Everything You Need To Know About ayAhuasca Purging
Written by Wakana White Owl Medicine Woman, Co-Founder of Reunion & Lead Shaman
One of the most common concerns people have before sitting with Ayahuasca is purging. “Will I throw up? Will it be awful? How much or how often will I purge? What if I don’t purge?
Let’s demystify this part of the Ayahuasca journey together by reviewing what purging really is, what it is doing for us, and why we just might be happy about it.
What Is An Ayahuasca Purge?
A purge is simply a release of unhelpful energetic or physical debris/toxins from our body/spirit.
What might be purged during an Ayahuasca ceremony?
Suppressed emotions, stored pain, unresolved grief
Old habits, thoughts, or behaviors
Trauma
Root causes of illness or addiction
Impurities or toxins from the food we eat, water we drink, air we breathe
Unhelpful inherited beliefs and stories from family, culture, or society
Ayahuasca doesn’t just bring things up, it helps you release them.
What Will An Ayahuasca Purge Do For Me?
Purging is the body's way of releasing what is not needed. Think of it as the “eject button”—helping you release the weight of the past so you can create space for healing, understanding, and inner peace.
From an energetic perspective, purging clears emotional debris, stagnant patterns, and pain we’ve stored for years. It frees us to feel lighter, more present, empowered, and authentically ourselves.
What Types Of Purging Happen In An Ayahuasca Ceremony?
There are many ways to purge and release what no longer serves us. Each is valid, healing, and purposeful.
A few types of purging you may experience are:
Mental: Racing/repeating thoughts or a “busy” mind
Emotional: Crying, laughing, or waves of feelings
Physical: Yawning, shaking, discomfort
Vomiting: Referred to as “top purge”
Bowel Movements: Referred to as “bottom purge”
Body Temperature: Periods of feeling hot or cold, sweating
Is Purging Required In An Ayahuasca Ceremony?
No, it is not required. However, everyone purges in some way. You may not even realize it is happening! You may not top or bottom purge in a particular ceremony, but you will be releasing things that aren’t serving you in some form. One night you may experience your mind racing, and you may cry for a bit. In another ceremony, you may yawn and feel sweaty. Some ceremonies may include both top and bottom purges. Ayahuasca meets each person exactly where they are and with what they need. There’s no need to force anything.
Whether you’re crying, shaking, vomiting, journaling afterward—or simply feeling peace—you’re unburdening yourself and welcoming positive change in life. This life optimization is why many of us choose to come to ceremony in the first place.
“Ayahuasca doesn’t just bring things up, it helps you release them.”
Will I Poop My Pants During An Ayahuasca Ceremony?
We get this question more often than you might think! In my experience, it’s pretty rare.
In decades of ceremonies, it’s only happened to me once. And if it does happen? You’ll have quick access to clean clothing, private showers, and compassionate support from our facilitation team—no shame, no embarrassment, just care.
What If I’m Embarrassed About Vomiting (Top Purging) In Front Of Others?
You’re not alone in that feeling! Many guests are initially uncomfortable with the idea of vomiting near others.
But here’s the good news:
The Temple where ceremony is held is dark and private
Other people may be purging at the same time
After your first ceremony, you’ll feel much more at ease
Guests say purging became a meaningful and even important part of their experience—one they never expected to appreciate.
The Temple at Reunion Costa Rica
How Is Ayahuasca Purging Different From Being Sick?
When we top purge in ceremony, it is very different than when we vomit in our regular life. Vomiting from illness is often forceful, uncomfortable, and leaves us drained. In contrast, Ayahuasca purging is a release—it is evidence of our healing!
The physical sensations of top purging in ceremony can be quite different than what we are used to. You may not even feel nauseous before purging. It often comes easily and quietly, and many guests are surprised by how little taste or discomfort there is. Most importantly, you feel better after—relieved, light, and grateful, having let go of things that are no longer serving you.
How Long Does The Ayahuasca Purge Last?
Purging is usually brief and intermittent. You may purge a number of times in a ceremony. The rest of the time, you’ll be present in your experience, resting, reflecting, or receiving insights.
Nervous About Ayahuasca Purging? You’re Not Alone.
The concerns we have before our first Ayahuasca experience about purging are completely natural because we simply don’t know what to expect. We might even experience some fear about it. With the help of Ayahuasca you may find yourself leaving this fear (and many others) behind in the very same “chuck-it bucket” you once dreaded!
Most guests say the purge turned out to be far less scary—and far more empowering—than they imagined.
Better out than in!
Feeling the call? Visit our Ayahuasca retreat homepage to explore how ceremony can help you release, heal, and discover a deeper sense of meaning.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wakana White Owl Medicine Woman, Co-Founder of Reunion
Wakana White Owl is a Ceremony Leader, Shaman, and Medicine Program Director. With over 40 years of experience, she has supported thousands of guests through their Ayahuasca journeys with deep care and sacred wisdom.
ABOUT REUNION
Reunion is a leading not-for-profit plant medicine center located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, where ancient ceremonial traditions meet medically licensed, modern wellness practices. With a focus on safety, integrity, and sacred healing, Reunion provides guests with a beachfront sanctuary to reconnect with themselves, supported by experienced facilitators and a compassionate team. All proceeds are reinvested to advance its mission, support the land, and care for the community it serves.
