Jungle Medicine Retreat
And into the rainforest I go,
to lose my mind and find my soul.
Self-Discovery Adventures with Dr. Scott
Ayahuasca: Call of the Jungle
Jungle Medicine Retreats with Integration Psychologist - Dr. Scott Irwin
JOIN US FOR A SAFE, AUTHENTIC AYAHUASCA RETREAT IN ECUADOR.
Sacha Wasi Cultural Retreat Center welcomes you to Ecuador!
Welcome
Through a facilitated process of self-exploration, guided by ancestral medicine and a connection with nature, discover who you really are and your place in this vast and incredible universe.
A Trilingual Team
We offer Spanish-English-Russian interpretation to our visitors that don’t speak Spanish. Q&A sessions ensure that all doubts are addressed during your visit.
Jungle Medicine Retreats offers individuals and groups an exclusive, safe and authentic Ayahuasca retreat in the enchanting rainforests of Ecuador. Here you can experience the healing power of ancestral master plants such as Ayahuasca, San Padro, Sananga, Guanto, Mapacho, Rape' and others.
Our retreats take place in a small, Kichwa indigenous community about 30 minute’s drive from Puyo where guests stay in simple, locally-constructed bamboo huts and participate in numerous rituals with medicinal plants, as well as daily hikes and music, ensuring a close connection with la Pachamama, our earth mother.
Profits Support This Indigenous Community
We work with this Kichwa indigenous community in numerous ways, and the profits gained from our retreats are shared with these important partners.
At the community, you are surrounded by nature. The village is located between two rivers and hikes in the surrounding areas take you to breathtaking waterfalls. This is an essential component to the retreat and healing process.
We welcome people of all walks of life, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. All retreats are , inclusive and warmly welcome all, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
We expect the same of our visitors!
As a visitor to the indigenous community, we expect our guests to be:
- Respectful of the indigenous community’s culture, lifestyle and practices
- Open to receiving and learning from the medicine we serve
- Prepared to rough it out a little bit! The community offers basic services and weather has a huge influence on the quality of the trails, for instance.
- Open to sharing in ceremony with community members that also choose to participate.
Discover plant medicine as a gateway
to expand your consciousness.
Create Your Own Jungle Adventure!
Now you can reserve your adventure into the Amazon at a time that fits your schedule!
If you're ready for an epic adventure and a powerful personal transformation, come to the Amazonian rainforest in Ecuador for a Jungle Medicine Adventure with psychologist, Dr. Scott Irwin and the Kichwa Shaman of the Sacha Wasi Community!
Jungle Medicine Retreats
Sacha Wasi Indigenous Community
Pomona, Pastaza, Ecuador
1 to 7 Day Ayahuasca Retreat - Group Experience
1 to 7-Day Private Ayahuasca Retreat - Individual 1:1 Intensive
10-Day Private Ayahuasca Retreat - Individual 1:1 Intensive
14-Day Private Ayahuasca Retreat - Individual 1:1 Intensive
21-Day Private Ayahuasca Retreat - Individual 1:1 Intensive
Custom Group Ayahuasca Retreat - Design your own adventure!
Long-Term Immersion Program with Master Plant Teachers
1
OPTION ONE:
Group Experience
Group Experience
Monthly Jungle Medicine Group Retreats
- Choose a 7-day, 10-day, 14-day or 21-day Package
- Ayahuasca and Ancestral Medicine Ceremonies are lead by Kichwa Shaman and tribal elders. Scheduled ceremonies take place in the tribal Meloka.
- All Sachi Wasi residents and visitors are welcome for this community ceremony.
2
OPTION TWO:
Individual - 1:1 Intensive Experience
Individual - 1:1 Intensive Experience
Private Psychotherapeutic Assisted Ayahuasca & Ancestral Medicine Ceremonies.
Throughout your Ayahuasca & Ancestral Medicine Ceremonies, Dr. Scott will personally help guide you through your own journey of self-awareness, self-discovery, self-love, and self-refinement.
