The diet (dieta)
In the one to two weeks before the ceremony a light diet is usually recommended: avoiding alcohol, red meat, heavily processed food, excess sugar, salt and caffeine. Most important is avoiding certain medications and substances. Your provider will give you a precise list – follow it strictly.
Medication and safety
Particularly critical are SSRI/SNRI antidepressants and MAO inhibitors, which can interact dangerously with the medicine. Never stop medication on your own – speak to your doctor and the provider first. A reputable centre always carries out medical screening.
Mental preparation: intention
Take time to form a clear intention: what do you want to look at, release or understand? An intention gives the experience direction without forcing the outcome. Many people journal or meditate in the days beforehand.
Set and setting
"Set" is your inner state, "setting" the external environment. Both strongly shape the experience. A protected place, experienced facilitators and a trusting group are decisive – which is why choosing the right retreat matters so much.
After the ceremony
Plan one or two quiet days after the retreat. Integration – processing and making sense of what you experienced – only begins afterwards and is at least as important as the ceremony itself.