The Master Plant Diet
A dieta is a period of isolation, simple food and quiet, spent in relationship with one master plant. It is how the Shipibo tradition learns from plants, one plant at a time.
What is a dieta?
In Amazonian medicine, a plant is not taken once and left behind. A person diets with it: they take the plant, follow strict rules about food and conduct, and stay still long enough to notice what changes. The word dieta covers all of it, the plant, the diet and the discipline.
At Aya Madre the dieta is guided by the Maestra Estela Pangoza and her family. The plants are chosen with the person, and the guests learn to gather and prepare their own plants rather than receive them ready-made.
Relating to the spirit of the plant
In the Amazonian understanding, a master plant is a living being with its own spirit, often spoken of as its mother. It is not an ingredient or a remedy to be swallowed and forgotten. You enter a relationship with it, and like any relationship it asks for respect, patience and time.
This is why the dieta has rules. Strict food and a quiet life are a way of preparing yourself to listen. You are not trying to make something happen. You are making room so that the plant can teach you in its own way, and in its own time.
DREAMS
Many people find that the plant appears in their dreams, as images, memories, people, places or feelings. You are encouraged to notice them and write them down, and to bring them to your guide.
Where the plant often speaks first
BODY AND MOOD
Quiet changes in how you feel
The plant may also show itself in your body and your emotions: shifts in energy, appetite, sleep or mood, and old feelings coming up to be seen. Some days are calm and some are hard. Both are part of the process.
YOUR PART
Reciprocity
The plant may also show itself in your body and your emotions: shifts in energy, appetite, sleep or mood, and old feelings coming up to be seen. Some days are calm and some are hard. Both are part of the process.
The rules
The restrictions are what make the dieta work. They keep the body quiet and the attention clear. Every rule is explained to you before you begin.
What you can eat
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Plain white rice
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oats
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potatoes, veggetable
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Eggs, chiken
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Water and the plant preparations given to you
What you cant eat
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Salt, sugar and cooking oil
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Spices, chili and strong flavors
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Pork and red meat
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Dairy, alcohol and caffeine
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Processed, canned or fermented food
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Sexual contact, including with yourself
Before you decide
A dieta is a serious commitment, and it is not a medical treatment. Some plants and some medications do not mix, including common antidepressants. Please tell us about everything you take, and about any health condition, pregnancy or history of mental health care, before you book. Talk to your own doctor too.
How it unfolds
BEFORE YOU COME
Preparation
Start simplifying your food one weeks before you arrive. Avoid salt, sugar, alcohol, porck beef, dairies and soy, and tell us about any medication or health condition when you write to us.
DURING
The dieta
You stay in your own space with the plant, eat the dieta food, limit your phone and conversation, and rest. The Maestra and her family check in with you and work with you through the process.
AFTER
Coming out
The dieta does not end the day you leave your room. Bring foods back gradually after one week and keep avoiding the main restrictions for a period afterwards
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