Ayahuasca Retreats
Hi, I'm Alexcis, owner and therapist of A Transformative Touch Wellness Center, Amazon Best Selling Author, RESET therapist, Certified Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Life Coach and Ordained Minister. Before I tell you more about visionary medicine and Ayahuasca in particular I want to tell you a bit about my own experience with this powerful medicine and why it is so important for me to facilitate these retreats in the way that I do.
Over the last 20 plus years I have been on a healing journey. I have tried many different types of healing methods from energy therapies, to body therapies, conventional medicines to some really out there stuff. Not only have I been a client of these therapies but I've actually taken the time to become a practitioner of plenty of them as well. While all of these different therapies have had a hand to play in my healing none of them come close to the insight, breakthroughs, and overall healing that I experienced working with Ayahuasca. I learned more about myself and did more healing in 5 Ayahuasca ceremonies in 2007 than I had done in all the years leading up to it. This medicine is truly life changing! Ayahuasca took me to places in myself I never would have allowed myself to go, not while I was in control. Besides the emotional-mental healing, my spiritual growth and understanding has deepened in ways that I could not have imagined over the last 13 years. I have become a clearer, more compassionate, joyful and more connected person through the teachings of la medicina. It has been my dream for many years to share Ayahuasca with others in a safe, supportive and accessible way.
IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!
I cannot emphasize this enough. Working with Ayahuasca is extremely challenging, can be very uncomfortable, even painful physically, mentally and emotionally. Ayahuasca can take you to the heights of ecstasy as you experience true oneness and to the depths of your own inner hells. Each experience is unique and while there will be lots of information to follow on this page, no one can tell you what your experience will be. Every time I drink is different because Ayahuasca doesn't give you what you want but what you need. Once you've read this page if you feel called to work with Ayahuasca then fill out the contact form and I will be in touch.
Over the last 20 plus years I have been on a healing journey. I have tried many different types of healing methods from energy therapies, to body therapies, conventional medicines to some really out there stuff. Not only have I been a client of these therapies but I've actually taken the time to become a practitioner of plenty of them as well. While all of these different therapies have had a hand to play in my healing none of them come close to the insight, breakthroughs, and overall healing that I experienced working with Ayahuasca. I learned more about myself and did more healing in 5 Ayahuasca ceremonies in 2007 than I had done in all the years leading up to it. This medicine is truly life changing! Ayahuasca took me to places in myself I never would have allowed myself to go, not while I was in control. Besides the emotional-mental healing, my spiritual growth and understanding has deepened in ways that I could not have imagined over the last 13 years. I have become a clearer, more compassionate, joyful and more connected person through the teachings of la medicina. It has been my dream for many years to share Ayahuasca with others in a safe, supportive and accessible way.
IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!
I cannot emphasize this enough. Working with Ayahuasca is extremely challenging, can be very uncomfortable, even painful physically, mentally and emotionally. Ayahuasca can take you to the heights of ecstasy as you experience true oneness and to the depths of your own inner hells. Each experience is unique and while there will be lots of information to follow on this page, no one can tell you what your experience will be. Every time I drink is different because Ayahuasca doesn't give you what you want but what you need. Once you've read this page if you feel called to work with Ayahuasca then fill out the contact form and I will be in touch.
2021 Dates
Feb 5-7
March 19-21
April 23-24
May 21-23
June 18-20
Sept 10-12
Oct TBD
Nov 5-7
Dec TBD
March 19-21
April 23-24
May 21-23
June 18-20
Sept 10-12
Oct TBD
Nov 5-7
Dec TBD
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What is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a vine that is found in the Amazonian basin of South America. Ayahuasca is also the name of a brew or tea used by the native people's of the Amazon for millennia. The Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) is combined with leaves from the Chacurna (Psychotria virdis) shrub (or other DMT containing plants) to create the tea. Ayahuasca translates to "vine of souls", "vine of death" or "vine with a soul". The native people's of the Amazon use Ayahuasca for healing and spiritual work. How Does Ayahuasca Work? Banisteriopsis caapi (Ayahuasca vine) has alkaloids that act as MAO inhibitors, meaning they inhibit an enzyme, monoamine oxidase, which usually breaks down certain alkaloids before they can pass through the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain. Psychotria virdis (Chacurna leaves) contains DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) which is a psychedelic compound that is produced by living organisms. Psychoactive tryptamines such as DMT are usually too delicate to be active orally and would normally be broken down by the human body in minutes. MAO inhibitors, such as the harmine and harmaline found in B. caapi (Ayahuasca), prevent the DMT molecules from breaking down, allowing them to enter the brain intact. When combines these two plants produce the pronounced visual, auditory, and physical alterations that lead to the profound experience of the Ayahuasca journey. Because Ayahuasca is an MAO inhibitor it is especially important that anyone participating in ceremony not be on anti-depressants (SSRI) as it can, in some instances, lead to serotonin syndrome. |
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What Effects and Benefits Can I Expect?
