This interview study (n=13) suggests that ayahuasca could be an effective therapeutic tool for eating disorders (EDs). The themes identified were 1) rapid reduction in ED thoughts and symptoms, 2) healing at the perceived root cause, 3) help process painful feelings and memories, 4) greater self-love and self-acceptance, and 5) activated spiritual elements of healing.

Abstract of An exploratory study of experiences with conventional eating disorder treatment and ceremonial ayahuasca

“Purpose: Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian medicine that is currently being researched for its potential in treating a variety of mental disorders. This article reports on exploratory qualitative research relating to participant experiences with ceremonial ayahuasca drinking and conventional treatment for eating disorders (EDs). It also explores the potential for ayahuasca as an adjunctive ED treatment.

Methods: Thirteen individuals previously diagnosed with an ED participated in a semi-structured interview contrasting their experiences with conventional ED treatment with experiences from ceremonial ayahuasca. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Participant reports were organized with key themes including that ayahuasca: led to rapid reductions in ED thoughts and symptoms; allowed for the healing of the perceived root of the ED; helped to process painful feelings and memories; supported the internalization of greater self-love and self-acceptance; and catalyzed spiritual elements of healing.

Conclusions: The results suggest that ayahuasca may have potential as a valuable therapeutic tool, and further research—including carefully controlled clinical trials—is warranted.”

Authors: Marika Renelli, Jenna Fletcher, Kenneth W. Tupper, Natasha Files, Anya Loizaga-Velder & Adele Lafrance

Summary of An exploratory study of experiences with conventional eating disorder treatment and ceremonial ayahuasca

Eating disorders are serious mental disorders that negatively affect individuals at several levels. A preliminary qualitative study reported positive outcomes in individuals with EDs who explored the use of a traditional Amazonian plant medicine commonly known as ayahuasca.

Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew prepared by boiling the woody bark of the vine Banisteriopsis caapi in combination most commonly with the leaves of Psychotria viridis. It induces changes in perception and cognition, including vivid visual and auditory sensations, newfound insights, memory recall, strong emotions, bodily sensations, and spiritual experiences. Ayahuasca is traditionally drunk in the context of a shaman-guided group ceremony, during which the individual may experience nausea, purging, and altered states of consciousness.

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Find this paper

An exploratory study of experiences with conventional eating disorder treatment and ceremonial ayahuasca for the healing of eating disorders

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-018-0619-6

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Cite this paper (APA)

Renelli, M., Fletcher, J., Tupper, K. W., Files, N., Loizaga-Velder, A., & Lafrance, A. (2020). An exploratory study of experiences with conventional eating disorder treatment and ceremonial ayahuasca for the healing of eating disorders. Eating and Weight Disorders-Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 25(2), 437-444.

Study details

Compounds studied
Ayahuasca

Topics studied
Eating Disorders

Study characteristics
Interviews Qualitative

Participants
13 Humans

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