PROGRAM AGREEMENT & GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Welcome!
We are honored that you are interested in participating in an immersive experience of nature, community, and medicine. The following terms and conditions are based on our practical experience and are intended to prepare our guests for a positive and safe experience during ceremonies and the program as a whole.
Ayahuasca
The ayahuasca used at Onca Takara Synergy is an Amazonian decoction of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (ayahuasca) and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub (chacruna). We do not use any other plants in our ayahuasca. The healers and facilitators administering the ayahuasca will adjust the dosage for each participant at their discretion. The effects of ayahuasca may include temporary changes in your perception of reality and way of thinking, visions (of abstract motifs or clearly identifiable images and scenarios), increased negative and positive emotions, access to detailed memories that had been forgotten, paranormal phenomena, the emergence of fears or difficult emotions (some of which may be related to blocks in the body causing pain and tension), introspection, and perinatal or transpersonal experiences (in which you may experience your own death and rebirth).
Experiences during Ayahuasca
On a physical level, you may experience nausea, vomiting, chills, tingling, tinnitus, dizziness, diarrhea, tremors, sweating, ataxia, and, in rare cases, fainting. Sometimes, especially if you’ve never drunk ayahuasca before, you may not notice any visual effects. If this happens, it doesn’t mean the ayahuasca isn’t having an effect on other levels.
The ayahuasca experience isn’t linear, but progresses through various phases, some more pleasant, even euphoric, and others more challenging. Ayahuasca works to integrate unresolved aspects of the past, typically mood from trauma, emotional loss, neglect, abuse, and general emotional and psychological difficulties. During and after ceremonies, it’s not uncommon to experience emotional, psychological, and physical discomfort, which are typically symptoms of the healing process, as ayahuasca helps you integrate past issues that are stuck in your system.
Support and Security
The healers and facilitators are committed to protecting your physical and emotional safety, integrity, and privacy throughout the entire process. They strive to provide you with the psychological and physical support you need during the preparation phase, the ceremonies themselves, and the period afterwards. We have an emergency protocol in place and promise to provide all necessary support if needed.
Medical Conditions
Working with ayahuasca is not a substitute for medical, psychiatric, or psychotherapeutic treatment, but can complement a therapeutic process and promote personal development. If you are currently undergoing any treatment or taking any medication, you must provide full details of your situation before booking a program. If you agree to participate in a program at Onca Takara Synergy, you will be required to complete a medical form and questionnaire. You must answer all questions honestly and disclose relevant personal information about your health.
Voluntary Participation
Your participation in the ceremonies is completely voluntary and highly appreciated, whether you choose to take the medicine or not. However, you must always follow the instructions of the facilitators and healers to ensure your safety. The healers and facilitators may decide to exclude you from a ceremony at any time due to a perceived impediment to your physical or psychological health that may cause problems during the ceremony, or if you do not meet the participation requirements for any other reason.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This Agreement is between Onca Takara Synergy (the Organizer) and You (the Participant).
Participation and Information
– The Participant agrees to participate in ayahuasca and medicinal plant ceremonies with the Organizer, has been informed that ayahuasca is a visionary plant and understands the meaning thereof.
– The Participant understands that they may feel worse (mentally, physically, emotionally) during or after working with ayahuasca as part of their process.
The Organizer will make every effort to ensure the safety and comfort of the Participant within the scope of the program. The Participant, in turn, agrees to exercise caution and consideration for themselves and others during this event and releases the Organizer from any claims for injury or loss.
The Participant agrees to respect all individuals at all times. Overt or disruptive negativity detracts from the experience of others.
The Organizer reserves the right to exclude any person who behaves excessively negatively or disrupts the group, staff, and/or shamans, without prior notice, and may not be held responsible for a refund or the provision of accommodations outside the Temple. These actions include, but are not limited to:
– Sexual harassment of guests or staff (zero tolerance).
– Actions that endanger your own safety or the safety of others.
– Persistent disruptive behavior that affects the comfort or healing process of other guests.
– Use of any substances or drugs in the Center, except tobacco.
– Any form of theft.
If a Participant’s behavior poses a threat to their safety or that of others, the Organizer reserves the right to physically restrain the Participant and/or remove them from the program without prior notice, liability for a refund, or the provision of accommodations outside the Temple. Restraints will be implemented as gently as possible and with respect for the participants’ dignity.