- For seekers of intense personal transformation work who would prefer to do integration work privately (1:1) with Psycho-Spiritual Integration Specialist and Transpersonal Psychologist, Dr Scott Irwin, PhD.
Throughout your Ayahuasca & Ancestral Medicine Ceremonies, Dr. Scott will personally help guide you through your own journey of self-awareness, self-discovery, self-love, and self-refinement.
3
OPTION THREE:
Custom Designed Jungle Medicine Retreats
Custom Designed Jungle Medicine Retreats
Ideal for Couples, family or Groups (up to 15)
- Design your own custom retreat!
- Choose the number of ceremonies
- Choose the types of ancestorial medicine: Ayahuasca, San Pedro or other ancestral plant medicines.
- Choose day-time activities and jungle excursions
4
OPTION FOUR:
Long-Term Immersion Program with Master Plant Teachers
Long-Term Immersion Program with Master Plant Teachers
- This program is an opportunity to go deeper within oneself and connect more fully with Ayahuasca.
- Learn the teachings from master plant teachers of the jungle by following traditional shamanic dieta and fasting rituals of the Kichwa, which also involves the practice of withdrawing into isolation to work with the spirit of the teacher plants. This option is a longer-term commitment for those who want to take the next step in their healing journey.
7 Day Semi-Private
May1-7, 2022
Group Intensive
May1-7, 2022
Group Intensive
Jungle Medicine Retreat
7-Day | 6-Nights
All Inclusive Retreat
Group Retreat
(small group 5-10 participants)
Includes 3 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Plus:
2 Additional Plant Medicine Ceremonies - Optional
Integration:
1 Prep Session
2 x post ceremony group integration sessions
$2000
- May1-7 - 2022
- Airfare not included
7-Day Private Intensive
Select Your Own Date!
1:1 Intensive
Select Your Own Date!
1:1 Intensive
Jungle Medicine Retreat
7-Day | 6-Nights
All Inclusive Retreat
Private Ceremonies
1:1 with Dr. Scott & Shaman
(private ceremonies with no other participants)
Includes 3 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Plus:
2 Additional Plant Medicine Ceremonies - Optional
Integration:
2 x Prep Session
2-month (weekly) post ceremony integration sessions
$3000
- Select Your Own Date
- Airfare not included
10-Day Private
Select Your Own Date!
1:1 Intensive
Select Your Own Date!
1:1 Intensive
Jungle Medicine Retreat
10-Day | 11-Nights
All Inclusive Retreat
The Ultimate Adventure
1:1 with Dr. Scott & Shaman
(private ceremonies with no other participants)
Includes 4 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Plus:
1 x San Padro Ceremony
2 x Additional Plant Medicine Ceremonies - Optional
Integration:
2 x Prep Session
3-month (weekly) post ceremony integration sessions
$4500
Select Your Own Date
Airfare not included
Book Now! Airfare not included
Custom Group Retreat
Select Your Own Date!
Design your own adventure!
Select Your Own Date!
Design your own adventure!
Jungle Medicine Retreat
7-Day | 14-Day
All Inclusive Retreat
Custom built for your group
Price depends on number of participates, cerremonies and length of stay
$TBD
Select Your Own Date
Airfare not included
Book Now! Airfare not included
Experience Adventure
JUNGLE MEDICINE RETREAT
A journey into the depths of your subconscious with Dr. Scott
Tourism is often stated as a source of cultural erosion, however, most people with intimate exposure to indigenous tribes like the Kichwa at Sachi Wasi Center in Ecuador, claim that the growth of tourism instead has rekindled interest in preserving their traditional ways of life.
Demonstrating the ways of their elders and ancestors to foreign travelers through ceremonies and apprenticeships generates tremendous pride and motivation to the younger tribal members to preserve their ancient way of life.
