Our own first experiences with Brazilian shamanism were a new beginning and opened up a whole new world of experience to us. Brazil indeed holds secrets that can only be approached and experienced first hand.

Even as we departed Brazil on that first trip, we knew that we would return and decided to create a way for others to share in this experience. There is such an incredible sacredness to the teachings and medicines of the Amazon.

We offer one and two week workshops in an extraordinarily beautiful setting along the coast of Bahia, located approximately 700 miles north of Rio de Janeiro. This is where modern Brazilian history began. When the Portuguese first arrived in Brazil, April 22nd 1500, they landed on the soil known today as Bahia. In many ways, Bahia could also be characterized as the cultural heart of Brazil. Samba music has its roots in here. Caipoera, both a dance and a martial art is a pure expression of Bahian culture.

Photos From Our 2006 Ayahuasca Workshops

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We invite you to experience a powerful week of inner exploration and healing. We will spend our time exploring and opening the subtle doorway through the heart energy. This is the path back to remembering your true divinity and awakening of the true self. As we work through our old, limiting patterns, we begin to heal and reclaim our lost power.

Ayahuasca: The Medicine

For thousands of years the shamans of the Amazonian rainforest have used a sacred plant brew, known as ayahuasca or yahé, for healing and spiritual awakening. This ancient medicine, referred to as el remedio or "the medicine", is a very powerful visionary tool to awaken the inner sight.

It is a truth teller and a doorway which opens inside to a place that is you, beyond the 3D sphere, that you may have caught glimpses of in your dreams and visions.

This is the first step in opening to the whole multi-dimensional reality that is all around us. Its profound physical and energetic healing properties work with the body's own natural systems to literally regenerate our physical and spiritual bodies.

Terrance McKenna, the American thinker and scientist, also described this process:

"A dimension has been added to ordinary perception. And you will have the complete experience in the dream. It's in the body... it is no farther away than deep sleep. These truly titanic dimensions are looming..."

During each week we will be hosting three Ayahuasca healing ceremonies along with lectures on this plant medicine, its history, and healing properties on the body. We have found that the medicine and the heart opening process work together synergistically, allowing us to very quickly move past our self imposed limitations. This is the bullet-train to awakening consciousness.

Read more about the ayahuasca medicine and the extraordinary physical, emotional and spiritual healing properties of these teaching plants.

Healing Superfoods

The workshop space is designed to assist and support each person in the cleansing and detoxification process that naturally occurs during the week.

Our diet will mostly consist of delicious local bahian-style cuisine of natural fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish and seafood (we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs).

In addition, we will be incorporating several healing superfoods into our diet. Superfood is considered to be one which is high in enzymes, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These foods help to restore the body back to a state of high energy and full functionality, allowing it to essentially begin to heal itself.

Native to the Brazilian Amazon, the Açai (ah-sigh-ee) berry is considered one of the top superfoods in the world and is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential omega fatty acids. An increased concentration of antioxidants helps to combat premature aging and vitality robbing free radicals.

These foods nourish and replenish the body, increasing energy levels and vitality. Most people eat twice as much as normal and lose weight during the workshop!

Learn more about the various healing superfoods that we will be eating during the workshop.

Ayurvedic Massage

The strongest desire of a person is to live a healthy, happy and inspired life. One of the keys to good health is a body in which the nutrients circulate adequately and the toxins can be expelled easily. Massage, in conjunction with essential oils, exerts an important function in the cleanliness and maintenance of a healthy body.

Included during each week is one bodywork session of ayurvedic massage, shiatsu, and reiki to help restore and rebalance your body back to its original suppleness.

Ayurvedic massage uses proven tactile maneuvers, stretches and vigorous movements in the body that go beyond the stimulation of points and vital organs. It differs from other massage techniques by making use of the feet and other parts of the body to massage. Ayurvedic massage improves blood circulation, opens chakras, eliminates toxins, stimulates the immune system and exfoliates the body to remove dead cells and bring a sensation of comfort and relaxation.

"All my work is focused on taking care of the mind, the body and the spirit. Every person needs and deserves a unique treatment. Using my knowledge along with my subtle feelings, I work to discover the source of people’s ailments and develop the most appropriate method for healing them."

Meet Sandra Somazz and learn more about her ayurvedic massage and other bodywork styles she uses to relax and energize the body. Find out more information about massage during our workshops.

Nature Reserve

The locations we choose offer a setting of comfort and serenity and are exclusive and private for our stay. The coastal region of Bahia, where we'll be staying, is a national nature reserve designed to protect the rainforest and promote ecotourism.

The mother earth is alive and humming with life in every corner. With the warm sunshine, coastal breeze and occasional afternoon rain, we begin to remember that we too are a part of our environement. And that the freshness of clean air is as important as the foods that we eat.

During the week we will take frequent trips to the endless stretches of white sanded beaches. Feel free to take a swim in the ocean or walk and reflect on our journey the night before. Or maybe you'll just want to sit in a hammock and enjoy the pleasure of doing absolutely nothing.