– If the Participant is found in possession of prescription drugs not previously approved by the Organizer, street drugs or alcohol, the Organizer reserves the right to deny them access to the Temple and/or the program or to remove them from the program without prior notice, responsibility for a refund or the provision of accommodation outside of the Temple.
Sexual activity between participants and/or staff is prohibited. This also applies to married couples. Should a Participant develop a sexual or romantic interest in another person, all sexual contact/activity must be postponed until two weeks after the last ceremony. This is not a moral or philosophical boundary, but prevents the potentially dangerous crossing of energetic fields that can result from sexual behavior during ayahuasca ceremonies. The Participant agrees to maintain sexual abstinence for the entire duration of the program, as well as for two weeks before (preparation) and after the program (integration).
– The Participant agrees to seek health or medical advice regarding the effects of plants alone and in combination with any medications they are taking prior to entering into this Agreement.
The Participant agrees that they are in a physical and mental condition suitable for the activities described in this program and agrees to participate at their own risk. The Participant is responsible for taking accurate and timely health precautions and seeking professional medical advice.
– The Participant agrees to be completely transparent with the Organiser, in writing, regarding their health history, medical conditions and any medications they are taking, prior to booking.
– The Participant agrees to inform the Organizer of any change in their medical conditions and understands that withholding medical information may be dangerous to their health.
– The Organizer is not responsible for a guest’s personal decision to stop taking medication or change their medication schedule, and accepts no liability for any adverse effects of stopping medication.
– The Participant confirms that they have not been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, including schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder or bipolar disorder.
The Participant understands and agrees to strictly adhere to the required dietary, drug, and pharmacological restrictions prescribed by the Temple for at least two weeks prior to the first ceremony and for at least four weeks after the final ceremony. The three main restrictions are street drugs (cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, LSD, etc.), sexual activity, and pork.
Preparation
The preparation process for an ayahuasca ceremony involves several important considerations, including dietary restrictions. Here’s an overview of the preparation process, foods to avoid and consume, and potential dangers and safety precautions.
– Pork
– Sexual activities of any kind, including masturbation
– Alcohol
– Marijuana (recommended four weeks of abstinence)
– Use of street drugs (such as cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines, etc.)
– Spicy foods
– Ice cream, ice cream or ice cold drinks
In addition, we urge you to take the following dietary restrictions into account, starting one week before your trip:
– Refined sugars
– Red meat
– Eliminating junk food from your diet
– Minimal use of salt and pepper, if unavoidable, with a preference for sparing use
– Limited use of oils, preferably olive oil or coconut oil in very minimal quantities
– Avoid animal fats (including lard)
– Avoid carbonated and fermented beverages, including diet sodas, energy drinks, non-alcoholic beer, and Kombucha
– Dairy products (especially cheese)
– Liver
– Broad beans
– Dried sausage
– Beer & Ale
– Chocolate
– Ripe avocado
– Yeast extracts
– Raspberry jam
– Nuts
– Dried fruit
– Banana peel
– Soybean products
– Smoked meat
– Poultry & Fish
– Protein-rich nutritional supplements
– Meat extracts & tenderizers
– Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, vinegar, kefir, pickles and yogurt
– Caffeine and other stimulants
Health and Safety
– For serious illnesses, it’s crucial for us to discuss the potential benefits of a master plant diet with you. Unfortunately, we cannot offer a master plant diet for individuals with advanced physical ailments requiring ongoing medication. However, for those in the early stages of their illness and able to stop taking medication or who are not dependent on medication, your mental state, receptiveness, and confidence will be determining factors in whether a diet is suitable.
– If you are suffering from a contagious or complex disease (such as tuberculosis, AIDS, etc.) or if you have a disability that requires specialized care, we will assess our capacity to accommodate you in the center under appropriate conditions.
– Individuals with heart conditions, chronic hypertension, or tuberculosis who are considered suitable for a plant-based diet should avoid using ayahuasca.
– People who have diabetes or liver problems are asked to provide detailed information about their health status.
Pregnant women may participate in a Master Plant Diet, but consuming ayahuasca is not recommended. Breastfeeding mothers may participate in ayahuasca ceremonies once their babies are six months old.
