EXPLORE THE HEALING POWER OF AYAHUASCA
Every experience, particularly in childhood, leaves an imprint beyond memory—settling into the body, shaping perception, influencing emotion. Unprocessed pain, inherited patterns, and habitual coping mechanisms can quietly accumulate, showing up as physical tension and illness, emotional dissonance, or a sense of being stuck far from the life you feel called toward.
Within certain ancestral traditions, plant medicines have long been approached as mirrors and teachers—ways of meeting these inner imprints with clarity and reverence. Ayahuasca and master plant practices are understood not as quick fixes, but as catalysts that can illuminate what has been carried for too long, offering the possibility of release, insight, and reorientation.
The intention behind this work is simple: to support moments of profound remembering—where burdens soften, perspective widens, and life can be met anew, with greater lightness and presence.
Nihue Rao Centro Espiritual - Iquitos, Peru
The Retreats: Energetic "Doctoring" & Cleaning
Our retreats are designed for deep energetic restoration, cleansing, and alignment. Much like how you might approach healthcare in the “Western World”—ranging from a general check-up to a highly targeted treatment—this work meets you exactly where you are. We focus on everything from general energetic maintenance and restoring baseline balance in the body, mind, and spirit, to addressing specific acute psychological, emotional, or physical conditions.
What is an Energetic Doctor?
Beyond what we can see and measure through Western medicine, there are intricate, deeply interconnected energetic dimensions to our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives.
When Mark works, he collaborates with the medicine of Ayahuasca and the lineage of his icaros (sacred songs) to address these interconnected systems simultaneously. Working directly within your energetic field, he identifies where blockages are held, then loosens, releases, or transmutes that unwanted energy using the precise tools of focused intention and traditional Shipibo icaros.
Whether these blockages stem from immediate personal experience or are carried across generations, they are met with extensive training and preparation. Mark’s background includes an 11-year initiation, which allows him to safely navigate the energetic field alongside the ancient songs of the Shipibo tradition to remove, neutralize, and transform imbalances.
The Path of Integration
From there, through the vital process of integration, the individual begins to heal on a cellular level. With the energetic field already cleared, it becomes possible to expand awareness and deepen your attunement to what is real and true.
This work can be applied with precision to:
Specific traumas (emotional, psychological, or physical)
Persistent chronic issues, illness, or disease
Deeply rooted patterns and addictions
The ultimate aim is to locate and resolve the underlying source contributing to your current state. This is not magic, but the results can be remarkable.
The Healing Process
Healing unfolds in layers. For some, profound shifts can happen quickly—even overnight. For others, the process is a gradual unfolding over months.
The pace and depth of your unique healing journey depend on several deeply personal factors, including:
The complexity of the root issue being addressed
The depth of stored or inherited trauma
Your current readiness and willingness to surrender what no longer serves you
Our Practitioners
Highly intuitive yet remarkably precise, Mark’s approach to Ayahuasca centers on deep connection. He works closely with each individual to cultivate a shared container of trust—a space rooted in his own profound relationship with the medicine. Mark works not just as a practitioner, but as a true Energetic Doctor.
Tara plays two key roles at Popo Niwe: supporting the Ayahuasca ceremonies and serving as a Medicine Carrier. In her supportive role, she helps co-create a safe, impeccable ceremonial container alongside Mark—guiding participants through intake and preparation, holding space during the ceremony itself, and offering dedicated integration and ongoing support.
Additionally, Tara works with complementary medicines as they are appropriately called in. She offers Kambo to help participants cleanse their systems and prepare physically and energetically for Ayahuasca ceremonies. In specific, aligned circumstances, she also offers Bufo and mushrooms.
Begin the Journey
If you are seeking meaningful movement along a physical, emotional, or spiritual healing path, the first step is simply a conversation.
We take the time needed to truly understand what you are experiencing, where you are on your path, and what you hope to address by joining us.
Ek Balam Retreat Center
Integration at Ek Balam Retreat Center
Accommodation at Ek Balam
Mark in the jungle at Nihue Rao
Ek Balam Cenote Xcanche, Yucatán, MX
Tara in Pioneer Park, Washington
Ek Balam Ceremony Space
Stories and Testimonials
PLAYLIST - play all 10 clips from interviews with Sarah and Brett or choose individual clips below:
“Mark and Tara provide a caring, grounded, open and safe container.
Mark has an incredible insight and connection to spirit in a deep and unassuming manner, you feel comfortable. His songs are deeply authentic and reach a part of you, you didn’t know was there. The Shipibo Icaros and medicine songs were incredible to assist my journey of healing. It felt like being given permission to let go in a safe space.
Tara has a gift of clarity and is able to clearly express what she sees and feels. She can see the darkest part of you and still see your light. She helps you navigate your unfolding.
I had a huge heart opening experience that felt so deep and true to who I am and it is still with me. It has opened a new pathway. I actually could feel what I had closed down for so long. It was amazing. I also had some incredible insight into old wounding that I’ve carried for decades.
The love I feel when I am with these people is so genuine and truthful, it feels like coming home.
So much love and gratitude!” Celine
Testimonial (Celine):