Demonstrating the ways of their elders and ancestors to foreign travelers through ceremonies and apprenticeships generates tremendous pride and motivation to the younger tribal members to preserve their ancient way of life.
DEDICATION TO HEALING
The way we lead impacts the way people live. That’s why we share our message of truly human leadership far and wide.
Changing minds and changing lives!
Changing minds and changing lives!
PREPARATION FOR PROGRAM
To get the most out of your participation in Jungle Medicine Retreat with Dr. Scott, you need to prepare properly. We have zoom based prep calls and detailed instructions just for you
CONDUCTING INTEGRATIONS
An Ayahuasca ceremony experience without integration makes no sense. Therefore, for you personally, the integration will be carried out by the most experienced facilitator - Dr. Scott
JUNGLE MEDICINE RETREATS
WITH DR SCOTT
The main thing is, those who choose to participate in these retreats are people who are ready to change their lives.
Dr Scott confronts the conventional ways of looking at illness by suggesting it's not an enemy to be fought, but bodily expressions of spiritual wounds that guide us to our inner work.
Dr Scott has an extensive and unique background at the intersection of modern psychology, functional medicine, ancient spiritual tradition and Amazonian shamanism.
Specializations
Transpersonal Psychology
Plant Medicine |Psycho-Spiritual Integration
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis
Naturopathic Nutraceuticals/Supplements
Therapeutic Laser
Complimentary & Alternative Medicine
Nicotine Dependence & Treatment
Dr Scott has an extensive and unique background at the intersection of modern psychology, functional medicine, ancient spiritual tradition and Amazonian shamanism.
Specializations
Transpersonal Psychology
Plant Medicine |Psycho-Spiritual Integration
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis
Naturopathic Nutraceuticals/Supplements
Therapeutic Laser
Complimentary & Alternative Medicine
Nicotine Dependence & Treatment
Обучение взаимодействию с растениями
Погружение в быт и традиции народа Кечуа
Сопровождение до, в ходе и после ретритов
Объединение шаманизма, науки и духовных традиций
Потомственные шаманы-«проводники»
Наставления и интеграции от опытного наставника
AYAHUASCA
THE DRINK BREWED BY THE SHAMANS OF THE AMAZON INDIAN TRIBES
We have collected the maximum information about "Ayahuasca" so that you can fully familiarize yourself with this drink, both from the scientific and spiritual sides. We want you to be fully informed when you decide to work with Ayahuasca.
TOP QUESTIONS
ABOUT AYAHUASCA
We have collected for you the most frequently asked questions from retreat participants
IS AYAHUASCA DANGEROUS?
Ayahuasca itself is not dangerous or toxic, but there are some subtleties.
I do not recommend drinking Ayahuasca on your own without a shaman; Remember that this is a mind-altering and deep-trance substance, so it is important that you have a guide to help you cope with difficult experiences and support you.
Ayahuasca should not be mixed with certain medications, such as antidepressants or drugs. It is important to inform the shaman if you have any health problems.
Ayahuasca can provoke psychosis if you have had mental problems before.
I do not recommend drinking Ayahuasca on your own without a shaman; Remember that this is a mind-altering and deep-trance substance, so it is important that you have a guide to help you cope with difficult experiences and support you.
Ayahuasca should not be mixed with certain medications, such as antidepressants or drugs. It is important to inform the shaman if you have any health problems.
Ayahuasca can provoke psychosis if you have had mental problems before.
HOW LONG DOES THE CEREMONY LAST?
On average, Ayahuasca lasts 3-9 hours. The intensive part of the ceremony is about 3-4 hours. After completion, for some time, there remains a state of light trance, which is called "maryaso".
It is important to say that the intensity of the ceremony can be very different. Sometimes Ayahuasca feels like a dream, calm and relaxed. However, it happens differently. Sometimes it looks like a powerful stream that is carrying you at full speed. It can be positive when it is overwhelmed with love and gratitude, or it can be very dark when it seems like you are dying.