Please disclose any history of mental health issues, past or present. Those diagnosed with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression with psychotic symptoms are encouraged to discuss their situation with us. Depending on the diagnosis and expertise of the maestros, alternative treatments, other than master/teacher plant diets and ayahuasca, such as saunas or flower baths, may be offered, particularly for conditions like schizophrenia.
– It is crucial to discontinue all psychotropic medications or treatments for depression for 35 days before using ayahuasca, under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Confidential Disclosure
By registering for our Master Plant Diet, you confirm that you are in a state of physical and mental well-being conducive to the activities described on our Preparation and Integration page. You acknowledge and accept personal responsibility for your participation and acknowledge that any involvement carries inherent risks. While we strive to create the safest possible environment for your work with ayahuasca and the Master Plant Diet, we must emphasize that we cannot accept liability for unforeseen accidents or injuries.
Medical Contraindications
From the profound perspective of an Amazonian plant healer, the sacred journey of working with medicinal plants requires dedicated focus and purity of intention. It is paramount that patients or students refrain from consuming additional substances or medications during this sacred process. Such external influences can disrupt the delicate energetic balance of the plant and trigger undesirable reactions, hindering the healing journey.
Consistent with biomedical insights, certain drugs and medications have been observed to be incompatible with the profound effects of ayahuasca. Before beginning a master/teacher plant diet, it is crucial to stop taking the substances described in the attached document. This gives the body sufficient time to cleanse itself and prepare for the transformative experience that lies ahead. However, it is essential to discuss your intention to discontinue medication with your healthcare provider and kindly inform us of your decisions. Please note that discontinuing prescribed medications should only be done under the guidance of your doctor to ensure your safety and well-being throughout the entire process.
Herbal Medicine and Supplements
We kindly ask that you inform us about any herbal or natural medicines, as well as supplements, that you are currently taking. It is crucial for us to have a comprehensive understanding of your regimen to ensure your safety and well-being throughout the entire process. Please note that certain herbal medicines should not be combined with ayahuasca. We ask that you discontinue the use of the following herbal medicines at least one week before taking ayahuasca:
– St. John’s wort
– Kava
– Kratom
– Ephedra
– Ginseng
– Yohimbe
– Sinicuichi
– Rhodiola rose
– Kanna
– Boswellia
– Nutmeg
– Scottish broom
– Licorice
– Cannabis (1 MONTH)
Medicines and Drugs
Medications containing MAOIs (MAOIs) pose serious risks when combined with ayahuasca and should be discontinued. Medications that affect the serotonin system, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal when taken with ayahuasca. We strongly recommend discontinuing SSRI medications six weeks before using ayahuasca to allow for adequate clearance from the system. It is essential to be aware that discontinuing these medications can cause side effects that may take a long time to resolve. Always consult your doctor before changing your medication schedule.
Preparation process
The preparation process for an ayahuasca ceremony involves several important considerations, including dietary restrictions. Below is an overview of the preparation process, foods to avoid and consume, and potential hazards and safety precautions:
Preparation and intentions:
Before participating in an ayahuasca ceremony, it’s advisable to set clear intentions and prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This may include introspection, meditation, mindfulness, or participating in activities that promote self-reflection and grounding.
Diet and restrictions:
Ayahuasca ceremonies often require adherence to a specific diet for at least a week before the ceremony. These restrictions are intended to create a favorable environment for the ayahuasca experience and enhance its effects. However, specific dietary guidelines may vary depending on traditions and the facilitators’ recommendations.
Foods and activities to avoid (two weeks prior):
– Pork
– Sexual activities of any kind, including masturbation
– Alcohol
– Marijuana (recommended four weeks of abstinence)
– Use of street drugs (such as cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines, etc.)
