardless of a the drug/practice used. The more dangerous the more BS they need.

[@perhagman6112]

This happened to me as well. Four months ago. Taking one day at a time. Watch out, don't go unprepared.

[@soprotivleniye7620]

Can you give more details please?

[@perhagman6112]

@@soprotivleniye7620 I went to a retreat with Ayahuasca. It was three nights. After this I went into a period of intense fear. I was stuck in freeze mode for several weeks. There was no real support offered from the organization that arranged the retreat. No preparations were needed. I guess many repressed emotions came to the surface and it was just too much for the nervous system to handle. Ayahuasca is a powerful plant. I don't think it's wise to take it without proper preparations. It's not a quick fix that will heal you from all your pain.

[@soprotivleniye7620]

@@perhagman6112 I know exactly what you mean. I have been struggling for 8 years now. But I had 13 bad trips, so maybe you will recover sooner.

[@debervin9121]

​@@perhagman6112Did you try any other plant medicine before trying Ayahausca?

[@perhagman6112]

@@debervin9121 No. Ayahuasca was my first plant medicine. They also offered Kambo, Bufo Alvarius and San Pedro at the same retreat. It was a cocktail of sorts.

[@littlewillowlinda]

This is the third time today that I'm hearing about people who couldn't adapt or deal with a huge change and had to return to their original set of circumstances. Not sure what it means for me, other than maybe that it's important to wait till you're ready to step into another life or you might go backwards.

[@Snazzybeat1]

Sometimes the original circumstances is where the healing needs to take place. I certainly feels like backwards.