Ayahuasca can have many side effects physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually that can also double as benefits. Each person's experience will be different, not only person to person but ceremony to ceremony.
As Aldous Huxley said in his cult classic Doors of Perception:
"The man who comes back through the Door in the Wall will never be quite the same
as the man who went out. He will be wiser but less cocksure, happier but less self-satisfied,
humbler in acknowledging his ignorance yet better equipped to understand the relationship
of words to things, of systematic reasoning to the unfathomable Mystery which it tries,
forever vainly, to comprehend"
Who Leads the Ayahausca Ceremony? The leader of an Ayahuasca ceremony is called a maestro or maestra. They are the guide and conductor of the ceremony. Our ceremonies are women led. This does set us apart as there are far fewer maestras.
The maestra creates the space in which this sacred and intense healing work takes place so it is of vital importance to have someone of integrity who knows how to hold safe space for multiple people. Our maestra has been working with Ayahuasca for many years, has sat hundreds of ceremonies and trained in the Amazon with the highly respected Shipibo Shaman Don Enrique Lopez. Her ceremony format is semi-traditional meaning that it includes both live singing and recorded sacred music from around the world. The Ayahuasca used during our retreats is made from Ayahuasca vine and Chacurna or Mimosa and nothing else. The maestra has at least one assistant at the ceremonies for added support. We have built our retreat experience to create a safe, loving, supportive environment so you can focus fully on your own healing journey.
Why do you have to fill out a medical form?
Your safety is our priority. There are some physical/mental and medicinal contraindication to participating and that is why we have an application process that includes a medical form. It is important that you fill the form out thoroughly. If you happen to have a medical condition or are taking medication that would make the ceremony unsafe for you then we will speak with you and make a decision based on your particular circumstances. The Maestra has the final say as to who is allowed to safely participate.
Confidentiality
We respect the privacy of our participants. There can be many reason why you may not want others to know about your participation in this medicine. We do not post pictures or reveal our participants names on social media or in marketing material without your consent. We have a private Facebook group were we share our pictures and stay in contact with the group.
Ayahuasca can have many side effects physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually that can also double as benefits. Each person's experience will be different, not only person to person but ceremony to ceremony.
- Common physical side effects and benefits during a ceremony may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, shaking, burping, passing gas, yawning, stretching, and retching. On a metaphysical level this purging is seen as the beneficial release of negative influences and energies from the body. On a more conventional level these purges are medically beneficial, as it clears the body of worms and other parasites.
- Emotional side effects and benefits may include intense emotional experiences as well as releases. You may cry or laugh or feel any number of other emotions as you work through old traumas, visit inner fears or experience connection with all creation. Because Ayahuasca is an MAO inhibitor many people have looked to it for help with depression, anxiety and addictions.
- Mental side effects and benefits may include visual and auditory visionary experiences. You will notice I do not use the word "hallucinations" because that words carries with it the idea that what you experience is not real or somehow made up. Just because how you perceive in ceremony is different than everyday perception does not make what you perceive "unreal", "fake", "made-up" or "imaginary." You may also experience profound personal insight, release of old beliefs, negative patterns, bad habits and a deeper understanding of who you really are.
- Spiritual side effects and benefits may include A deeper understanding of your connection to everyone and everything, a "God" experience, near death experience, interacting with spirit of all sorts including guides, angels, dead relatives, power animals, Masters, nature spirits, aliens and Ayahuasca herself.
- The experiences that you have in ceremony - insights, visions, teaching, etc - will often lead to changes in your ordinary, everyday life. How successfully we integrate our experiences back into our everyday life is up to us and that is one of the reasons that I have created so much support before, during and after the retreat. Be aware that intense experiences of this nature tend to change us, our priorities and motivations and can lead us to make some major changes in our lives so take that into consideration when deciding whether or not you want to participate.
As Aldous Huxley said in his cult classic Doors of Perception:
"The man who comes back through the Door in the Wall will never be quite the same
as the man who went out. He will be wiser but less cocksure, happier but less self-satisfied,
humbler in acknowledging his ignorance yet better equipped to understand the relationship
of words to things, of systematic reasoning to the unfathomable Mystery which it tries,
forever vainly, to comprehend"
Who Leads the Ayahausca Ceremony? The leader of an Ayahuasca ceremony is called a maestro or maestra. They are the guide and conductor of the ceremony. Our ceremonies are women led. This does set us apart as there are far fewer maestras.
