NOVEMBER 2023 SHAMANIC RETREAT Observational Research study results
EFFECTS OF ANCESTRAL SHAMANIC PRACTICES IN 2 FND PATIENTS AND 1 FAMILY MEMBER
2 individuals with past and present known functional symptoms or FND, and one family member underwent 7 days of shamanic retreat in the Sacred Valley, Peru, in November 2023, and received the following major shamanic modalities:
1) Phyllomedusa bicolor frog’s venom, intradermally
2) Ayahuasca amazonian plant brew, orally
3) 100% pure Cocoa brew + Sound healing
4) Wachuma Andean cactus, orally
Individuals spent their days retreated in the natural surroundings of the Hannan Pacha Transpersonal Ashram, practiced prayers, visited a Water and Fertility Temple, and received one Spa day for water therapy.Â
Yogini Shakti (Municky de Magalhaes) was the retreat and shamanic ceremonies guide. Dr. Velazquez, the main investigator, observed participants responses to such modalities, and collected information directly from participants during integration conversations, immediately after each modality, 1-week and 3-months after retreat completion.Â
Participants' descriptions and investigator's observations were translated to cognitive (mental), emotional, somatic (physical), autonomic (related to the automatic nervous system), spiritual and biographical (historical) patho-physiological processes.
Results are represented in the below diagrams. Original observations and participants' descriptions are outlined below each diagram.
LAY SUMMARY
Natural psychedelic medicines from various plants and one frog, appear to positively affect functional processes in the cognitive-intellectual, emotional, autonomic or automatic nervous system, and the physical body, in patients with functional symptoms and their families.
Further investigation with these natural modalities needed.
Uncontrolled factors: Socio-demographics, FND characteristics, interventions’ dosing, effects of other retreat characteristics, management and preventive tools adopted.
Specific processes described by participants and translation to functional networks:
Legend:
When? (K= Kambo, A= Ayahuasca, C= Cocoa, W= Wachuma, 24hr= Last day of the retreat, 1W= 1-week follow up, 3M= 3-months follow up)
What happened physiologically? (C= Cognitive, E= Emotional, B= Body/Soma, A= Autonomic).
If a historical or biographical component is described, the process is accompanied by an "H".
O= Processes Observed by the investigator.
MP= Management & Preventive tools realized
T= Triggers identified
 Participant 1:
Brief intentions: 1) Connect mind – body – emotions – spirit. 2) Improve stress management. 3) Focus on oneself.
Description of effects after KAMBO:
K.C. Noticed demands and expectations
K.CB. Do not overanalyze the body.
K.CB. The importance of a slow pace.
K.CB. Let it be (referring to her own body).
K.CS. Let it be (referring to other’s behaviors).
Description of effects after AYAHUASCA:
A.C. Thought (doubt) awareness: "perhaps I am not doing it right".
A.CE. Compassion and forgiveness manifested and became prominent.
A.EBA. Calmer, peaceful, able to sit and enjoy simply being together.
A.A. Stress level decreased.
Description of effects after WACHUMA:
W.C. Realized that dwelling too much on problems can be detrimental.
W.B. Feeling of wellness.
W.B. Seizure reduction.
W.S. Nature feels like home, a special connection.
W.S. Communicating and exchanging messages with nature.
W.CB. Feels like putting things into place, taking actions, focusing on oneself.
W.CBS. Awareness of the need to receive, accept, and being more selfish.
W.CB. Noticed worry and problem solving, while keeping the body calm, relaxed, present.
W.CS. Reaffirmation of dreams and priorities.
Description of effects LAST 24HR:
24hr.CAB. Feels and will build on a sense of ease, calmness, peace.
Description of overall effects 1-WEEK FOLLOW UP:
1W.BEA. Calmer, happy, easy going.
Description of overall effects 3-MONTH FOLLOW UP:
3M.CH. Cancer and death of grandmother is related to worries around children.
3M.BCA. Gait freeze, tremor, more tired - fighting with itself
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Participant 2:
Brief intentions: 1) Cultivate spirituality. 2) Manage and overcome frustration and anger.