It is important to say that the intensity of the ceremony can be very different. Sometimes Ayahuasca feels like a dream, calm and relaxed. However, it happens differently. Sometimes it looks like a powerful stream that is carrying you at full speed. It can be positive when it is overwhelmed with love and gratitude, or it can be very dark when it seems like you are dying.
DO I NEED TO DRINK Ayahuasca PERMANENTLY?
I get asked this question very often. Do I need to drink Ayahuasca all the time now? Not at all. One ceremony is enough for someone, 5-10 for someone, and someone continues on their way along with "medicine", as shamans call it.
Ayahuasca is not addictive. However, I know of stories where people continued to participate in ceremonies for the sake of the ceremonies themselves. That is why it is very important to do "homework" after the ceremonies and integrate the gained experience into ordinary life.
Ayahuasca is not addictive. However, I know of stories where people continued to participate in ceremonies for the sake of the ceremonies themselves. That is why it is very important to do "homework" after the ceremonies and integrate the gained experience into ordinary life.
THE ROLE OF SHAMAN
The shaman is an indispensable participant in traditional ayahuasca ceremonies. He guides everyone during the retreat. He is responsible for preparing the broth. He determines the amount of ayahuasca for each participant. The success of the whole group largely depends on his experience and skill.
The shaman decides how the ceremony will be held, what sounds and smells will surround the participants. He can create an atmosphere of peace and leave the participants alone with their visions, or he can take control of everything.
During the ceremony, the shaman can create a special soundtrack. The shaman talks to the participants, explains what is happening to them, and gives advice. He sings healing songs-ikaro, pronounces incantations, walks around all those gathered and shakes near them with a rattle-shakapa. Sometimes it helps people relive new experiences more easily.
Smells also affect visions. The shaman can add special scents to the water and use it during the ceremony.
Also, the shaman speaks with the participants during the journey and guides them. But much more often he leaves people alone with their visions, allowing them to cope with everything on their own.
Participants in Ayahuasca ceremonies and experienced shamans-maestros recommend not taking the broth without the supervision of one or more shamans.
The skill of the shaman is the direct guarantee of a successful ceremony. Often, the ancestors of Indian shamans also practiced healing. Real maestros undergo 20 years of training from other shamans.
The shaman decides how the ceremony will be held, what sounds and smells will surround the participants. He can create an atmosphere of peace and leave the participants alone with their visions, or he can take control of everything.
During the ceremony, the shaman can create a special soundtrack. The shaman talks to the participants, explains what is happening to them, and gives advice. He sings healing songs-ikaro, pronounces incantations, walks around all those gathered and shakes near them with a rattle-shakapa. Sometimes it helps people relive new experiences more easily.
Smells also affect visions. The shaman can add special scents to the water and use it during the ceremony.
Also, the shaman speaks with the participants during the journey and guides them. But much more often he leaves people alone with their visions, allowing them to cope with everything on their own.
Participants in Ayahuasca ceremonies and experienced shamans-maestros recommend not taking the broth without the supervision of one or more shamans.
The skill of the shaman is the direct guarantee of a successful ceremony. Often, the ancestors of Indian shamans also practiced healing. Real maestros undergo 20 years of training from other shamans.
I READ IT'S ALWAYS A DEATH EXPERIENCE
Often, yes, it's not for nothing that Ayahuasca is called the Liana of the Dead. Certain parts of our psyche (subpersonality, bodily brain, etc.) perceive some moments as death, sometimes it is very scary, sometimes very beautiful. As the saying goes, for something new to be born, something old must die. We prepare and help to get through these moments easier and faster. By ceasing to identify ourselves with these parts that die in the process, we become a wider and more integral personality, who begins to realize himself not only as a body, mind, roles and shadows, but also all this and at the same time something more ...
AM I NOT GOING OUT OF MIND?
