Jacques Mabit- Ayahuasca, Shamanism and Foreigners

Jacques Mabit is the founder of Takiwasi, meaning the chanting house. He says "The idea was the result of my experience as a medical doctor, when I saw how limited traditional treatments were. I met spiritual healers - Shamans - and realised they had resources unknown in the West.” Mabit wanted to connect the spiritual healing of traditional practices with the rationalism of Western medicine.

He is especially intrigued by the ritual use of a sacred plant called ayahuasca, which creates altered states of consciousness, but which he says is non-addictive. Ayahuasca creates visions in which users can engage with the underlying causes of their drug addiction. It can also produce strong physical reactions such as vomiting.