Ayahuasca & Neurodiversity: A Personalized Approach to Healing

Understanding the Connection Between Ayahuasca and Neurodivergence

In recent years, the intersection of psychedelics and neurodiversity has gained significant attention, particularly regarding how plant medicines like Ayahuasca can support individuals with Autism, ADHD, ADD, Tourette’s, and other neurodivergent conditions—both diagnosed and undiagnosed.

At Casa de la Luz, we have dedicated over a decade to working with this sacred medicine, refining our approach over seven years of guiding private retreats to create a truly inclusive and transformative healing space.

Many of our guests, whether formally diagnosed or simply sensing they experience the world differently, have found that traditional retreat settings are not always conducive to their needs. Standard retreat models often impose rigid structures that can be difficult for neurodivergent individuals to navigate—whether it’s maintaining silence, abstaining from certain personal coping mechanisms, or following strict group protocols. Recognizing this, we have tailored our approach to ensure that every individual receives the support, flexibility, and environment they need to fully embrace their healing journey.

Why a Personalized Approach Matters for Neurodivergent Individuals

Through years of observation and direct experience, we have found that neurodivergent individuals benefit from a more adaptive, responsive retreat structure. Some of the most common considerations we address include:

Flexible Ceremony Dynamics: Many neurodivergent participants experience sensory sensitivities that can make traditional ceremonies overwhelming. Our retreats allow for adjustments such as reducing auditory stimulation, incorporating personalized music choices, or providing quiet moments without continuous sound.

Personalized Processing Techniques: While some individuals benefit from silent introspection, others find it essential to talk and process their journey vocally. We offer a space where participants can discuss their experiences in real-time or receive structured guidance post-ceremony.

Customizable Environmental Factors: Certain physical and environmental aspects, such as lighting, seating arrangements, or the ability to step away for solitude, can greatly enhance comfort and engagement in the experience.

Accommodating Different Needs: We support guests in maintaining their personal routines where possible, whether it’s adjusting dietary restrictions, managing sensory triggers, or allowing for necessary personal items that bring comfort.

The Science Behind Psychedelics and Neurological Conditions

Recent research has highlighted the potential benefits of psychedelics like Ayahuasca in supporting neurodivergent individuals. Some of the key ways in which Ayahuasca may contribute to neurological well-being include:

Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Flexibility: Psychedelics have been shown to enhance neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections. This is particularly valuable for individuals with Autism or ADHD, who may experience cognitive rigidity or difficulties with executive functioning.

Emotional Regulation and Trauma Processing: Many neurodivergent individuals struggle with emotional dysregulation. Ayahuasca has demonstrated potential in helping individuals process deep-seated emotions and trauma, fostering greater emotional balance and self-awareness.

Increased Dopamine and Serotonin Activity: ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions are often associated with imbalances in dopamine and serotonin levels. Ayahuasca may support the regulation of these neurotransmitters, leading to improvements in mood, focus, and overall well-being.

Enhancing Sensory Integration: Many neurodivergent individuals experience heightened or atypical sensory processing. Ayahuasca may help individuals integrate sensory experiences more effectively, reducing overwhelm and improving overall sensory regulation.

Private, Tailored Retreats: A Unique Offering

At Casa de la Luz, we believe that neurodivergent individuals should have the option to shape their retreat experience to align with their personal needs and preferences. This is why we offer fully private Ayahuasca retreats, where solo travelers, couples, or small groups of up to three participants can embark on a personalized journey without the pressures of a group setting.

Additionally, our experienced facilitators are available to travel anywhere in Costa Rica to provide a retreat experience in the comfort of a familiar environment, ensuring an even greater sense of safety and personal empowerment.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity and Expertise

Our dedication to working with neurodivergent individuals is not just a professional endeavor—it is a deeply personal mission. Our team includes individuals who are themselves neurodivergent, bringing unique perspectives and lived experiences to our work. We combine our expertise in Autism, ADHD, ADD, and alternative therapies with a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to healing.

