Why the Ayahuasca Purge is One of the Best Parts of Ceremony

By Maureen Walsh

The fear of getting sick and/or throwing up in ceremony has been a common thread in the conversations I’ve had about Ayahuasca. It comes up quite often as one of the main reasons why people haven’t taken the leap to sit in ceremony despite being sincerely curious and interested. I have listened countless times to people’s rational concerns and worry about getting deathly ill and sitting in physical hell all night after drinking Ayahuasca.

I completely understand these fears, AND I personally feel that if I’m taken down a windy road lined with difficult purges during a journey, it’s a small price to pay for the freedom that permeates after I find my way to the light at the end of the tunnel (which usually happens by the end of the night, although sometimes embodiment takes longer).

Personally, the fear of getting sick and purging pales in comparison to the reality of holding onto the toxic patterns and traumas that have kept me cycling through the exhausting and endless loops of “comfortable” suffering. 

A Journey into Deep Healing and Trust

I liken the purge to a super deep and thorough cleaning of all systems, on all levels. The physical, mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual bodies receive the benefits of a purge even though the mind rarely understands the depth of healing. Most people only think of purging as vomiting, but it comes in many other forms, from using the toilet (pooping and peeing), crying, shaking, laughing, sweating, burping… the list goes on! There are countless ways to release stagnant energy and trauma, and the Plants and our Higher Selves know the way! 

Although rarely pleasant in the moment, the healing from purging is tangible and profound. Frequently, immediately after a release, I feel lighter, expanded, and more free. Sometimes, it takes a few days (or longer) for the clearing to complete, but I always feel incredibly relieved and greatly expanded after the fact. 

Typically, I’m crystal clear about what I’m letting go of, which can feel incredibly liberating and empowering, and other times, I’ve had no idea what was happening or what I was releasing. The first few times that I purged without understanding why was really challenging, but as time went by and it happened again, I started to drop deeper into the process. I began to understand that those purges were strengthening my muscle of trust, which continues to be one of my greatest lessons in this lifetime. The more I’ve been able to drop into trust in ceremony, trust in my Higher Self, and trust in the Plants, the more I’ve been able to fall into the knowing that I’m always supported. I have been able to see that I’m supported in every moment of my life, even and especially when I don’t understand why something is happening. I’ve learned that I don’t always need to know why things are happening, and I don’t have to have a clear understanding of the story for a release to be justified or lasting. 

Embracing the Purge and Having Fun With It

Some may consider it masochistic, but purging is one of my favorite parts of ceremony. This may be taking it too far for most people, but many times, including when I purge, I have fun in ceremony… (but hey, I enjoy full spectrum living!) I’ve had nights where I had to run to the bathroom and found that I needed to release from both ends at the same time while still in the process of crying. Sitting on the toilet while simultaneously puking into a bucket has been a humbling experience that’s also led to deep illumination and embodiment. I’ve spent other nights shaking rapidly while my body released long-held trauma. On other nights, I’ve wept uncontrollably for hours and hours, releasing ancient grief and sorrow. I’ve also spent many nights under the stars plastered to the Earth in deep reverence and prayer. 

Liberating Ourselves Through the Purge

When I’ve had big releases in the past, I’ve often found myself feeling ashamed and embarrassed after the ceremony finished in fear that I had made a scene and possibly disrupted other people’s processes. The program of shame is rampant in the world today, and it’s another layer of deep collective healing that’s ready to be looked at. In our society, we aren’t given the opportunity, permission, or time to feel and release fully, and when we do, it’s often looked at as a weakness. With some distance, I’ve seen that the judgment that I’ve felt from others after having a big release in ceremony was merely a projection and a calling for me to look at my relationship with shame. (Check out this workshop happening in February on shame!) 

I truly feel a big release should be celebrated and honored. A big shakeup and purge disrupts the patterning and programming that keeps us stuck and allows for a reset and upgrade on all levels. The cathartic release that happens by letting go and fully allowing the medicine to guide the healing process without any censorship from ourselves or others is beyond words. The space created from this allowing and clearing is life-changing and worth every moment of temporary suffering/purging. 

Nurturing the Sacred Container: Dissolving Shame, Embracing Integration, and Finding Joy in the Purging Process

When the container is held as a sacred and safe prayer, big purges are welcomed and celebrated. Shame can be dissipated through the process of integration, which is often overlooked in many traditions. I’ve sat with many traditions over the years, and the space that the Plant Medicine People hold is by far the safest and most beautiful container I’ve witnessed. I have also found that laughter (which is abundant with PMP) helps me not take myself and my processes so seriously. Of course, it’s important to honor the depth of our trauma and emotions while also allowing that same depth of light and joy in.

I highly recommend joining us for a fun, safe, and trauma-informed retreat. You may even find, through this container, that you start to enjoy the process of purging as much as I do 😁

About the Author

Maureen Walsh is an international artist, healer, teacher, and profound friend of Plant Medicines. She has been professionally practicing the healing arts for the last eight years and has been studying yoga and meditation for the last two decades. She is trained in visionary and biodynamic craniosacral therapy and has spent many years studying with master plants around the world. Her connection to the astral realms and her background as an artist are deeply woven into her sessions. She has many years of experience with ceremonial medicines too, and she loves working as a guide before and after ceremony to help her clients prepare and integrate this incredible work.