Ayahuasca Retreats for Veterans
Treating PTSD in the Ayahuasca Tradition
The Ayahuasca Foundation and Onaya Science have partnered with the Heroic Hearts Project to study the therapeutic potential of attending ayahuasca retreats on military veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research examines psychometrics, brainwaves, gut microbiome, and epigenetic changes to quantify potential impacts.
Building on earlier findings that attending an ayahuasca retreat leaves epigenetic marks on genes associated with trauma, this study seeks to clarify the biological pathways affected by ceremonial ayahuasca use. Thanks to the generosity and funding from the Grant Town Foundation, we will have cohorts of military veterans visiting our center every 6 months to attend a ten day ayahuasca retreat.
Validating Ancestral Wisdom
Having offered healing programs at the Ayahuasca Foundation since 2009, we have witnessed countless examples of people receiving tremendous benefit from attending our ayahuasca retreats. Thanks to the Onaya Science research, the scientific data is demonstrating these benefits in the language of the modern medical paradigm. The current scientific interest in ancestral psychedelic therapies like the Amazonian ayahuasca traditions is a validation of ancestral wisdom and proof that modern medicine can be improved by the integration of indigenous perspectives on healing. Continuing this important research will raise more awareness to the healing potential of ayahuasca plant medicine traditions. The way forward is to return to our ancestral understanding of health and well being.
Reduces Depression
Research demonstrates that attending an ayahuasca retreat reduces depression.
Reduces Anxiety
Studies also show that attending an ayahuasca retreat greatly reduces levels of anxiety.
Reduces Global Distress
Defined as the overall distress someone feels due to any mental health challenge.
Special Thanks to our Partners
We are so grateful for the partnerships and collaborations with the Heroic Hearts Project and Onaya Science that make this important research a reality. We especially grateful for the kindness and generosity of the Grant Town Foundation, without whom none of this would be possible. It is due to their trust and financial support that we are able to conduct this research and help transform the lives of so many retreat participants at the Riosbo Ayahuasca Research & Retreat Center in Peru.
Future Research Projects
The Onaya Science team, in collaboration with the non-profit organization Athlete’s Journey Home, is planning a study to look at the effects of attending an ayahuasca retreat on athlete’s with traumatic brain injuries. This research will closely resemble the current military veterans PTSD study, with athletes attending a ten day retreat at the Ayahuasca Foundation and observing and evaluating various metrics related to brain function and recovery.