Moreover, we collaborate with specialists in psychoeducation awareness, ensuring that our guests receive informed, well-rounded support. We also offer psychoeducational resources to help individuals and families better understand conditions like Autism/ADHD and the importance of recognizing early warning signs.

Is This Experience Right for You?

If you are neurodivergent or suspect that you experience the world differently, and are looking for a safe, supportive, and flexible Ayahuasca retreat, Casa de la Luz may be the right fit for you. Whether you seek deeper self-understanding, emotional healing, or an alternative path to managing neurological challenges, we provide a private, intentional, and transformative setting where your unique needs are honored.

We invite you to explore the possibilities of Ayahuasca in a setting that respects and adapts to neurodivergent experiences. Contact us today to learn more about our retreats, availability, and how we can help support your journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Preserving Ayahuasca: Honoring Traditions, Restoring Balance

Ayahuasca, an ancient and sacred plant-based brew, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest and beyond. As the world becomes increasingly aware of its potential healing and transformative properties, preserving the ayahuasca plant and the sustainability of its traditional practices have become one of the most important tasks in this practice. We delve into the importance of protecting the ayahuasca plant and the delicate balance required to sustain its use in traditional ceremonies.

For centuries, indigenous people of the Amazon have used ayahuasca in shamanic rituals for spiritual exploration, healing, and community cohesion. In recent years, the interest in ayahuasca has expanded globally, with individuals seeking its healing potential for mental, emotional, and even physical ailments. Scientific research has shown promising results in treating conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction, increasing the plant's demand, although in our practices we do not actively say that we treat these conditions with Ayahuasca, in general, medical terminology belongs only to the doctors and clinicians. For us, Ayahuasca is an ancient diagnostic tool, that will help you find the causes, roots, and fixes you need at the specific moment of your life when you participate in a session.

The rapid pace of deforestation and habitat destruction in the Amazon rainforest poses a significant threat to the natural habitat of ayahuasca. As forests shrink, the ayahuasca vine's availability diminishes, affecting the indigenous communities and the overall biodiversity of the region. We are currently planting from 20 to 30 Ayahuasca plants per month in different locations in Costa Rica as well as chacruna plants.

The surge in global demand has led to unsustainable harvesting and trading practices. Irresponsible collection and commercialization of ayahuasca threaten the delicate ecological balance and undermine the traditional practices, especially from the large retreat centers that lack sustainability programs like ours.

With the global popularity of ayahuasca, there's a risk of cultural appropriation and misuse of the sacred plant. Respect for indigenous cultures' traditional knowledge and practices is essential to ensure ayahuasca's preservation.

Ayahuasca plays an integral role in the cultural heritage of indigenous communities, connecting them to their ancestors and traditions. Preserving the use of plants ensures the continuation of these sacred rituals.

Protecting the ayahuasca plant also means safeguarding the diverse ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest. For this reason, we also contribute to indigenous shamans and mestizo communities by buying medicine directly from them and promoting their services and traditions in Pucallpa, Perú. Promoting responsible and ethical tourism is vital to preserving the authenticity and integrity of ayahuasca ceremonies. Engaging with local communities in a respectful manner and supporting sustainable initiatives can help protect their cultural heritage.

Raising awareness about the importance of preserving ayahuasca and the consequences of its overexploitation is crucial in fostering collective responsibility for its conservation. When you arrive at our retreats, we show you the plants in first person and explain how they can be used and the varieties and traditions linked to them.

Preserving the ayahuasca plant and its traditional practices is a matter of ecological concern and a recognition of its cultural and spiritual significance. By understanding the delicate balance between the growing global interest in ayahuasca and its sustainable preservation, we can ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from its healing properties while respecting the ancient traditions of the indigenous communities who have safeguarded this sacred plant for centuries. Together, we can honor the essence of ayahuasca and protect the precious bond it creates between humans and nature.

Thank you for supporting our project; if you´d like to know how you can help more, don´t hesitate to reach out.

The Role of Travelers in Ayahuasca Ceremonies

It is a common topic nowadays to talk today about Ayahuasca centers, kinds of medicine, facilitators, and shamans, but very little is said about travelers. When you attend a retreat, you must know in advance that you may experience complicated moments, in which you must always maintain respect for the guides and members of the staff, either before, during, or after the experience.

