Frequently asked questions

What conditions are considered for energetic doctoring?

All individuals and conditions are considered and there will always be a suggested path for cleaning and clearing unwanted energies in a person’s field. From physical illnesses / conditions such as Diabetes, Cancer, Arthritis or general fatigue to mental illness conditions such as Bipolar and Schizophrenia (that are not typically permitted at Ayahuasca retreats), at Popo Niwe all conditions are looked at with a high level of care and scrutiny and a specific path is suggested. That being said, when a participant goes through the intake process they are not always permitted to drink Ayahuasca or sit in ceremony. The intake process is thorough and all options are explored including one-on-one sessions, tobacco-based clearings and non-medicine energy work.

If I’m not able to attend a ceremony or not permitted to sit in ceremony due to contraindications like SSRIs etc., what are my options?

Firstly, it is always recommended to find a way to sit in ceremony if possible. If this means taking the time to come off of anti-depressants or other contraindicated pharmaceuticals, this is the preferred path. If this path is not an option, or if age or illness prevents a person from attending a ceremony, a one-on-one session (either in person or online) can be booked where non-medicinal practices are used to attune to the individual’s field and remove the blockages. Alternatively, a participant can attend a ceremony remotely; in this case, the participant is treated as though they are in attendance where they receive a song and, to a degree, the energy of the ceremony. Upon request, we will consider recording the song and making it available (on a case-by-case basis).

What if I want to attend and not drink Ayahuasca?

This is always an option. Depending on the circumstances, a participant will either be invited to sit in ceremony and come up for a song or they will be able to rest in a nearby common area and brought into the ceremony specifically for their song. It is in no way obligatory to drink the medicine, although it is always recommended whenever it is a safe and viable option. Drinking the medicine allows for a collaboration between the physical medicine, the songs and the Energetic Doctoring to take place in an aligned way. That said, the energy of the ceremony, song and Doctoring is still very good medicine. It is said that in the past, only the shaman drank the medicine and the medicine assisted him in moving the energy of the individual receiving the cleaning. This way of practicing is upheld at Popo Niwe on a case-by-case basis.