Unveiling Nature’s Power: Exploring the Ancient Medicine of Peru
In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, I experienced first-hand the secrets of traditional plant medicine, that left me transformed.
When I made the audacious decision to venture into the heart of the Amazon rainforest to try ancestral medicine, I knew I was signing up for an adventure like no other.
Setting off from Seattle, my expedition took me through the bustling streets of Lima and Pucallpa, before plunging me deep into the wilderness. Picture this: a bumpy truck drive along rain-soaked roads, followed by a long boat ride on the legendary “boiling river” known as Shanay-Timpishka, or as the locals call it, La Bomba. And as if that wasn’t enough, a gruelling uphill trek awaited me through the dense green forest.
My destination was Santuario Huishtin, a center of shamanic healing and personal discovery. I was here to try the ancestral Amazonian plant medicine healing through Ayahuasca — a potent plant medicine used by indigenous tribes for eons. Ayahuasca is made from two plants — the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis Caapi) and the leaf of the chakruna plant (Psychotria Viridis). Both plants are collected from the surrounding jungle to create a potent mixture that offers access to realms we are typically unable to perceive in our ordinary state of consciousness.
Cleansing the Body and Mind
Santuario Huishtin may not boast of a luxurious stay but makes up with its raw authenticity. Wooden huts dotted the serene forest clearing, and at the heart of it all stood a large wooden hall or Maloca — where the real magic happens. Before diving headfirst into the mystical world of Ayahuasca, the healers or shamans ask for a body cleanse. This is necessary before trying ancestral medicine to help prepare us, both physically and mentally.
This cleanse involves a dietary regimen or “dieta” designed to purge our bodies of impurities. It involved eating food that was devoid of salt, red meat, peppers, sugar, and no stimulants. After two days of this dieta I could sense of renewal and vitality that surged within me. The shaman also specified that ‘intention’ is critical when you are working with ancestral medicine like Ayahuasca. One needs to consider and clarify what your intentions are for wanting to do this healing work with your body.
The Ceremony
On the day of my Ayahuasca ceremony, the only meal I had for the day was breakfast and could step into the dark abyss of the Maloca only in the evening. The ceremony usually takes place at twilight. The scene was set — a wide hall constructed with wooden slats, a single candle flickering in the center, and a bunch of brave souls like me eagerly awaiting their enlightenment.
The chief shaman, Maestro Enrique, stood at the helm, overseeing the proceedings. Each of us was handed a cup of the mysterious brew. Now, for a first timer like me, I played it safe and opted for half a cup. The liquid was as dark as the night itself, with a taste that defied description. And with the shaman’s hypnotic icaros, their enchanting chants blending with the symphony of jungle sounds, the journey began. The candle was soon extinguished, and the ceremony began.
The Journey Within
The effects of ayahuasca on my body and mind were like nothing I had ever experienced before. I was lying down on my mat, and I was aware of all the sounds around me. Soon, all I could focus on was my own thoughts and fears. It was as if the forest itself had become my therapist, unearthing buried emotions, fears, and dreams with relentless precision. It stripped away the layers of my conditioned self, leaving me face-to-face with my truest, most authentic self — no filters or facades to hide behind.
I felt an intense emotional purging. It was a rush of thoughts, feelings, and memories. I could see myself rising above the veils of confusion and uncertainty that have weighed on my being. I could see myself and the world with unprecedented clarity. It was an experience of a lifetime!
Wisdom at Work
So, did Ayahuasca help me with my intention? It surely did. I carry a newfound sense of purpose and vitality. I am more connected, not just to everyone around me but to everything that this planet has to offer. And I have deep appreciation for the people who have touched my life and the experiences that have shaped me.
As a founder and philanthropist, I’ve come to understand the true essence of leadership — self-awareness, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. My experience with ancestral wisdom has opened a whole new realm of self-exploration and inner reflection. It feels like the beginning of a thrilling journey towards spiritual well-being.
