Holiday 2023

32 | LUXlife Magazine The Godfather of Plant Medicines Root Healing Iboga Retreats (Root Healing) is a team of Missoko Bwiti science, medical, and hospitality professionals who are committed to providing safe and holistic healing services using iboga. Valuing tradition, safety, study, equitable access, and reciprocity, the team believes that iboga and Bwiti are inseparable. We take a closer look. Bwiti is a spiritual tradition originating from southern Gabon, having now extended in different forms throughout Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, and beyond. It is not a religion, but a traditional spiritual path – “the study of life itself”. Bwiti goes along with the use of iboga, the “godfather of plant medicines”, and remains the tradition’s sacrament. “Iboga” refers to the second layer of root bark found on the tabernanthe iboga shrub, which contains the highest level of active alkaloids. Iboga can be used for physical and mental healing and spiritual discovery. It is flexible and adaptive, detoxing anything that doesn’t belong. The aim at Root Healing Iboga Retreats is to broaden equitable access and promote research in the in the field of iboga treatments, focusing on its neurological advantages and its potential to address chronic conditions such as addiction, mental health issues, and autoimmune disorders. To achieve this, the team work closely with the resident neuroscientist and collaborate with researchers across the globe to gain a comprehensive understanding of the full spectrum of this potent root’s healing abilities. Following the traditional Bwiti practices that have been passed down for thousands of years, the Root Healing team ensure the full healing potential of iboga. Taking iboga on your own can be dangerous, so it is important to do your research and find a retreat centre such as Root Healing or an experienced guide to help you. Safety is Root Healing’s top priority, taking extra measures to ensure a safe retreat experience for guests by having doctors and nurses available for evaluations and monitoring before, during, and after iboga ceremonies. They also believe in giving back to the Bwiti communities, where the tradition originated, by respecting their traditions, providing financial support, volunteering time and skills, supporting non-profit programmes, amplifying their voices outside Gabon, and listening to their needs. In addition, Root Healing provides equitable access to those who cannot otherwise receive treatment. “We believe that there is always more to discover in the field of iboga healing, and we remain committed to ongoing education through research programmes, scientific publications, updated protocols, studies of relevant subjects, trainings, and collaboration with other professionals.” Root Healing takes pride in being one of the few centres that follow the Bwiti tradition 100%, just as it has been done for centuries. The team’s approach is unique in that they do not incorporate other modalities or healing techniques – their focus is purely on the powerful healing potential of iboga paired with the ancient wisdom of Bwiti. Root Healing is also one of the only centres that offers iboga assisted detox, versus what is more commonly found, ibogaine. Every iboga experience is different, even for those who do it multiple times, and it provides a healing experience that is entirely unique to each person. Root Healing ceremonies always start gathered around the fire, sharing the Bwiti tradition, before administering medicine. Guests then lie down in the temple with the traditional music as they journey deep within themselves to gain a better understanding of their lives and patterns. When the sun comes up, the guests return to their rooms and begin the processing phase, a time to reflect and release all that is no longer serving them. Ultimately, they gain profound insights about their lives and alongside the faciltators, build a foundation with which to move forward with. Many people report that the effects of iboga stay with them for months after the ceremony. This manifests as enhanced mindfulness of their behaviours and choices, combined with a supportive reminder about what they have learned. Moreover, with the promotion of neuroplasticity, people can more easily repattern their lives and secure better habits. Root Healing offers integration counseling to further build upon this new growth. That’s not all. Exciting advancements are taking place in the world of iboga. Often overlooked or even feared, this powerful medicine is gaining recognition for its potential to aid in areas beyond addiction, including anxiety and depression. Additionally, there are promising developments relating to Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Root Healing has seen multiple success stories in alleviating symptoms of these autoimmune conditions and the team aims to continue expanding on this research. Even one of the company’s founders, Madeleine, who has MS herself, has seen an improvement in her own MRI scans since incorporating iboga into her treatment plan. It's undeniable that iboga possesses immense power. Company: Root Healing Iboga Retreats Email: [email protected] Website: www.roothealing.com 251265

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