IBOGA PREPARATION: MEDICINE FOR THE BODY + SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Iboga is a master plant medicine from the indigenous Bwiti tradition of Gabon, where it has been used in spiritual rituals for centuries. The root bark of this sacred plant contains the active alkaloid ibogaine, which has been shown to affect neural pathways in the brain, particularly in resetting neurotransmitter systems involved in addiction, trauma, and depression. It works by interacting with receptors such as NMDA, serotonin, and dopamine, promoting neuroplasticity and healing. Visit our accompanying blog post on the key differences and similarities between iboga and ibogaine.
Iboga is not something to approach without intention, preparation or expert guidance due to its powerful physiological effects. We believe that proper preparation is key to ensuring a safe, transformative experience with iboga. Preparing the body and adhering to safety protocols allows the medicine to work effectively, offering the most profound healing possible. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to get your body ready for iboga and ensure you’re engaging in the safest way possible.
Preparing the Physical Vessel
To maximize iboga’s healing potential, preparing the body is essential. As iboga works on a deep physical level, its effects are amplified when the body is detoxified and free of toxins. Leading up to the ceremony, participants should embrace a whole-foods-based, simple diet that supports the digestive and nervous systems. Avoid making sudden dietary changes or engaging in cleanses that could weaken the body.
• Detoxification: Focus on eating whole, organic foods, minimizing toxins like alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, and sugars. Nourish the gut with probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut and kimchi to aid digestion, which plays a crucial role in how your body processes iboga. Probiotic-rich foods support gut health, which is essential for proper digestion and absorption of the medicine.
• Hydration: Staying hydrated is a vital aspect of preparation. Drinking ample water before the ceremony helps flush out toxins and maintain the body’s balance, making it easier for the body to process iboga. Dehydration can worsen the physical discomforts that may arise during the experience.
• Healthy Fats & Inflammatory Foods: Incorporating brain-boosting healthy fats like avocado and olive oil into your diet can improve cognitive function and emotional stability. Avoid inflammatory foods like dairy, gluten, and processed sugars, as these can weigh down the body and hinder the full impact of the medicine.
Fasting and Iboga
In the Bwiti tradition, fasting is an integral part of preparing for iboga. Fasting, or consuming only light meals before the ceremony, allows the medicine to move through the body without being delayed by digestion. This clears physical and energetic pathways, creating a more open state for deeper healing.
Fasting can help the body become more sensitive to the medicine, making the experience smoother and more profound. By reducing the body’s workload in terms of digestion, iboga is able to penetrate the body’s physical and emotional layers more easily. This practice is often a requirement for various types of medicine ceremonies and is used in various cultures across the globe.
Releasing Tension & Aligning Energy
Iboga works deeply on both the body and the mind, so releasing physical tension is an important aspect of preparation. Engaging in gentle movement practices like yoga, stretching, and breathwork can help align the body’s energy. These practices allow the body to become more receptive, promoting nervous system regulation and resilience, and energy flow throughout the system.
Aligning your physical and energetic body before the ceremony helps create a balanced internal environment, making the iboga experience less physically intense. Through these preparatory practices, tension stored in muscles or joints can be released, creating a smoother passage for the medicine to work.
Safety Protocols
Iboga is a potent medicine that requires careful and thorough safety measures. It is crucial to follow strict safety protocols to protect both physical and emotional well-being during the ceremony.
1. Medical Screening: Before participation, a comprehensive medical screening is required to ensure your heart and overall health can handle iboga’s effects. Iboga has significant cardiovascular impacts, and certain conditions or medications (like antidepressants or heart medications) may contraindicate the use of iboga.
2. Tailored Dosage: One size does not fit all when it comes to iboga. Doses are tailored to individual needs, with experienced facilitators determining the appropriate dose based on your body and mind. Even smaller doses can provide profound healing, especially in sensitive individuals.
3. Monitoring & Support: Throughout the ceremony, facilitators monitor participants’ vital signs and provide physical and emotional support. Creating a safe environment ensures that participants can fully surrender to the medicine, knowing they are being cared for at every step.
4. Post-Ceremony Integration: The effects of iboga continue to unfold in the days, weeks and even months after the ceremony, making integration essential. Post-ceremony support helps participants process insights and solidify their healing, ensuring lasting transformation. Integration sessions focus on incorporating the lessons learned into daily life, offering a structured way to anchor the experience and make meaningful changes.
Iboga as Medicine for the Body
Iboga has the potential to initiate deep healing on every level—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. But to truly receive the medicine’s gifts, it’s essential to prepare your body in advance. We guide participants through every step of this preparation process, from cleansing the body to creating a safe and supportive environment where transformation can unfold.
Are you ready to begin your healing journey with iboga? Reach out to us today to start your preparation and discover the profound experience that awaits.