Being a responsible traveler involves taking personal accountability for your experience and understanding the limits of the retreat staff's role. This includes accepting the outcomes of the Ayahuasca journey, whether profound, challenging, or unexpected.

Through years of working with the plant, I’ve witnessed its remarkable transformative potential. However, it is essential to approach it with realistic expectations—it is neither a panacea nor a miraculous, all-encompassing solution. Its value lies in its ability to offer profound insights and healing, often requiring active participation and integration from the individual.

Understanding this balance between the plant’s power and personal responsibility is crucial for a meaningful and grounded Ayahuasca experience.

Ayahuasca guides are not doctors, so we do not intend to "cure" diseases, make diagnoses, interventions, or follow-up unless the person requests it. The main function of the facilitator or guide is to accompany. The staff is also not trained to assist people in crises not occurring during a ceremony or in scenarios where help is directly requested to treat deep trauma that occurs as a product of sexual abuse, and physical or psychological violence, among others. We stress the importance of talking to a mental health professional about these topics, not us or your holistic therapist. If sensitive topics are shared with the wrong person, this can lead to re-traumatization, revictimization, a crisis, or even temporary psychosis. We are trauma-informed only, which means that we don’t work with trauma but are sensitive to its basic needs.

We are not trained to treat people with psychological disorders of the ¨B¨ cluster (antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic) with Ayahuasca. There are already retreat centers with medical and psychological personnel for better assistance in these cases.

For individuals with Autism or ADHD, Ayahuasca can be a viable option in almost any retreat. Although we are not formally trained in these areas, we have worked with many neurodivergent participants and have observed excellent outcomes. More details on this topic will be shared in an upcoming blog.

Regarding mixing certain medications with Ayahuasca, our experience says that what is practiced in most retreat centers, speaking of the typical ¨leave your antidepressants for 30 days and you can attend¨ has proven to be risky and might not be ideal for obtaining the benefits of the plant. There are exceptions of course, but statistically has shown straight difficult experiences, either for participants or staff.

We have observed interactions and distress even in cases where the medication was stopped responsibly. Imagine what could happen if you irresponsibly take medications of this kind with Ayahuasca.

It's highly necessary from our perspective to stop antidepressants and antianxiety medications for a long period of time and follow by your medical professional. Ideally between 6 to 12 months from your last dose and never stop them suddenly. Let’s remember antidepressants especially when people stop them, the body needs time to adjust, and you may have a relapse of your condition (why they were prescribed in the first place), either way, it’s depression, panic attacks, or anxiety, there is this risk. Putting all these ingredients together along with an Ayahuasca retreat can be quite difficult and unnecessary. Proper preparation minimizes these risks and allows the body to adjust naturally, ensuring a smoother retreat experience.

When it comes to mixing Ayahuasca with another similar substance, instantly becomes another important aspect of the responsible and safe approach to these medicines.

The first thing is that there is a total incompatibility between the joint consumption of Ayahuasca and other synthetic psychoactive substances (MDMA, Amphetamines, Ecstasy, LSD, Mescaline, etc.) or natural-sacred plants (Cannabis, Peyote, San Pedro, Mushrooms)

According to the terms of the shamans, "Ayahuasca is a jealous plant", it does not tolerate mixtures. In fact, Ayahuasca as a concoction already has a mixture of psychoactive plants, two or three in most cases

In traditional Amazonian medicine, the use or insertion of other psychoactive substances would not be consistent with the context and shamanic protocol of the ceremony. It would not make sense to mix more than one medicinal resource if the ancient use of the plant has its own tradition and space, just as it would not make sense to wear two pants at the same time, a person could not sleep in two different beds. Each sacred plant, call it "teacher" or "entheogenic" has its own context, its own space, and protocol of traditional use.

We must have respect for our master plants, each one has its way of acting and the only sense it could have when mixing would be if it were something recreational or playful, which would already be disrespectful when meeting the grandmother. Let's not abuse the natural resources that for millennia we have had within reach for, before attending a meeting where several master plants are offered, make sure that you have adequate preparation and ask what would be the context of mixing these medicines, the spiritualized ego always does its thing, offer respect for master plants. In these retreats, you can still choose to try only one medicine in general, and this would be a safer option.

