Ayahuasca in the Czech Republic: Extended Version

Ayahuasca, a preparation used in traditional Amazonian medicine, is examined in the context of the Czech Republic, focusing on its therapeutic potential. An online questionnaire survey of 46 users (23 women, 23 men) who had participated in rituals, along with semi-structured interviews analyzed using grounded theory, shows that rituals are adapted to users' needs. People use ayahuasca for healing, spiritual and religious reasons, curiosity, experimentation, and personality development. Its therapeutic potential in local conditions lies mainly in treating lifestyle diseases.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Ayahuasca is a preparation used in "traditional Amazonian medicine".This book focuses on its utilization in the Czech Republic and the possibilities of using it for therapeutic purposes in local conditions.The book contains a classification of rituals and the characteristics of their organizers and participants.An on-line questionnaire survey was conducted among ayahuasca users from November 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016.The research sample consists of 46 respondents (23 women and 23 men) that once took part in some rituals.Similarly, semi-structured interviews with an average length of 50 minutes recorded with informants.Grounded theory method was applied to analyse the interviews conducted.The results confirm that rituals are adapted according to the needs of the users.The respondents use ayahuasca not only because of healing, but also for spiritual and religious reasons, curiosity/experiment and personality development.In local conditions, the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca lies primarily in the treatment of lifestyle diseases.