La Purga

The non-psychoactive purge session aka purging, is a significant part and a common traditional practice in Upper Amazon shamanism of Peru ( as well as other places across the globe) before embarking on a medicinal shamanic dieting or entheogenic aka psychedelic plant or mushroom etc. ceremonies. It involves the ingestion of natural substances that induce vomiting or purging, such as specific plant preparations or purgative teas. The purpose of this purge is to cleanse, clear and regulate enteric nervous system (ENS) and prepare the physical, energetic, mental-emotional and spiritual aspect of one’s being for the upcoming medicinal shamanic dieting or entheogenic aka psychedelic experience.

The ingestion of purgative substances is to help rid the body-mind-brain-soul-spirit of various forms of toxins and negative and dark energies, thereby preparing the ( two-legged one aka) individual for the energetic, mental-emotional, and spiritual journey or healing and cure process to follow.

The enteric nervous system (ENS), derived from a neural crest cells, is an extensive network of neurons located in the walls of one’s gut, often called the “second brain.” It is one of the main divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and consists of a mesh-like system of neurons that regulates and governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract. It is capable of acting independently of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, although it may be influenced by them. Most of the neurotransmitters secreted by the ENS are identical to those found in the central nervous system (eg, acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin). Like the central nervous system, the ENS neurons secrete acetylcholine and neuropeptides, but not noradrenaline.

Traditional Peruvian shamanism, like many other indigenous traditions, recognizes the connection between the physical, energetic, mental-emotional and spiritual health of the ( two-legged one aka) person. Therefore, cleansing, clearing and regulating the ENS and other bodily systems can have beneficial effects on a person’s energetic, mental-emotional and spiritual journey.

The purging process is often accompanied by other practices such as fasting, meditation, breathing exercises, and isolation, which aim to facilitate deep introspection and self-reflection. It’s important to note that these practices are traditionally supervised by experienced shamans with extensive knowledge of the plants and mushrooms and techniques used.

However, it is also crucial to understand that these practices can be challenging and potentially risky, at times. While they are a respected, empirical and useful part of many indigenous cultures across the globe, they may not be suitable for everyone and should be approached with utter caution and total respect.

Finally, one should remember that the knowledge, insights and practical medical wisdom of indigenous cultures like those in the Peruvian Amazon are truly valuable resource for understanding the complex relationships between (two-legged one’s aka) humans, nature, and the spiritual world. These traditions offer a holistic view of health and well-being that encompasses not only physical health but also energetic, mental-emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions.

©DrAndrewMacLeanPagonMDPhD2023

( द्रुविद् रिषि द्रुवेद सरस्वती Druid Rishi Druveda Saraswati)

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