Ayahuasca for Chronic Pain: A New Path to Relief?

For those living with chronic pain, the search for relief can feel endless: medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and still… the body holds on.

In recent years, some have turned to ayahuasca, the sacred plant medicine traditionally used by Indigenous cultures of the Amazon, not just for emotional or spiritual healing but for physical pain as well.

But can ayahuasca actually help with chronic pain? Let’s explore what’s known, what’s emerging, and what to consider if you’re walking this path.

Important Disclaimer

Ayahuasca is not a medically approved treatment for chronic pain. At Pandorita, we do not offer medical advice, nor do we claim that ayahuasca will “cure” any condition.

What we offer is a space for spiritual and emotional healing, where shifts in perception, emotion, and energy can sometimes affect the physical body, but results are highly individual, and should never replace medical care.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before considering plant medicine, especially if you have a chronic health condition or are taking medications.

The Connection Between Pain and Emotion

Many people with chronic pain carry not just physical symptoms, but also unresolved trauma, grief, or emotional suppression.

Ayahuasca, in a traditional ceremonial setting, often brings buried emotions to the surface - helping the body release what it’s been holding for years. Some guests report that after working with the medicine, they:

• Experienced reduced tension, inflammation, or pain

• Gained insight into the emotional roots of their physical symptoms

• Reclaimed a sense of hope, vitality, or agency over their health

But it’s important to say: this isn’t everyone’s experience. And sometimes, the first step isn’t relief, it’s confrontation.

What Science Is (and Isn’t) Saying

Modern research is just beginning to catch up with Indigenous knowledge. Some studies have shown that ayahuasca may reduce physical and emotional pain by:

• Modulating serotonin and dopamine systems

• Activating parts of the brain related to self-reflection and memory

• Interrupting patterns of pain perception and stress responses

Still, this research is early. Much of the evidence remains anecdotal. Powerful, yes, but not yet proven in clinical settings.

Real Stories, Real Nuance

We’ve met guests who came to Pandorita with chronic pain - back pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, ALS - and who experienced a shift during or after the retreat.

For some, it was about uncovering and releasing emotional weight. For others, the retreat was a turning point in reconnecting with their body, not as an enemy, but as a guide.

But not every story ends in resolution. Some leave with more awareness, but still carrying their pain and even that, they say, felt meaningful.

What to Ask Yourself Before Considering Ayahuasca for Pain

• Am I seeking a miracle, or am I open to a process?

• Have I spoken with my doctor about potential interactions or risks?

• Am I willing to explore the emotional layers of my pain?

• Do I feel safe and supported by the retreat center I’m considering?

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In Closing: Healing Doesn’t Always Look Like We Expect

Ayahuasca isn’t a pill. It doesn’t treat symptoms. It invites you to explore why they exist.

At Pandorita, we don’t make promises. What we do offer is a sacred space where you can listen to your body, meet your pain with presence, and reconnect with the parts of you that may have been forgotten.

If you’re walking the road of chronic pain, we honor your strength. And if this path feels like it might support you: we’re here to talk.

Learn more about our 11-day retreats here or send us a message anytime.