Yana Puma Healing and Educational Center
Yana Puma Center offers Ayahuasca, Sapo and Nu Nu Ceremonies
Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is the most important plant medicine of the Amazon region of South America, and has been used by indigenous tribes in that region for thousands of years to treat a wide range of psysical, mental and spiritual problems. It is also used by curanderos (traditional healers) to diagnose the causes of illness and to learn which medicinal plants should be used to treat all types of illness. The name Ayahuasca comes from the Quechua words Aya, meaning spirit or soul, and Huasca, which means vine.
The primary components of Ayahuasca are Banisteriosis caapi, the Ayahuasca vine, and the leaves of either Psychotria viridis, commonly called Chacruna, or Dilopterys cabrena, commonly know as Chaliponga, Chagropanga or Haumbisa. In addition, there are numerous other plants that are added to the Ayahuasca medicine, depending upon the desired effect the curandero seeks. Ayahuasca is also drunk alone in some communities, and contrary to popular belief, can produce deep visions on its own. There is a lot of incorrect information on Ayahuasca, which portray it as merely an activator of the visionary components in the add mixture plants. In the words of one of our teachers, ¨It is Mother Ayahuasca who shows the way; the Chacruna/Chagropanga just adds light to the vision.¨.
There are many varieties of Ayahuasca, which varies greatly in different environments. By one count, there are more than 600 varieties; however it is very difficult to differentiate between all these types, as there are many different names for the strains, depending upon the language of the people using it. Some of the more common varieties in use in the Peruvian Amazon include Cielo (Sky), which is the most commonly used type; Negra (Black), which is the strongest type; Trueno (Thunder), which is closely related to Black; Boa (Snake); Yana Puma (Black Panther); and Blanca (White).
After each ayahuasca ceremony group sharing follows the next morning. Participants share their experience and get feedback from curandera in order to better understand proces they are in and what it all means.
Participants that need healing or individual instructions, recomendations or plant medicine will receive it during or after sharing.
Participate in preparing and cooking ayahuasca and assist the curandera in all stages of its preparation.
Sapo
Sapo is the most important medicine of the Matsés people, and is used for purification, detoxification, and strengthening the immune system. Sapo is a secretion from a large jungle frog, Phyllomedusa bicolor, and is harvested without harming the frog, which is highly respected by the Matsés people.
The Sapo is applied directly through the skin after the curandero makes several small burns with a stick. After application, the patient feels an increase in pulse, flushed skin, nausea and dizziness, which lasts appromimately 15-20 minutes. Some patients vomit or have diaherra, which is caused by the rapid dexoification that Sapo causes. After the treatment, most patients feel greatly increased energy and stamina, as well as enhanced hearing vision. These effects help Matsés hunters to have more energy during the hunts, and increased senses for finding their prey.
Sapo has been shown to increase immune response and may also speed neurological regeneration. For these reasons, it is a promising medicine for treatment of immune related illnesses, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, as well as neurological disorders such as Parkinsons disease, Alzheimers disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
Participate in a sapo hunt, which takes place during the night, and collect frog venom. Participating in a hunt also gives an opportunity to see more animals which come out during the night.
Nu Nu
Another important medicine of the Matsés people is Nu Nu, a snuff made from a variety of powdered jungle plants. The primary ingredient is Mapacho (Nicotiana rustica), a potent relative of common tobacco that is one of the primary medicines of curanderos throughout the Amazon region. Other typical ingredients are, for example, the bark of the Huito tree (Genipa americana), and Cacao (Theobroma cacao). Nu Nu formulations are also tailored according to specific condition or illnesse.
Nu Nu is used by the Matsés, like Sapo, as an aid in their hunting. After ingesting the snuff, the hunter has visions of the jungle animals he is seeking, and uses this information to determine the best location to hunt.
During the Nu Nu ceremony, a wooden tube filled with the snuff is placed into the guests' nostrils, and nunu is forcefully blown deep into their sinuses. The immediate effect of the medicine is a burning sensation in the sinuses, which quickly subsides. Generally there is a profuse discharge of mucus from the nose, which clears out the toxins from the sinuses. Many experience a relief of nasal congestion, more clear breathing, and a strong increase in mental and physical energy.