Description of effects after KAMBO:
K.B. Oscillatory movements of the arms and body feel good.
K.CB. Allowing the body to do what it must to achieve healing, balance and release.
K.CB. Realized about pain and discomfort during day to day life.
K.CH. “You have gone through this before."
Description of effects after AYAHUASCA:
A.CE. Noticed disappointment, annoyance
A.CEA. Noticed the mind looking actively for connection, safety, peace.
A.CE. Noticed a block, frustration, suboptimal ability to deal with emotions.
A.BA. Abdominal cramps improved after vomiting.
A.BA. Temperature changes, shaking and cold.
A.B. Felt that the body was dancing to the music.
A.B. Left shoulder pain.
A.EH. Saw again herself as a fetus. Talking about self-love.
A.BH. Stomach discomfort, memories of parasitic infection and endometriosis
Description of effects after COCOA:
C.SB. Spiritual experience: body traveling out in space.
C.CEH. Unconsented sex w/ daughter's father, and his current behavior is behavior is a source of frustration.
Description of effects after WACHUMA:
W.EB. Experienced and felt self-love
W.S. Oneness with the universe, nature, and ancestors.
W.SEC. Native American female ancestor inspired courage, pride, confidence.
W.SC. Connectedness with everything is the reality of living.
W.S. "I am not alone".
Description of effects LAST 24HR:
24hr.BE. Approximately 10 diarrhea episodes, difficulty naming emotions.
24hr.E. Nervousness, fearful, anxiety, missing her daughter.
Description of effects during 1-WK CONVERSATION:
1W.SEA. Work related connection, fulfillment, more relaxed.
1W.E. Fulfilled, elevated, happy, joyous
1W.CE. Less frustration and anger
1W.S. Meaningful routine, living life better
1W.EB. Pure love, feels sensations more.
1W.E. "The emotional experience has permanently changed" (ease, contentment)
1W.CA. Triggers have changed, less impact.
1W.BA. More energy. Realized that the body was depleted.
1W.C. More present, aware, in the moment.
1W.E. Less emotional arousal.
Description of effects during 3-MONTH conversation:
3M.C. Increased intellectual capacity to process, and understand new concepts.
3M.C. Greater curiosity, less reactivity. Broader perspective.
3M.CE. Realizing and embracing self-love.
3M.CB. 'I put limits on myself for no-reason".
3M.CB. Body embracing the words in a book, through sensations.
3M.CB. Recognizing what the body does.
3M.CS. Life has ups and downs.
3M.CS. My journey is my journey (independence, autonomy).
3M.BS. Connected, grounded.
3M.BH. All muscles tensed - a lifetime pattern.
3M.CH. Increased capacity to handle more body talk and address subconscious material.
3M.EC. Living from a center of love, instead of criticism
3M.E. Unpacking fear
3M.ECS. Emotional separation from others.
3M.CE. Emotional self-awareness.
3M.EA. Emotional regulation.
3M.EB. No longer feels fear or anxiety in the body.
3M.SCEA. Job related happiness, joy, presence, trust. Less stress.
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Participant 3:
Brief intentions:
1) Find guidance to interact with and support family. 2) Know how to change career paths, enjoy life deeply. 3) Find guidance about his future.
After KAMBO:
K.C. Noticed the mind being much calmer
K.C. Noticed difficulty letting go of certain mental processes.
K.ES. Desire to live!
After AYAHUASCA:
A.CS. Noticed some expectations, focusing on others and certain preconceived notions.
A.CA. Feeling calmer, with less expectations.
A.CB. Vomited once, and the mind became calmer. Able to relax.
A.S. The children are on their own life’s journey.
After COCOA:
C.C. Clarity about next steps.
C.CB. Confidence to make changes, certainty
C.E. Found many positive emotions
C.ES. Desire to live
C.CAEB. Realization that certain emotions such as anger and stress were being internalized.
C.SEC. Current job source of anger and frustration.
