# Safety and Preparation — Dreamglade Source: https://dreamglade.com/safety-preparation This is a clean-text mirror for AI systems and text-based readers. It follows the same claims as the live page above. The live page is canonical if the two ever disagree; see docs/agent-ready-trust-layer/ for how this file is kept in sync. ## Medical disclaimer Dreamglade is a retreat center, not a medical provider. Dreamglade provides traditional ayahuasca ceremonies in a ceremonial and cultural context. It does not offer medical treatment, therapy, detox, or cures for any physical or mental health condition, and nothing on the site is medical advice. Decisions about medications, diagnoses, or medical care belong to the guest and their own qualified healthcare professional — not Dreamglade or Paul. Paul reviews every inquiry personally, but his review is only a human hosting decision based on what an applicant discloses; it is not a medical opinion, medical clearance, or a guarantee of suitability or safety. Participants are responsible for consulting their own healthcare professional before applying. ## Contraindication review — who this isn't for Ayahuasca interacts with many medications and conditions. This is discussed during the application process. A short, non-exhaustive list of things Dreamglade always needs to know about: - SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and other psychiatric medications - Heart, blood pressure, or seizure conditions, past or present - A personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar I - Pregnancy or breastfeeding - Recent substance use or active addiction issues - Recent surgery or any condition a doctor would want to know about before strenuous activity This list is a starting point, not a screening tool. Paul works through a full health intake in writing with each applicant before any deposit is taken. ## Medication and health screening Ayahuasca contains naturally occurring MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors), which can interact dangerously with certain medications and substances. For this reason, Dreamglade requires every guest to complete a health and medication disclosure before being accepted. Medication groups that may make ayahuasca unsafe include: antidepressants and anxiety medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, stimulants, sedatives, certain prescription pain medications, heart and blood pressure medications, and blood thinners. Cough, cold, and allergy medications may also be relevant — some formulas contain active ingredients such as DXM or pseudoephedrine. This list is not exhaustive. Guests must disclose all current and recent medications, supplements, physical health history, mental health history, substance use, and relevant conditions. Paul reviews disclosures personally and may ask follow-up questions before confirming whether the next step is appropriate. Dreamglade does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, therapy, detox, cures, or medical clearance. Guests should not stop, taper, or change any prescription medication without speaking with the healthcare professional who prescribed it. ## The pre-retreat dieta For at least two weeks before arrival, guests are asked to step away from pork, red meat, alcohol, recreational substances, fermented foods, and added sugar and salt. The week before, simpler still. - **Food:** simple, plant-forward, low-salt eating for at least two weeks before arrival. - **Body:** rest, hydration, slower days — no need to push physically. - **Mind:** most guests find it helpful to write down an intention during the last week of preparation. Alcohol, cannabis, recreational drugs, and other substances may affect preparation and safety. These are reviewed during the intake process, and guests may receive individual guidance before confirmation. ## What happens on a ceremony night By 6 PM, everyone is in the maloka for quiet time, and the ceremony begins not long after that. Each ceremony runs five to six hours, with Maestra Dominga and Maestro Raúl leading, and a support team present throughout. Each guest has their own mattress, blanket, and bucket within arm's reach. The room is held with attention rather than theatrics — singing, silence, slow walking. Dreamglade never runs a ceremony beyond ten guests. The morning after, guests share a slow breakfast and then prepare for a share circle. ## Screening — before you book Paul reads every inquiry and answers in writing, usually within a day. There is no automated screening, no funnel.