Traditional Amazonian ayahuasca ceremonies, like this one in Colombia, use a hallucinogenic plant as part of a spiritual healing ritual.
Ayahuasca rituals —
Traditional Amazonian ayahuasca ceremonies, like this one in Colombia, use a hallucinogenic plant as part of a spiritual healing ritual.
EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images
Since 2013, ayahuasca has had an open presence outside of the Amazon largely through the work of Ayahuasca International, a company offering retreats across the globe where the substance is consumed.
Ayahuasca International —
Since 2013, ayahuasca has had an open presence outside of the Amazon largely through the work of Ayahuasca International, a company offering retreats across the globe where the substance is consumed.
Courtesy Ayahuasca International
Ayahuasca is made from two Amazonian plants: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the chacruna plant. In some countries it's a controlled substance that's illegal to possess, sell or distribute.
Controlled substance —
Ayahuasca is made from two Amazonian plants: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the chacruna plant. In some countries it's a controlled substance that's illegal to possess, sell or distribute.
Mary Biles
Ayahuasca International, whose founder Alberto Jose Varela is pictured here holding pieces of Banisteriopsis caapi vine, currently has 50 staff members operating in 10 countries.
Alberto Jose Varela —
Ayahuasca International, whose founder Alberto Jose Varela is pictured here holding pieces of Banisteriopsis caapi vine, currently has 50 staff members operating in 10 countries.
Courtesy Ayahuasca International
A recent session in a house in a small village in Spain gathered people looking for a life-changing experience. Mattresses are laid on the floor for participants.
Giant sleepover? —
A recent session in a house in a small village in Spain gathered people looking for a life-changing experience. Mattresses are laid on the floor for participants.
Mary Biles
Buckets are provided. Throughout the five or six hours the ayahuasca session lasts, there's a cacophony of noises ranging from retching and vomiting, through to sobbing and hysterical laughter.
Vomiting, tears, laughter —
Buckets are provided. Throughout the five or six hours the ayahuasca session lasts, there's a cacophony of noises ranging from retching and vomiting, through to sobbing and hysterical laughter.
Mary Biles
After experiencing ayahuasca, Ramon resigned from his job, moved to Spain and took part in a six-month course to become an Ayahuasca International facilitator.
Ayahuasca epiphany —
After experiencing ayahuasca, Ramon resigned from his job, moved to Spain and took part in a six-month course to become an Ayahuasca International facilitator.
Mary Biles
Fabienne, 51, hopes ayahuasca will ease the multiple sclerosis she was diagnosed with 12 years ago.
Health-related goals —
Fabienne, 51, hopes ayahuasca will ease the multiple sclerosis she was diagnosed with 12 years ago.
Mary Biles