– Spicy foods
– Ice cream, ice cream or ice cold drinks
Additional dietary restrictions (one week prior) :
– Refined sugars
– Red meat
– Junk food
– Minimal use of salt and pepper
– Limited use of oils (olive oil or coconut oil in very minimal quantities)
– Avoid animal fats (including lard)
– Carbonated and fermented drinks
– Dairy products (especially cheese)
– Liver
– Broad beans
– Dried sausage
– Beer & Ale
– Chocolate
– Ripe avocado
– Yeast extracts
– Raspberry jam
– Nuts
– Dried fruit
– Banana peel
– Soybean Products
– Smoked meat
– Poultry & Fish
– Protein-rich nutritional supplements
– Meat extracts & tenderizers
– Fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, vinegar, kefir, pickles and yogurt)
– Caffeine and other stimulants
Precautions and Safety Measures
Ayahuasca ceremonies involve the ingestion of a powerful plant medicine that can induce intense experiences. While it is generally considered safe when taken in a ceremonial setting under experienced guidance, there are potential risks and considerations you should be aware of:
Medicines and supplements to avoid:
It’s essential to inform the facilitators about any medications or supplements you’re taking, as some may have contraindications with ayahuasca. Common examples include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, anti-allergy medications, blood pressure medications, and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
Confidential disclosure of medical conditions and medication use
In our commitment to your ultimate safety and holistic well-being, we kindly ask you to complete a comprehensive medical questionnaire during the booking process. Your transparency in answering these questions is paramount. Should any medical concerns arise, we will engage in further dialogue to ensure a personalized and safe experience for you.
By registering for our Master Plant Diet, you confirm that you are in a state of physical and mental well-being conducive to the activities described on our Preparation and Integration page. You acknowledge and accept personal responsibility for your participation and acknowledge that any involvement carries inherent risks. While we strive to create the safest possible environment for your work with ayahuasca and the Master Plant Diet, we must emphasize that we cannot accept liability for unforeseen accidents or injuries.
Medical contraindications:
It is crucial to discontinue all psychotropic medications or antidepressant treatments 35 days before using ayahuasca, under the guidance of your healthcare provider. Once your suitability for participation has been mutually agreed upon, the maestros will accommodate your needs in a way tailored to your circumstances.
Safe and informed participation:
We kindly ask that you inform us about any herbal or natural medications, as well as supplements, you are currently taking. It is crucial for us to have a comprehensive understanding of your regimen to ensure your safety and well-being throughout the entire process.
Additional information and contraindications:
Taking certain medications in combination with MAOIs can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Here is a detailed list of medications and their associated risks when combined with MAOIs:
– Tricyclic antidepressants (within two weeks): Serious side effects, including sudden fever, extremely high blood pressure, convulsions, and death.
– Fluoxetine (Prozac) (within five weeks): High fever, stiffness, high blood pressure, mental changes, confusion, and hypomania.
– Various other medications, including Benzedrine, Benzphetamine, Desipramine, Desoxyn, Dexedrine, Dopamine, Ephedrine, Epinephrine, Guanadrel, Guanethidine, Hydralazine, Isoproterenol, L-dopa, Metaraminol, Methyldopa, Mirtazamine, Norepinephrine, Oxymetazoline, Phendimetrazine, Phentermine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Pseudoephedrine, Ritalin, or Venlafaxine: Risk of hypertensive crisis (severe increase in blood pressure).
– Adderall: High body temperature, seizures, and in some cases coma.
– Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (within two weeks): Serious side effects such as seizures.
– Buspirone (Buspar): High blood pressure and increased sedative effect.
– Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Risk of fever and increased seizures, especially in epileptics.
– Clomipramine: High fever (hyperpyrexia) and seizures.
– CNS depressants: increased depressant effect.
– Desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane): Risk of hypertensive crisis.
– Dextromethorphan: Excitement, high blood pressure, fever or brief psychotic episodes.
– Fenfluramine: Fever (hyperpyrexia crisis).
– Kava: Hypotensive crisis (severe drop in blood pressure).
– Lithium: Fever and serotonin syndrome.
– Meperidine (Demerol): single dose deaths.
– Metaproterenol or other beta-adrenergic bronchodilators: increased blood pressure and rapid heart rate.
– Mirtazapine (Remeron): Hypertensive crisis.
– Nefazodone (Serzone): High fever.
– Temaril: Increased risk of side effects.
– Terfenadine: increase in MAOI blood levels.
– Theophylline: Fast heart rate and anxiety.
– Trazodone (Desyrel): High fever.
– Tryptophan or L-tryptophan: Disorientation, confusion, memory loss, delirium, agitation, memory loss, hypomania or shivering.
– Venlafaxine (Effexor): Hypertensive crisis.
