An intrinsic part of the ayahuasca healing tradition is the plant dieta. One typically will drink a tea made from the plant, then follow some strict rules related to minimizing energy for a prescribed period of days. The rules and length and number of days may vary depending on the plant and intention for the dieta but they always include bland, low energy food and some degree of silence and isolation.
The two main reasons for doing a dieta are to learn to work well with ayahuasca or become an ayahuasquero, and to heal. Dieta used to learn to become an ayahuasquero are very strict. Those done for healing purposes are not as strict.
Most dietas done at the Hummingbird Center are for healing. We do offer dietas for those looking for a strong connection with the medicine spirits or a deeper understanding of their true spiritual nature. For those looking to learn, we will be happy to discuss your goals and design a dieta specific to your needs. That process may be different than what is described below.
Our curandero Don Manain always wants to examine a person in ceremony before speaking to them about a dieta. The day after your first ceremony we will have a discussion with the him about the problems you are looking to address, the outcome you are hoping for, and what we can do to help you achieve your goals. At the end of that discussion, he will recommend a specific plant to diet.
Our dietas are eight days in length. We “open” the dieta, drinking your first dose of the medicine plant, at 7 am the morning after our talk. A that time there will be a review of the rules and guidelines, a chance to ask any questions, and perhaps share a bit more background you realized may be helpful for Don Manain to know to facilitate your healing. People will typically drink the medicine three mornings in a row, and follow the dieta rules for a total of eight days. The dieta is “closed” the morning of the ninth day by consuming a small spoon of salt.
The following rules must be followed while on dieta. They are all about minimizing the energy impacting your body and mind, allowing the medicine to do its work. These rules set up the necessary conditions for the dieta to be effective. If the rules are not followed, you will not get any results. It is very important one commit to these rules before you begin.
- Low energy, completely unseasoned food. Do not eat anything we do not give you.
- No fruits, juices or bread that is usually put out for the rest of the group.
- You may drink the herbal teas, but nothing with caffeine.
- No chemicals in or on the body. No medications of any kind. You will need to bring all natural, chemical free toiletries.
- No vitamins, herbal supplements nor electrolytes.
- No use of electronic devices. This means no contact with people via email or messenger. If you want to send some an email you may write down the text and we will be happy to send it for you. If someone needs to contact you, instruct them before you come to contact the Hummingbird Center, and we will let you read the email when we get it.
- Minimize interaction with other people. You are allowed to talk to others, but more one treats the dieta as a time of silence, meditation and introspection, the better their results will be.
- No touching other people. There is always an energetic exchange when we touch people. You may pet and play with our dogs as they have good energy!
- The more time one can spend in mindfulness, stillness and awareness of the present moment, the better. This is of course best achieved by keeping yourself away from other people, and not distracting yourself by reading too much.
The energy and spiritual work done by the medicine plants during dieta is subtle. Ones needs a quiet body and mind to receive the healing and become aware of the gentle intuitive nudges of wisdom and insight these generous spirits have to offer. The above rules and guidelines are the minimum requirement for effective results.
Common Challenges on Dieta
The dieta process can be surprisingly difficult for some people. The benefits are definitely worth the challenge, but this is not an easy process. What seems a trial for one person, may not trouble another. Many find the bland food difficult to deal with day after day. Others, especially vegans, are content with the food. A full diner is not served on dieta, just a snack of a potato and some vegetables. You will experience some hunger the first few days, and you will lose weight. It is called a “dieta” after all!
After the first couple of days many people will feel very low energy. This is not explainable by the decrease in food intake, as you will still be getting plenty of calories. It is a side effect of the work being done.
Frequently feeling dizzy when you stand up.
People will often go through some fairly large mood swings from day to day. Perhaps feeling euphoric one day, then waking up in despair the next. This is all normal and a sign of emotional energy being released.
Some may have a day of radical mood swings, where their emotions feel completely out of control. A few have said they felt like they were going crazy. Again, this is simply old emotional energy being released. You will be fine and there is nothing you need to do except allow yourself to feel the emotions as they pass through you. We have never seen this last more than one day.
Boredom. Most people live very busy lives and are accustomed to regular mental and physical stimulation. The enforced stillness can bring a sense of agitation, of not knowing what to do with yourself. If you simply observe the emotions you feel without trying to change them, you will find they eventually change. There is truly nothing you need to do to “fix it”. You may discover an ocean of peace inside yourself.
Those who do the dieta well can reasonably expect the following benefits. Results do vary, but the more strictly one adheres to the rules and the more time they spend in stillness, the better the results will be.
- Deep physical, energetic and spiritual cleansing.
- A clearer sense of self and greater self-confidence.
- Actually liking and loving yourself, as you are!
- Clarity of mind and sense of purpose.
- Heightened intuition and trust of same.
- Greater willpower to step into action in life and fulfil your commitments to yourself and others.
While on dieta you are allowed and encouraged to participate in all retreat activities. This includes meetings, plant and vapor baths, ayahuasca and san pedro ceremonies, and any other activity being held. All activities are optional, and if you choose to not participate in some activity and enhance your time in stillness, that will be honored.