Talking about the screening part, if your application is not approved, do not take it as a bad thing, on the contrary, we are sharing our experience to let you know that your profile is not the ideal one for us and that perhaps you do not have sufficient reasons to take the medicine or that it's not the right time. It's a good thing to know, and it doesn't preclude you from applying to other retreat centers. All this is to avoid an unpleasant moment for us and the groups that we select so carefully. We recommend practicing prudence. Blocking us, insisting, or feeling offended by our decision, is not a good route.

Blog dedicated to Ann-Marie - UK

Ann Marie’s story is both touching and inspiring, a testament to her creativity and deep engagement. As an artistically gifted individual and clinical hypnotherapist, she attended one of our retreats, fully immersing herself in the experience and contributing wholeheartedly.

Her time at the retreat was not only transformative for her but also meaningful for those around her. She expressed her journey through a beautiful painting that captured her interpretation of the experience, adding a unique and deeply human touch to her time with us. Her gift serves as a lasting reminder of the profound connections and personal growth that can arise during these journeys.

Ayahuasca is an extremely strong and challenging experience, it is not something that one wants to expose anyone to. Ayahuasca should not be undertaken casually.  Do not go just because your friend is coming or to accompany your partner. It is not bad to do it, but if they are not completely sure and they are being influenced, that will come out in the ceremony and it could be externalized in a negative way (bad trips) or certain deception on the results you got.

We also have cases where if one person in a group is turned away, then no one comes. It seems curious to us since Ayahuasca is not an experience to be taken accompanied. Chris Isner, a well-known Ayahuasquero, says that in the dark of night and inside the maloka, it does not matter who is close to you, or which shaman, at that moment only you and the master plants exist. Your friends, family, or partner cannot do anything for you during the ceremony, and at all times only the guide must accompany you closely.

All rituals start with the selection of people. Know that if you give false information or hide certain facts such as that you drank alcohol in the diet, that you had open heart surgery a few years ago, or that you hear voices in your head and talk to trees, you are putting many people at risk and this is something which may lead to legal action by the facilitators and guides. We take our work very seriously, and we expect it to be taken equally.

What it's like to cook Ayahuasca?

We approach the preparation of Ayahuasca with utmost responsibility and love, honoring the traditions that guide this sacred process. The journey begins with a full moon harvest, a time when the plant's energy is believed to be at its peak. This involves a meticulous search in the mountains, where we respectfully ask for permission from the plant before taking any part of it.

Once the harvesting is complete, the process of preparing the medicine begins. This stage requires careful attention to protect the brew from external energies and involves empowering the medicine through music and singing. It's a demanding process, often taking 2-3 days to complete. Our teachers emphasize that the person cooking the medicine plays a crucial role in infusing it with healing intent. This work is done in solitude and tranquility to ensure the medicine remains pure and potent.

Our journey to mastering the art of cooking Ayahuasca took four years of full-time dedication. This is our sole focus; we don’t have other jobs. Cooking Ayahuasca is a challenging and demanding process, which is why many prefer to buy it premade, especially in larger retreats. While buying premade Ayahuasca is easier, preparing it yourself is deeply rewarding and creates a stronger connection to the medicine.

Unfortunately, fewer people today know how to properly cook Ayahuasca, and this important tradition is at risk of being lost. If you've attended a retreat, ask yourself: Did the person who served you Ayahuasca also harvest, bless, and cook the plants? If the answer is no, then you understand the point we're making.

The journey to learning how to cook Ayahuasca began with a deep focus on understanding the vine itself. In the first two years, we chose to cook only the Ayahuasca vine, without adding any other DMT-containing plants like Chacruna. This approach allowed us to master the various extraction techniques, recipes, and optimal quantities. It was a thorough learning process where we explored different methods, from cooking over wood or gas to experimenting with maceration.