– Ziprasidone (Geodon): Serotonin syndrome.
– Alcohol: Side effects such as angina pectoris (chest pain) or headache, increased sedative effect.
– Opiates: Risk of respiratory depression.
– Diuretics: greater drop in blood pressure than normal, increase in MAOI blood levels.
– Anaesthetics: increased anesthetic effect.
– Sleeping pills, tranquilizers or barbiturates: increases the tranquilizer effect.
Legal Enforcement
In the event of a violation of this clause, or any attempt to claim a refund in violation of the aforementioned terms, Onca Takara Synergy reserves the right to take legal action. All disputes arising from this clause will be settled in accordance with Peruvian law, with the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent court of Iquitos.
If you have any questions about these terms, please contact us at:
[INFO@SPIRITOFTHEJAGAUR.COM]
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Booking Confirmation and Payment: After your request has been approved (usually within 2-5 days), you can confirm your booking by making the remaining payment according to the following guidelines:
Refunds are non-refundable. Participants in the programs and retreats organized by Onca Takara Synergy and its subsidiaries, including Spirit of the Jaguar and The Peaceful Warrior, acknowledge and accept that there is no refund, unless otherwise explicitly stated in our cancellation and payment policy. This is because the investment goes directly to a small family temple in the jungle, without the involvement of Western temple keepers. This family begins preparations well in advance, including building additional huts, booking staff, purchasing plants, and preparing medicines.
Cancellation and Changes : Cancellation of a reservation may result in the following types of compensation:
Personal credit : Can be used within two years for another available retreat. Your deposit can also be transferred to a friend or family member.
Early Departures: In the event of an early departure from the City Center before the end of their booked stay, no full or partial refund will be given. All costs associated with transportation back to the city are the responsibility of the departing guest.
Retreat Cancellation: In the unlikely event that a retreat needs to be canceled for any reason, all retreat payments will be converted into a personal credit that can be used for any available date within 2 years.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that all guests purchase flight and travel insurance to cover all unforeseen costs and non-refundable payments and expenses.
Compulsory Travel Insurance
Given the nature of the preparations and the investments involved, it is essential that participants take out travel insurance that covers unforeseen circumstances. This insurance should include, among other things, the following situations:
– Flight cancellations
– Medical emergencies
– Early termination of the trip
– Any other unexpected events that may result in additional costs
Participants in the programs and retreats organized by Onca Takara Synergy and its affiliates, including Spirit of the Jaguar and The Peaceful Warrior, are strictly prohibited from independently contacting or participating in retreats, ceremonies, or other activities organized by third parties without prior written approval from Onca Takara Synergy and its affiliates. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, independently contacting the family or community involved in the organized retreats, as well as participating in similar retreats or ceremonies led by our designated shamans or facilitators.
If this clause is violated, the participant will be liable for a penalty of €5,000 per day for each day the violation continues. This penalty is immediately payable and is intended to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of our programs and partnerships.
Furthermore, participants are prohibited from independently organizing similar retreats or ceremonies, or participating in such activities, without prior written permission from Onca Takara Synergy. Using knowledge, methods, and contacts obtained during our programs for your own commercial purposes or those of third parties without our explicit approval is strictly prohibited.
Confirmation of Understanding and Agreement
By participating in our programs and retreats, participants confirm that they fully understand and agree to the above terms and conditions. Participants acknowledge that they are solely responsible for obtaining adequate travel insurance and that Onca Takara Synergy and its subsidiaries accept no liability for any costs or losses arising from failure to comply with this clause.
If the participant is unable to participate in the program for any reason, no refund will be given. Instead, the participant is encouraged to use their travel insurance for any potential reimbursement.
Legal Enforcement
In the event of a violation of this clause, or any attempt to claim a refund in violation of the aforementioned terms, Onca Takara Synergy reserves the right to take legal action. All disputes arising from this clause will be settled in accordance with Peruvian law, with the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent court of Iquitos.
If you have any questions about these terms, please contact us at:
info@thepeacefulwarrior.co or info@spiritofthejaguar.com
By participating in our programs and retreats, the participant agrees to these terms and conditions and the penalty clause contained therein. Any disputes arising from this clause will be settled in accordance with Peruvian law, with the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent court of Iquitos.