After WACHUMA:
W.C. Mental clarity
W.CS. Need to soften control
W.E. Contentment.
W.S. Giving too much advise and doing things for sons could be detrimental
W.S. Deep connection to all elements and nature.
W.CES. Feels the need and desire to be more selfish.
W.CB. Taking alternative actions.
W.CSB. Greater awareness and sensitivity to internal and external environment.
W.CS. Allow the children to make their own mistakes.
During LAST 24HR:
24hr.C. Clarity of thoughts.
24hr.CS. Inability to prevent many events from occurring.
24hr.C. It is healthier to stop worrying beforehand.
24hr.B. Healthy lifestyle, with less alcohol, more physical activities, healthier diet.
24hr.S. Realizations about missions, dreams, desires.
24hr.EB. Noticed anxiety sometimes, perhaps telling to take certain actions.
1-WK CONVERSATION:
1W.C. No racing thoughts
1W.C. Different mindset, caught myself, more aware.
1W.C. Letting go of control.
1W.CS. Equanimity, boundaries
1W.CS. Handling the challenges well.
1W.A. Stress down
3-MONTH CONVERSATION:
3M.B. Eating processed food.
3M.CB. Staying calm is difficult.
3M.CES. Frustration around interpersonal relationship w/ family.
3M.CES. Interpersonal communication issues
3M.B. No alcohol intake
Specific processes OBSERVED in participants and translation to functional networks:
Participant 1:
During KAMBO:
K.BA.O. Facial flushing
K.B.O. Abnormal sustained contraction of wrist flexion, fingers semiflexion
K.B.O. Typical functional seizure with clonic movements of the arms. Feet plantarflexed
K.BS.O. Moving toes in a relaxed, exploratory manner, connecting to feet, rubbing one another, connecting to the Earth.
K.BA.O. Rubbing hands together, jawning
K.BA.O. Vomited x 1
K.BA.O. Seizure w/ piloerection
During AYAHUASCA:
A.B.O. Seizure-like activity
A.B.O. Unilateral, bilateral arm or whole body shaking 2-5 times during the night
A.BA.O. Vomited once
A.CB.O. Repetivite words or phrases
A.CBE.O. Crying in husband's arms, repeated words (unintelegible), restless, position change from sitting to standing. With a hug and stretch, felt better.
During WACHUMA:
W.B.O. Hand rubbing, shaking
W.B.O. Body rocking movements
W.BA.O. Vomited once
W.B.O. Seizure-like activity twice
Last 24HR:
LD.CB.O. Difficulty listening to the body and feeling sensations.
LD.B.O. No seizures at all last 24hr.
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Participant 2:
During KAMBO:
K.BE.O. Distressed face
K.BA.O. Seizure-like movements
K.BE.O. Petting dog in an anxious repetitive manner, looking for support, distressed face
K.B.O. "Body-on-body" position (sitting, knees bent, arms resting on knees)
K.BA.O. Vomited once
During AYAHUASCA:
A.BA.O. Intermittent shaking thruought the ritual
A.B.O. Hand movements, clonic-like activity, bilateral, alternating sides.
During COCOA:
C.BEA.O. Crying and shaking.
During WACHUMA:
W.B.O. Rocking movements while seated
W.BA.O. While lying down, ventral stretch of full body.
W.BA.O. Jawning, relaxed.
W.BA.O. Mild leg shaking and neck dorsal stretching.
W.BA.O. Frequent stretches of the body, slow movements, sights.
W.B.O. Left leg shaking to the rhythm of the music.
LAST 24HR:
24hr.EB.O. Using laughter less
24hr.EB.O. Greater congruency between named emotions and behavior.
 Participant 3:
During KAMBO:
K.A.O. Left eye swelling and tearing.
K.A.O. Hot, red, sweating.
K.BA.O. Nausea.
During AYAHUASCA:
A.BA.O. Vomited after position change from seating to supine.
During COCOA:
C.BA.O. Slept throughout.
During WACHUMA:
W.BA.O. Adjusting body at various times. Stretching dorsal neck area.
