Tag: Spiritual preparation

First officially established at a synod in 1166, the Nativity fast is a 40-day preparatory period in the Eastern Orthodox Church. So, what is the point of the Nativity fast, and why does this tradition continue to guide believers toward the profound joy of Christ's birth?

Scientific studies and traditional shamanic wisdom both point to a crucial dietary restriction before an ayahuasca ceremony: avoiding fermented foods. This isn't merely a spiritual or detoxifying practice, but a critical health and safety precaution stemming from a potentially dangerous biochemical reaction. Fermented foods, due to their production process, contain a compound called tyramine, which can interact harmfully with the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) found in the ayahuasca brew.

According to numerous traditional and modern sources, preparing for an ayahuasca ceremony involves a strict dietary regimen to ensure both physical safety and spiritual readiness. This preparation, known as 'la dieta,' strictly prohibits consuming fermented food with ayahuasca due to a dangerous biochemical interaction that can lead to a hypertensive crisis.