Your Health  
and Safety

Your Healing Journey Begins with Safety and Care.

At Arkana International, your safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a warm, supportive, and nurturing environment where profound healing can unfold naturally. Ayahuasca, a sacred and powerful plant medicine, is capable of guiding individuals through emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges. With decades of experience and thousands of guests welcomed into our care, we have developed thoughtful safety protocols to ensure your journey is both transformative and worry-free.

From the moment you arrive, our team is here to support you every step of the way so you can focus on what truly matters—your healing and growth.

Experienced Leaders
You Can Trust

Our team of highly experienced shipibo shamans and facilitators are leaders in the field of plant medicine. Maestra Justina, our lead shaman, brings over 45 years of experience working with Ayahuasca and other traditional medicines. Over the years, thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds have entrusted us with their healing journey and have experienced life-changing, positive results.

The wisdom, care, and expertise of our team ensure that you are guided through your experience with confidence and trust. Our dedicated team is here to walk with you every step of the way.

45+

Years of experience

4,000+

Guests treated, zero-incidents

"Arkana holds an impeccable space full of love and compassion."

Brenda

The Ayahuasca Experience: Safe and Effective Healing

Traveling to South America to experience Ayahuasca is more than a retreat—it is a transformative pilgrimage bach to yourself.

The Importance of Safety in Ayahuasca Ceremonies

At Arkana Spiritual Center, we have a created best in class safety protocols, and uphold the highest ethical standards. Immersed in the beauty of the Jungle in the Amazon, or the mountains of the Sacred Valley, you can trust our supportive environment to ensure your healing journey is both safe and effective.

How Ayahuasca Can Help

Ayahuasca has been known to help individuals work through various emotional, mental, and physical challenges. These include:

  • Depression and Anxiety
  • Addiction
  • Childhood Trauma and PTSD
  • Grief and Emotional Blockages

The plant medicine works by helping you confront, release, and heal deeply held traumas and limiting beliefs. With proper guidance and support, you will have the opportunity to reconnect with your authentic self, fostering deep transformation and healing.

Preparing for Ceremony

To ensure that your Ayahuasca experience is safe, meaningful, and transformative, we ask you to follow these important guidelines:

Pre-Ceremony Guidelines
  1. Avoid recreational drugs for at least three weeks before your retreat.
  2. Suspend all medications in the recommended timeframe as advised by our medical intake coordinator.
  3. Follow the Dietary Recommendations.
  4. Prepare mentally through journaling, meditation, or quiet contemplation can help set your intentions and focus on what you wish to heal or discover.
  5. Practice mindfulness by immersing yourself in nature, and embracing gratitude, you prepare for profound personal transformation and deeper healing.

By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to the safety and success of your healing journey.

Learn about the ayahuasca diet

"Feeling cared for allowed me to surrender to the deep healing that awaited."

SHIKA

Important Medical Guidelines

Conditions That Prevent Participation

To ensure safety, individuals with the following medical conditions cannot participate in Ayahuasca ceremonies:

  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Severe Heart Disease
  • Chronic High Blood Pressure

Individuals diagnosed with these conditions are at increased risk for complications. Ayahuasca can trigger unwanted manic episodes or exacerbate certain symptoms, so safety remains our top priority.

Consultation for Specific Conditions

Guests with chronic conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure must consult with our team before booking. Eligibility to participate will be determined based on individual circumstances and risk factors.

Medications and Substances to Avoid

To prevent dangerous reactions, avoid the following:

  • MAOIs and SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft)
  • High blood pressure medications
  • CNS depressants (e.g., Xanax, Ativan)
  • Alcohol, recreational drugs, and amphetamines

* If you currently take any kind of medications and would like to participate in one of our retreats, please write to us so we can properly advise you on the specific safety protocol for your prescription(s).

Dietary Recommendations
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, red meat, and recreational drugs for at least three weeks before the retreat.
  • Cannabis should be avoided for at least two weeks prior.
  • Abstain from sexual activity and pork to purify your body for the Ayahuasca process.

These guidelines ensure the medicine can work effectively and help you achieve deep, lasting transformation.

One of the Top Ayahuasca Centers in the World

We are honored and privileged to be recognized by independent review sites as one of the most reputable Ayahuasca Centers in the world. In a short span of eight years, we have received over 1,000 five-star reviews on AyaAdvisors, TripAdvisor, and Google, each reflecting the quality and care we bring to our work. Choosing the right Ayahuasca Retreat Center doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We invite you to read our guests' experiences and discover what makes Arkana such a truly magical place.

Ready for Your Healing Journey?