W.BA.O. Taking deep breaths.
W.B.O. Moving slowly.
Specific Triggers, Management and Preventive tools described by participants:
Participant 1:
Last 24hr Management & Preventive Tools:
24hr.BS.MP. Stepping away as needed
24hr.S.MP. Nature.
24hr.CBE.MP. Allowing oneself to rest mentally, physically, emotionally.
24hr.BCE.MP. Being functionally smart, doing things in a manner that feels pleasant, easy, not pushing the body.
24hr.BCE.MP. Being forgiving with the body.
24hr.BC.MP. Develop a healthy routine that includes presence, mindful activities, a healthy pace.
24hr.AECS.MP. Stress management through self-love, patience, reciprocity, giving but also receiving.
1-week Triggers:
1W.B.T. Extra physical activity
1W.CB.T. Did not listent to body.
1W.CA.T. Stressful things
Management & Prevention:
1W.CE.MP. Concerned w/ what directly affects her
1W.E.MP. Empathy without taking on
1W.CB.MP. Mindful action
1W.BE.MP. Seating in porch, enjoying view, being w/ dogs
3-Month Triggers:
3M.AC.T Stressed, worried, concerned
3M.ES.T HARD TO MAINTAIN EMOTIONAL SEPARATION W/ CHILDREN
3M.S.T. Family issues.
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Participant 2:
During retreat:
K.B.MP. Grounding maneuvers such as: "Body-on-body", or self-supported positions.
K.CB.MP. Instead of complaining about the body, or ignoring it, trying to move more, take breaks.
K.SB.MP. Connect with nature, walking barefoot.
K.CB.MP. Being more mindful of the body.
K.CB.MP. Being more proactive, instead of reactive.
C.SB.MP. Playing instruments.
C.SB.MP. Praying to nature.
C.SB.MP. Listening to native American music.
1-Week Triggers:
1W.SA.T. Busy, rushed.
1W.S.T Familial issues
1W.BA.T. Morning rush
Management & Prevention:
1W.B.MP. Lightening a candle, listening to music, singing along.
1W.BC.MP. Stomach symptoms: focusing on that, trying to figure out, resolves on its own.
1W.BCE.MP. More aware of right shoulder pain, recognizing, searching for connections with emotions.
1W.SECB.MP. Relationship to mom: naming emotions, recognizing own boundaries, not being a people
pleaser.
1W.CES.MP. Feeling less urgency, more acceptance, greater emotional regulation.
1W.CE.MP. Practices self-talk, self-love.
3-Month Management & Prevention:
3M.BC.MP. Tingling of fingers: changed interpretation. Instead of anticipating the migraine,
she wondered if it was energetic?
3M.BS.MP. Morning rituals
3M.CB.MP. Body talk
3M.CE.MP. Psychotherapy 1:1
3M.CE.MP. Recognizing, naming, processing emotions and situations.
3M.BA.MP. Breathing exercises nightly
3M.CE.MP. Reading books provide validation
3M.CBEA.MP. Becoming more aware of the power of self-touch, and self-soothing maneuvers.
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Participant 3:
During retreat Management & Preventive Tools:
C.CB.MP. Remain calm.
C.CEB.MP. Utilize equanimity and curiosity around others’ experiences.
C.CB.MP. Empower others to take actions and make their own plans.
C.CBE.MP. Use encouragement, honesty and communication around emotions.
W.E.MP. Utilize empathy
W.CB.MP. Allow and encourage family to create their own goals and objectives
W.SB.MP. Support others instead of solving their problems.
1-Week Triggers:
1W.SB.T. Financial issues, medical insurance dynamics.
1W.BACS.T. Full work schedule, many responsibilities, multiple projects (fixing house, realtor, side business, wife's business)
3-Month Triggers:
3M.CAB.T. Busy schedule
3M.ES.T. Interpersonal dynamics.
3M.CBA.T It is too much, hard to manage
3M.B.MP Walking away, sitting down, then, moving forward and dealing with it.
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