Through this, we came to understand that the healing spirit of Ayahuasca primarily resides in the vine, while Chacruna acts as a filter that helps reveal visions, colors, and patterns during the experience. However, it's possible to embark on a profound journey with just the vine, especially if you have extensive experience with Ayahuasca.

After gaining this foundational knowledge, we were able to harvest the necessary quantities of Chacruna to add to the mixture, creating the full brew known by everybody.

We take pride in crafting our own Ayahuasca, sourced locally, and made with pure intention. Each batch is a testament to the healing power of nature.

Our recipe includes 10 kilograms of freshly cut Ayahuasca vine (red variety) and one kilogram of Chacruna leaves per batch, harvested around 6:00 AM to preserve their properties. After cooking, we press the Chacruna leaves to extract every drop of the liquid within the plant material. Additionally, we add 6 to 10 leaves of Chiric Sanango, which enhances the medicine's ability to support the nervous system, alleviate rheumatism, and address arthritis. This amount is small enough to be considered a microdose of Chiric Sanango in each cup of Ayahuasca, not really the profound effects this plant give. We also include a pinch of Mapacho tobacco, and when available fresh, lemon juice.

Chiric Sanango - Brunfelsia Grandiflora - Grows in different regions of the american continent. (aka ¨Saprissa¨ in Costa Rica)

Chiric Sanango, which means "healing the cold" in Quechua, is a powerful plant traditionally used by indigenous peoples to treat "cold illnesses." These ailments are believed to affect the nervous system and can manifest as autoimmune conditions such as Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Osteoarthritis, and Lyme disease.

When used in a dieta—a traditional plant-based spiritual practice—for at least 21 days, Chiric Sanango is said to offer significant benefits. It can strengthen the nervous system, boost self-confidence, help individuals overcome deep-seated fears, and provide physical and emotional fortitude. Many who have undergone this dieta describe Chiric Sanango as even more potent and challenging than Ayahuasca, particularly in its intense effects during consumption.

This plant's healing properties make it a revered part of indigenous medicine, especially for those dealing with chronic and complex health issues and advanced users of master plants.

Would you like to join us in the sacred process of cooking Ayahuasca?

Which recipes do you know?

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Ayahuasca growing in Costa Rica

We are excited to share the story of a very special Ayahuasca plant that grows here in Costa Rica. This particular species of Banisteriopsis Caapi was introduced in 1983 to a private reserve in Sarapiquí, Heredia, by the renowned ethnobotanist Tim Plowman. Plowman, a student of the famous Richard Evans Schultes (author of The Plants of the Gods), received this plant from a shaman in South America named Don Elias Ávila. Plowman envisioned Costa Rica as a new home for this plant, and over the past 40 years, the ideal weather conditions in Sarapiquí have allowed it to thrive.

The primary forest environment in Sarapiquí provides an excellent habitat for this Ayahuasca, enabling it to develop beautifully. We are fortunate to have access to this plant at Casa de la Luz. Unlike many other Ayahuasqueros who prefer to buy premade brews from Peru or Colombia, we take pride in being the only customers from this private reserve who purchase Ayahuasca for cooking. The Ayahuasca grown in Costa Rica is just as potent as that found in South America, and many find it to be more gentle and enjoyable, making it an excellent option for those looking to explore this powerful medicine.

In addition to this Banisteriopsis Caapi that was brought from Peru, other types of Ayahuasca or related plants grow naturally in Costa Rica, it´s not a casualty that it ended here. This whole family of plants might enable you to make different types of brews, such as Banisteriopsis Muricata (known as “El Ayahuasca de los Brujos”), Virola sp., Psychotria alba, Jurema, and more. These variations contribute to the rich tradition of plant medicine in the region. So when someone says that Ayahuasca traditions are not from Costa Rica, they need to look deeper. Our indigenous people have also used forms of Ayahuasca in the past, though in different ways than in South America, such as for fertility, sexual potency, and mental illness.

We are grateful for your support and look forward to sharing this incredible medicine with you.

What’s your favorite Ayahuasca brew?