Inside the process, it may seem to you that you are going crazy, dying and reborn. We, as supporters, help prepare for the process and get the maximum benefit not from fighting our own subpersonalities, but from surrendering to the process and diving deep into ourselves, re-realizing the "self" of the former. Also, during integrations after the processes, we help to rebuild and integrate the experience gained into your life. Our responsibility is for you to immerse yourself as deeply as possible in the processes, and then get together in the configuration you need more.
HOW TO PREPARE Ayahuasca?
There is no universal recipe for ayahuasca. Shamans have been studying the methods and secrets of its preparation for years. The quality and effect of the broth depend on the amount of psychoactive substances in it and on the skill of the shaman.
Here's a sample process for making ayahuasca:
1. Liana is smashed with a wooden mallet.
2. The resulting liana chips are boiled in water for 2-3 hours until the amount of liquid decreases. Chakruna leaves are boiled separately. Both brews should not boil too much, so keep the fire low.
3. The broths are filtered 4-5 times until transparent without mixing with each other.
4. Plants that remain after straining are boiled in water again, then strained, and the process is repeated.
5. Two containers with three portions of strained liquid in each are placed in the refrigerator overnight.
6. The next day, the decoctions are evaporated without boiling.
7. Both liquids are filtered again, removing the sediment, and mixed. Ayahuasca is warmed up before the ceremony.
Here's a sample process for making ayahuasca:
1. Liana is smashed with a wooden mallet.
2. The resulting liana chips are boiled in water for 2-3 hours until the amount of liquid decreases. Chakruna leaves are boiled separately. Both brews should not boil too much, so keep the fire low.
3. The broths are filtered 4-5 times until transparent without mixing with each other.
4. Plants that remain after straining are boiled in water again, then strained, and the process is repeated.
5. Two containers with three portions of strained liquid in each are placed in the refrigerator overnight.
6. The next day, the decoctions are evaporated without boiling.
7. Both liquids are filtered again, removing the sediment, and mixed. Ayahuasca is warmed up before the ceremony.
ANALOGUES OF Ayahuasca
Only a decoction containing Banisteriopsis caapi liana is called real ayahuasca. Its analogues are prepared from plants that include the necessary substances. These can be both plants from South America and from other parts of the world. For example, in Australia, local ayahuaskeros (those who brew and drink ayahuasca) make a decoction of local acacias containing DMT. These are Acacia maidenii (maiden acacia) and Acacia phlebophylla (buffalo vine).
The MAOIs necessary for ayahuasca are found in the seeds of the common harmala (Syrian rue, Peganum harmala) and in the passion flower (Passíflōra).
Pharmacists produce an ayahuasca counterpart. It is called pharmacahuasca and is a combination of synthetic monoamine oxidase and dimethyltryptamine inhibitors.
The MAOIs necessary for ayahuasca are found in the seeds of the common harmala (Syrian rue, Peganum harmala) and in the passion flower (Passíflōra).
Pharmacists produce an ayahuasca counterpart. It is called pharmacahuasca and is a combination of synthetic monoamine oxidase and dimethyltryptamine inhibitors.
WHAT IS BUFO ALVARIUS USED FOR?
The ceremony with Bufo Alvarius allows those who are highly rational to more quickly jump through the barriers of resistance to the rational and plunge into the process of an Altered State of Consciousness. At the same time, we help (if we see that a person needs it) with bodily work, voice, sound, vibration, less often with words. This is a short (10-30 min.), but a very deep process of transformation, you can call it a new birth, because DMT is the substance that is intensely secreted by the pineal gland at the moment the soul enters the body, and at the moment of exit (at the moment of death).
