Iboga and Ayahuasca
What is the difference between iboga and ayahuasca? They are often related to each other because they are both sacred plant medicines that have been used for thousands of years in their respective places of origin and both contain vision producing psychoactive properties but they are far more different than they are similar.
Origins
Iboga and Ayahuasca come from two different parts of the world. In West Africa, especially Gabon and Cameroon, Iboga is the central pillar of the spirtual practice ‘Bwiti’. Iboga is used in a variety of traditional ways, most often in initiations or ‘rites of passage’ ceremonies.
Ayahuasca, found primarily in Peru and Brazil, is a brew that is consumed in a ceremonial setting under the guidance of a shaman.
Ceremonies
Traditionally iboga ceremonies have only a few participants consuming large doses of iboga while the whole village or community patricipates and contributes to the ceremony while consuming only small doses of the medicine to connect to the spirit.
Ayahuasca ceremonies are almost the opposite, where many members of the village or community will participate in drinking the brew while the ceremony is led by only one or a couple shaman.
Natives of Africa usually only consume large doses of iboga once or twice in a lifetime while ayahuasqueros consume ayahuasca many times through out their lifetimes.
Effects
Each medicine has a unique spirit. Iboga is considered to be masculine while ayahuasca is considered feminine. Iboga shows things in a very blunt, stern way while ayahuasca can be gentle and comforting. New Life Iboga believes that participating in a program to experience both medicines creates a balance of these extreme energies to promote maximum healing.
In large doses, iboga is typically a very difficult experience and can sometimes be very painful and uncomfortable, it is almost never described as a pleasurable experience. On the other hand, ayahuasca is often reported to be enjoyable and euphoric. Ayahuasca can also be difficult but has a more comforting feel.
Iboga and Ayahuasca are both used by individuals who are seeking to enhance their lives through spiritual connection and personal healing. Both medicines offer a portal to the spiritual realm and can help participants find new perspective and balance in their lives, making both a very popular treatment option for those suffering from depression, anxiety or PTSD.
Which Plant Medicine is Best for Me?
Everyone is different, every body is different, every mind is different. There are so many variables that can effect the way each individual processes each medicine, making it impossible for us to predict which medicine would be most beneficial for any given situation. New Life Iboga recommends a 2 week program to experience both iboga and ayahuasca for the highest potential of healing and growth, however, we understand this is not always possible for everyone.
Trust your gut. Most the time, once you start researching these medicines you will begin to feel a pull in one direction or the other.
Ibogaine is generally considered a more ‘serious’ medicine. This is due to many factors. First, participants must have a level of physical health for it to be safe for them to consume ibogaine. To ensure safety, New Life Iboga implements a rigorous medical screeing process. Another reason is because ibogaine treatment is a long process that requires a lot of individualized attention. The intense part of the experience can last anywhere from 10-18 hours and is followed by a 24 hour period or re-acclimation. Most people only participate in a full ibogaine treatment once or twice in their lives.
Ayahuasca experiences typically last only 3-6 hours with a very quick recovery rate. By the next day, most participants are feeling 100% back to normal. Every time you drink ayahuasca the experience is different and you have an opportunity to learn more. Many people who have experienced ayahuasca choose to drink the medicine through out their life to maintain a clear perspective and spiritual connectedness.
Both plant medicines require respect and should be taken seriously when considering participation in either one. Always do thorough research when picking a facility.
Ibogaine and Ayahuasca Treatment Therapy
New Life Iboga believes in the healing power the sacred plant medicines ibogaine and ayahuasca. We feel a week of ayahuasca ceremonies followed by iboga sessions can have profoundly beneficial results for spiritual discovery, personal growth, recovery and healing. All New Life Iboga full-time staff have experienced both ibogaine and ayahuasca and have had immensely positive life changes as a result.
New Life Iboga was the first treatment center in Costa Rica, and one of only a few in the world, to offer a program including iboga and ayahuasca and the ceremonies that surround their use. While others have tried to duplicate our unique therapy protocols, we remain the original innovators of the most beneficial healing programs available. Our program is two weeks and consists of 2 ayahuasca ceremonies and 2 iboga sessions. Ibogaine treatment and ayahuasca ceremonies are done at our beautiful facility in Costa Rica.