The music in Ayahuasca ceremonies

Live music is a powerful complement to an Ayahuasca ceremony, enriching the experience and deepening the connection between the participants and the plant medicine. Musicians play a crucial role, guiding the journey through the vibrations of their songs. This isn’t just about playing music; it’s about creating an intimate bond between the plant and the musician, who tunes into the energy of the moment to adjust the flow and bring forth melodies with dedicated intention. The music serves as a bridge, allowing participants to travel through different emotional and spiritual landscapes, enhancing the overall ceremony.

The type of music played during a ceremony is essential. It should be soft, gentle, and crafted with great care and accuracy, as the senses are heightened during an Ayahuasca experience. Any mistake or discordance can be easily perceived, potentially disrupting the flow of the ceremony. Music can be used to either ease the intensity of the experience or amplify it, depending on the rhythm and instruments used. For example, drumming can bring up the effects, creating a more intense and focused experience.

Interestingly, playing the same music you heard during a ceremony on your stereo at home can sometimes bring back some of the effects of the Ayahuasca experience. This is because the music becomes deeply embedded in your consciousness during the ceremony, acting as a trigger for the memories and emotions associated with that experience.

We encourage you to bring your instruments to the ceremony and join in the music-making. Playing together creates a shared space of creativity and connection, enhancing the healing power of the experience. Whether you're an experienced musician or just enjoy making music, your contribution is welcomed and valued. Sharing music in this way helps to build a sense of community and collective intention, making the ceremony even more special.

What kind of instruments or music are you drawn to during these sacred experiences?

Group ceremonies with Ayahuasca

Ceremonies in large groups are like intricate puzzles, where each participant plays a vital role in creating a harmonious and powerful experience. As people begin to gather in our ceremonial space, the energies present start to interact and balance each other, guided by the wisdom of the plants we use. Medicines like Rapé, made from Nicotiana Rústica tobacco and other herbs, are crucial in this process, helping to align and center everyone involved. The plants work alongside our inner intentions, facilitating deep healing and transformation.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that group dynamics can sometimes be unpredictable. Just like a lottery, the combination of people in a ceremony can vary, and not all groups will naturally blend well together. When the energies aren’t fully compatible, the ceremony may not reach its full potential. That said, our careful selection process helps ensure that most of the time, the group works well together, creating a powerful and profound experience for everyone involved.

Ayahuasca, the centerpiece of our ceremonies, is a plant that connects us on a profound level, enhancing our spiritual journey. Its effects can be further amplified through the use of other plants, various therapies, and artistic expressions. These elements come together to create a holistic healing experience.

We take great joy in offering these group ceremonies once or twice a month at our center. These public events are open to all, providing an opportunity to share music, explore different meditation techniques, and connect with others on a similar spiritual path. The combination of plants, intentions, and the collective energy of the group makes each ceremony a unique and transformative experience.

What are your thoughts on participating in such a group ceremony?

The role of the altar in Ayahuasca ceremonies

The altar is an essential element of any ceremonial space, serving as a focal point that anchors the spiritual energy during rituals and ceremonies. It is a place where sacred and powerful items are carefully arranged to create a connection between the physical and spiritual realms. The objects placed on an altar are not merely decorative; they are chosen for their symbolic significance, energetic properties, and the intentions they carry.

In creating an altar, one might include items that resonate deeply on a personal and spiritual level. These could be stones or crystals known for their healing and protective qualities, gifts from friends or visitors that hold special meaning, and various shamanic tools that have been passed down or acquired through significant experiences. Incense and perfumes are often used to purify the space and invite specific energies, while musical instruments like drums or rattles can help guide the ceremony.

In our tradition, our altar holds a piece of Grandmother Ayahuasca, symbolizing the presence and guidance of the medicine during our ceremonies. Additionally, a crocodile tooth, gifted by a shaman, is placed on our altar as a protective talisman to invoke the potent energy of the medicine.

We also have a little glass jar with sand from the Egypt Pyramids that a visitor gave us, soil and moss from a sacred place in Australia called Eagle Park, and gifts from different friends from bracelets to necklaces all in one place.

Creating an altar is a deeply personal process, and each item on it should be chosen with intention and care.

What elements do you include in your altar, and what do they represent for you?