Like Ayahuasca, Bufo Alvarius is a training for death, but if in processes with Ayahuasca it is sometimes a longer and physically difficult process, then Bufo Alvarius is much more transpersonal. Many instantly fly out of the body in the first minutes after a puff, and no bodily discomforts are experienced. Due to the swiftness and depth of the process, people with a strong Ego and Mentality sometimes manage to fight Ayahuasca and resist the process. In Bufo Alvarius this is almost impossible
Like Ayahuasca, Bufo Alvarius is a training for death, but if in processes with Ayahuasca it is sometimes a longer and physically difficult process, then Bufo Alvarius is much more transpersonal. Many instantly fly out of the body in the first minutes after a puff, and no bodily discomforts are experienced. Due to the swiftness and depth of the process, people with a strong Ego and Mentality sometimes manage to fight Ayahuasca and resist the process. In Bufo Alvarius this is almost impossible
WHAT IS A NOBLE SILENCE?
All retreats are held in the so-called "Noble Silence". This helps to achieve a greater degree of concentration, thereby allowing you to engage in inner work without any distraction.
You will only be able to speak during group discussions, however, you can speak with the shaman on a one-to-one basis when you deem it necessary. You can also speak with an assistant at any stage of the retreat if you need help with any issue.
We ask you to respect Noble Silence for the sake of others. Many people come to our retreat center with the serious intention of working on their healing.
You will only be able to speak during group discussions, however, you can speak with the shaman on a one-to-one basis when you deem it necessary. You can also speak with an assistant at any stage of the retreat if you need help with any issue.
We ask you to respect Noble Silence for the sake of others. Many people come to our retreat center with the serious intention of working on their healing.
WHAT IS THE DOSAGE OF Ayahuasca?
The shaman determines the dose of ayahuasca individually. It pays attention to the participant's weight, strength, health and goals. The experience of taking ayahuasca is also important - for the first time a person drinks it or not.
The shaman also drinks the broth, usually after all.
While waiting for ayahuasca to act, people socialize, contemplate, and smoke mapacho. Even non-smokers can smoke.
After half an hour or an hour, the broth begins to work. Many are sick. Shamans are often advised to restrain vomiting for as long as possible as it enhances visions during the journey.
If ayahuasca doesn't work on someone (this happens rarely), the shaman can give this participant another portion.
Ayahuasca affects the body for 4 or more hours. When its effect weakens, the ayahuasca ceremony ends. This usually happens at 2-3 a.m. Participants disperse to rest or continue to communicate.
The shaman also drinks the broth, usually after all.
While waiting for ayahuasca to act, people socialize, contemplate, and smoke mapacho. Even non-smokers can smoke.
After half an hour or an hour, the broth begins to work. Many are sick. Shamans are often advised to restrain vomiting for as long as possible as it enhances visions during the journey.
If ayahuasca doesn't work on someone (this happens rarely), the shaman can give this participant another portion.
Ayahuasca affects the body for 4 or more hours. When its effect weakens, the ayahuasca ceremony ends. This usually happens at 2-3 a.m. Participants disperse to rest or continue to communicate.
PHARMACOLOGY
Ayahuasca's main active ingredients are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and the hallucinogenic alkaloid dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Thanks to MAOIs, dimethyltryptamine does not break down in the intestine and is absorbed by the body.
Ayahuasca requires the alkaloids tetrahydroharmine, harmine and harmaline. The last two are reversible MAO-A. They temporarily bind the enzyme monoamine oxidase, without producing irreversible chemical reactions.
MAOIs are needed to slow down the work of monoamine oxidase. Normally, this enzyme is responsible for the presence in the body of biologically active substances that affect emotions, memory, attention and thinking. MAOIs also prevent hazardous substances from entering the body through food.
Ayahuasca requires the alkaloids tetrahydroharmine, harmine and harmaline. The last two are reversible MAO-A. They temporarily bind the enzyme monoamine oxidase, without producing irreversible chemical reactions.
MAOIs are needed to slow down the work of monoamine oxidase. Normally, this enzyme is responsible for the presence in the body of biologically active substances that affect emotions, memory, attention and thinking. MAOIs also prevent hazardous substances from entering the body through food.