BAŃO CEREMONY (FLOWER BATH)
WHAT IS IT?
Baño is a ceremony that compliments an Ayahuasca experience; however, it can be done by itself. Ayahuasca is hypothesized to purge the internal portion of the body, while the Baño cleanses the external portion. (The skin, the largest organ of the body).
Various medicinal plants are torn in a specific fashion and placed into a large bucket of water. Tobacco and perfume are also added at a certain time in the process of the creation of this medicine. As well, the Shaman places a blessing onto the medicine during this process. Different types of Baños, containing different medicinal plants, are utilized depending on the patient.
CEREMONY PROCESS
Small buckets of this medicinal water are poured over the clients head/body in a ceremonial fashion while the shaman chants Ikaroses (ceremonial songs) and uses his shakapa (instrument made from the shakapa plant from jungle) to assist in the cleansing process. Baños are preformed outside in a private area, by the Shaman House, with the hopes to establish a stronger connection with the surrounding nature. Baños can be performed while clothed to your comfort.
Afterwards, the client is instructed to air dry themselves by walking around the private area.
The most skin to be washed by the Baño the better, so a swim suit is recommended but up to the discretion of the client. It is generally best to throw away the garments used during this process after the fact. This is also up to the discretion of the client.