What to Expect During A Session
While each session is very different, there are a few things you can be sure to expect. Following 10 to 12 hours of fasting, you will drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water. In order to cross the blood-brain barrier, the skin is burned with an incense stick in small dots commonly referred to as “gates” or “points”. The top layer of skin is then gently removed and the wet medicine placed onto the gates. In doing so, the medicine is absorbed into the lymphatic system.
The peptides in the medicine cause a number of changes in the body, such as rapid heart rate, facial flushing, heat in the ears, and the contraction of the stomach muscles to induce vomiting. Some people experience facial swelling during ceremony (referred to as “frog face” from the lymphatic flush), tingling of the hands and feet, constriction of hand muscles, itching, or various other things depending on the conditions they are seeking to resolve, but they are generally limited to the session itself or shortly after. The session can last anywhere between 15 minutes to over an hour from the time the medicine is placed onto the skin. No two sessions are ever the same.
Depending on how I am called to facilitate your session, I may sing, shake a chacapa (a rattle made of leaves), breathe, make sounds, use crystal wands, use Solfeggio tuning forks, play singing bowls, ring Tibetan bells, administer rapé (a powdered plant and tobacco blend blown into the nose), burn palo santo or sage, or whatever else may help facilitate the movement of the medicine. I am simply there to make sure you are safe, to monitor your physical responses to the medicine, and to hold space for you to process and be with whatever comes up. Repressed emotions may surface, as part of your process. Afterwards, the medicine is removed and you will rest lying down for up to an hour. A tree resin called croton lecheri can be applied to your wounds to create a seal over the "gates", if you wish.
How to Prepare for Your Session
Because the medicine is as metaphysical as it is physical, avoiding heavy foods that are deep fried, processed or spicy, alcohol, drugs, and sexual activities for a few days prior is recommended. The medicine can go much deeper if this is done, however you will still have a successful session if these guidelines are a struggle, and perhaps reasons for seeking treatment. It would be preferable not to have the medicine wasted on simply doing a physical cleanse and removing the immediate toxins of your week prior to session, so it is best to adhere to this as best as possible.
You MUST disclose to me any prescription medicines you are taking, and if possible, refrain from certain medications for three weeks prior to session, with your doctor's permission. This will be discussed during our consultation.
Fasting is IMPERATIVE and necessary for 10 to 12 hours prior to session, and you may consume ONLY water or coconut water during that time. DO NOT CONSUME anything INCLUDING water for 2 hours prior to our meeting. I usually recommend fasting overnight and then meeting for your session the following morning. Be sure to clear a solid three hours for the session to include preparation, intention setting, medicine and rest. Wear comfortable clothing, as little jewelry as possible and bring any item you feel inspired to have with you during your journey. If you use an inhaler, you MUST make sure to bring it with you. If you are diabetic, bring insulin, test strips, and food for afterwards. If you wear contacts, it is best to remove them prior to ceremony. Bring a full change of clothes.