The maestra creates the space in which this sacred and intense healing work takes place so it is of vital importance to have someone of integrity who knows how to hold safe space for multiple people. Our maestra has been working with Ayahuasca for many years, has sat hundreds of ceremonies and trained in the Amazon with the highly respected Shipibo Shaman Don Enrique Lopez. Her ceremony format is semi-traditional meaning that it includes both live singing and recorded sacred music from around the world. The Ayahuasca used during our retreats is made from Ayahuasca vine and Chacurna or Mimosa and nothing else. The maestra has at least one assistant at the ceremonies for added support. We have built our retreat experience to create a safe, loving, supportive environment so you can focus fully on your own healing journey.
Why do you have to fill out a medical form?
Your safety is our priority. There are some physical/mental and medicinal contraindication to participating and that is why we have an application process that includes a medical form. It is important that you fill the form out thoroughly. If you happen to have a medical condition or are taking medication that would make the ceremony unsafe for you then we will speak with you and make a decision based on your particular circumstances. The Maestra has the final say as to who is allowed to safely participate.
Confidentiality
We respect the privacy of our participants. There can be many reason why you may not want others to know about your participation in this medicine. We do not post pictures or reveal our participants names on social media or in marketing material without your consent. We have a private Facebook group were we share our pictures and stay in contact with the group.
All Inclusive 2 Ceremony Retreats
So You Can Focus on You
Classic Retreat
Close to home - Classic Retreat: Friday 6:30pm - Sunday Noon
$800
- 2 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
- Small Group size
- Accommodation - your own bed in a shared room
- Delicious and Healthy Food & snacks for the weekend
- Time to Reflect, rest and process
- Group Discussions & Integration while on retreat
- Preparation Support & Emails to get you ready for the ceremonies
- Post Retreat Support to help you process and integrate your experience into your everyday life
$800
Rocky Point, Mexico Retreats
** Mexico Retreats are on hold during COVID. We will be opening them again in 2021**
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3 Day/2 Night Mexico Retreat Includes: Friday 10am - Sunday 5pm.
- 2 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
- Small Group size
- Private shuttle service to and from Rocky point leaving from Tucson. Leaving Friday with Return on Sunday. Please be aware that travel times are all approximate and will change depending upon traffic and the border crossing.
- Lodging in Rocky Point: We stay in beach homes located in a gated community south of the town of Rocky Point with easy beach access.
- Delicious and Healthy Food & snacks for the weekend
- Time to Reflect, rest and process
- Group Discussions & Integration while on retreat
- Preparation Support & Emails to get you ready for the ceremonies
- Post Retreat Support to help you process and integrate your experience into your everyday life
- Optional complimentary therapies (when available) while on retreat: massage, community acupuncture, stretching, Qigong (additional charges may apply)
$1,297.00
**You will need a Passport or Passport card to travel to Rocky Point Mexico **
Peru, Amazon Jungle Retreats
All Peru retreats are on hold for the moment. Please check back or sign up for our newsletter to keep informed about up coming international trips.
Testimonials
This was the most interesting and insightful weekend of my life.
Easy and hard - the greatest thing I have ever done.
I am a different person now than I was 2 days ago.
Thank you.
Keith
Easy and hard - the greatest thing I have ever done.
I am a different person now than I was 2 days ago.
Thank you.
Keith
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My experience with Alexcis and her excellent team on the Aya Retreat was transformative. The Retreat was impeccably implemented with every detail attended to.
I am looking forward to another experience with her as I continue my Spiritual journey. John M |
After 60 years of trying all types of traditional remedies for depression without much success, I have finally made progress in my goal to find happiness. I now enjoy who I am with such appreciation for the people in my life. I first started this journey at another retreat in the Amazon that had no support or follow up. Alexcis, offers the most therapeutic way to experience this medicine. It has changed my life. Alexcis you have created a fabulous community, that I am honored to feel a part. THANK YOU! I look forward to continuing my Journey in this safe loving environment. I am so glad I took the first step along this path. Much love, Kim |
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"My experience can hardly be put into words. Alexcis helped opened the space of compassion and love. She brought us to a place where words no longer adequately describe our experience. From the start, I was drawn to this beautiful family where I felt no judgment or pressure. Our leader took steps to ensure our collective success and never made anything feel forced. The progress we make is always done from the inside, and being with these beautiful people brought the best out within me. We radiate and strive in unison. You will see me again soon in ceremony with the people I call family. Thank you for everything!" Alex An epic experience with beautiful souls and a gorgeous setting!
Amy |
Just returned from a life-changing experience with SOLA. You will not meet more loving people that will provide and care for you. The Ayahuasca experience is worth the “trip”.
S “It was life-changing. I went to the darkest, most painful places and also some of the most beautiful loving ones. Words can’t describe it. It was terrifying at times, felt like I was dying. Other times it was pure bliss. I healed lifetimes of pain and am learning how to live from love, rather than fear." R |