When is it better to choose ayahuasca or a truffle ceremony?
Truffle ceremonies and ayahuasca ceremonies have many things in common, but also differ on several levels. So which is better, legal and what the says science about these wonderful psychedelic ceremonies? Let us give away in advance that we prefer truffle ceremonies or psiloflora. Read on to find out why.
Ayahuasca ceremonies
Ayahuasca is a traditional South American drink prepared from the Banisteriopsis caapi-liaan and is often combined with plants containing DMT (dimethyltryptamine), such as Psychotria viridis. The unique effect of ayahuasca comes from the presence of MAOIs in the vine. These inhibitors prevent the enzyme monoamine oxidase from breaking down DMT, making it orally active and capable of creating an intense psychedelic effect.
Scientific insights
Scientific studies show that ayahuasca can not only induce a deep spiritual experience, but also has therapeutic effects in treating depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Research published in reputable journals points to the neuroplasticity effects and possible reconfiguration of brain connections during an ayahuasca experience. Yet there are also warnings of potential risks, such as high stress on the cardiovascular system and the possibility of psychological overload.
Truffle ceremonies
ruffle ceremonies use psilocybin-containing truffles, which are converted in the body into psilocin. Psilocin acts on the serotonin receptors in the brain, producing the psychedelic effects. Because truffles do not naturally contain MAOIs, the experience is often milder and with fewer physical drawbacks, such as nausea or violent purges that sometimes occur with ayahuasca.
Scientific insights
Research on psilocybin and psilocin has shown that these substances can contribute to a positive change in mood, a reduction in anxiety and even a long-term improvement in emotional well-being. Studies highlight that the effects of psilocybin are often more controlled and predictable, making truffle ceremonies an attractive option for those seeking a less intense and more manageable experience
MAOIs: what do they do?
MAOIs play a crucial role in the effects of ayahuasca. These substances inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which normally breaks down psychedelic substances such as DMT quickly. As a result, DMT remains active in the body for longer, resulting in a powerful and long-lasting psychedelic experience.
However, the use of MAOIs can also lead to interactions with certain foods and medications, causing potentially dangerous situations. Because of the MAO inhibitors in Ayahuasca, this makes ayahuasca more dangerous and less enjoyable.
Safer Alternative: Psiloflora
For those looking for a profound psychedelic experience with a slightly softer profile, is psiloflora an interesting alternative. In psiloflora, psilocybin-containing truffles are combined with mild plant-based MAOIs, such as Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata).
This combination prolongs and deepens the psychedelic experience without the extreme intensity of a traditional ayahuasca ceremony. Moreover, psiloflora falls within the legal framework in the Netherlands, making it an accessible and relatively safe alternative for those interested.
Regulations, Risks and Legality in the Netherlands
In both ayahuasca and truffle ceremonies, it is recommended that participants are under professional guidance. An experienced facilitator provides a safe setting and helps the participant integrate the experience. With ayahuasca ceremonies, much attention is often paid to preparation, including dietary advice and avoiding certain substances, such as antidepressants and other medications that can interact with MAOIs.
Risks
- Ayahuasca: The intense physical and psychological effects can cause nausea, vomiting, palpitations and in some cases, psychological overload. There are also deaths known due to misuse.
- Truffle ceremonies: Generally milder, but again there are risks such as anxiety attacks and temporary confusion, especially if the dose is too high. Deaths are not known.
Legality
In the Netherlands, the situation is as follows:
- Ayahuasca: Ayahuasca is banned in the Netherlands and ceremonies take place underground. The safety and quality of the ceremonies depend on the experience of the facilitators.
- Psilocybin truffles: These are legal and offered openly.
- Psiloflora: Combining legally available truffles with other herbal ingredients, this ceremony also falls within the legal framework.
The difference in physical experience
When choosing between a truffle ceremony and an ayahuasca ceremony, the physical experience plays an important role. Consider the following:
Truffle ceremony:
- Mild physical experience: Truffles rarely cause strong physical reactions such as vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Less stressful for the body: Because the physical cleansing is more subtle, the ceremony is more appealing to people looking for an experience with less physical discomfort.
Ayahuasca ceremony:
- More intense physical effects: Ayahuasca is known for its strong purging effects, with vomiting and diarrhoea often being part of the process.
- Deep cleansing, but heavier on the body: While this intensity can be beneficial for some as part of a spiritual or emotional purification, it can also be perceived as burdensome.
Trade-off:
If you prefer an experience where your body is less physically taxed and the focus is more on a gradual and less intense spiritual journey, a truffle ceremony may be a better choice. The subtle physical effects make the process more accessible and less intimidating, especially for people who are sensitive to strong physical reactions or who have not experienced a psychedelic experience before.
On the other hand, if you believe that intensive physical cleansing is part of a deep therapeutic process and you are willing to face the possible physical challenges, ayahuasca may actually be the right choice for you.
The difference in duration
The different ceremonies also have different durations. Some last longer than others. To properly weigh up whether ayahuasca, psiloflora or a truffle ceremony suits you better, it is also hading to consider how long you want to be in the trip.
Truffle ceremony
- Duration: Truffle ceremonies usually last about 6 hours.
- Advantage: This shorter duration may appeal to people who want an in-depth experience without investing a full day and night.
- Integration: The relatively short session facilitates the integration of insights and experiences into daily life.
Ayahuasca session
- Duration: Ayahuasca sessions usually last between 6 and 10 hours or even longer.
- Consideration: While a longer session allows for a more intense and potentially transformative experience, it also means a greater time investment and the integration of the insights gained can be more complex.
Alternative: Psiloflora
- Duration: If you prefer an even shorter duration, psiloflora is an interesting option, lasting up to about 8 hours.
- Balance: This offers a middle ground: a relatively shorter experience than a full ayahuasca session, but with enough depth to gain substantial insights.
The size of the groups
When considering a psychedelic experience, group size and the level of personal supervision plays a factor in the overall experience and safety.
Group size and Personal Guidance
Ayahuasca ceremonies:
Often these ceremonies take place in larger groups, ranging from more than 10 to sometimes 20 participants. This size can result in less individual attention and guidance, as the available facilitators have to be divided among a larger group. This can make it more difficult to go deep into personal experiences and challenges during the session.Truffle ceremonies:
Our truffle ceremonies limit the group size to a maximum of 6 people. This smaller format makes for a more intimate setting and ensures that each participant receives sufficient personal attention. In addition, we provide two facilitators per group, including one trained psychologist who specialises in guiding psychedelic experiences. For extra privacy and a safe environment, we have extra rooms, so people who need more personal space can make the most of it.
Trade-off:
If you value a more intimate setting with extensive personal guidance and privacy, a truffle ceremony offers distinct advantages over the larger and sometimes less controlled setting of ayahuasca ceremonies. This smaller group size and professional guidance contribute to a safer and more effective integration of the insights gained, making the experience not only profound but also optimally tailored to your personal needs.
Participate in our truffle ceremony?
Would you like to take advantage of the benefits we offer before, during and after your truffle ceremony? Then check first whether you want to participate in a group ceremony or perhaps a private one. Use the buttons below to explore that further and maybe see you soon!