Purging to Cleanse: A Qualitative Study of Ayahuasca Healing at a Drug Treatment Center in Peru

Objective: Ayahuasca, a plant-based substance from the Amazon, is gaining attention for its potential in treating addiction. However, there is little research on the role of purging (mainly vomiting), which is a key part of the healing process during ayahuasca ceremonies. This study focused on how practitioners at the Takiwasi Center in Peru view the act of purging during these rituals.

Method: Between August and October 2021, the researchers interviewed 11 people, including healers, plant specialists, and psychotherapists, at the Takiwasi Center in Spanish. The interviews were later analyzed to identify key themes.

Results: The practitioners saw purging as more than just vomiting—it had deeper meanings. Their views were grouped into three main categories:

• Spiritual view: Purging helps with spiritual growth.
• Amazonian view: It’s a way to release harmful energies or "loads" that can cause illness.
• Clinical view: Purging has measurable therapeutic benefits.

All of these perspectives agreed that purging is a critical part of healing during ayahuasca therapy for addiction at Takiwasi.

Conclusions: This study highlights how practitioners at the Takiwasi Center understand purging as a key part of healing in ayahuasca therapy for addiction. Their insights add to the limited research on this topic and could guide future studies into how purging supports therapeutic outcomes.