Medical Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THIS MEDICAL DISCLAIMER CAREFULLY

Emergency Notice

IF THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, IMMEDIATELY CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES:

• Ghana Emergency: 193 (Ambulance) or 191 (Police)

• UK Emergency: 999

• Your Local Emergency Number

DO NOT rely on our website, emails, or any electronic communications for immediate urgent medical needs.

Not Medical Advice

General Disclaimer

The information provided on this website, in our communications, and during our retreats is for educational and informational purposes only and is NOT intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We are not medical doctors, physicians, psychiatrists, or licensed medical professionals. Nothing we share should be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from qualified healthcare providers.

Ayahuasca-Specific Medical Considerations

Ayahuasca is a powerful plant medicine that can have significant physical, psychological, and spiritual effects. Participation in ayahuasca ceremonies involves inherent risks and is not suitable for everyone.

CRITICAL: Ayahuasca can have serious interactions with many medications, medical conditions, and mental health conditions. You must consult with qualified medical professionals before participating in any retreat.

Your Responsibility

Before Participating

You are solely responsible for:

• Consulting with your doctor, psychiatrist, or other healthcare providers before booking

• Disclosing all medical conditions, medications, and mental health history honestly and completely

• Obtaining medical clearance if you have any health concerns

• Following all pre-retreat dietary and medication guidelines

• Informing us immediately of any changes to your health or medications

Medical Clearance Required

You may need medical clearance if you have:

• Heart conditions, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular issues

• Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, etc.)

• History of psychosis or severe mental illness

• Taking any medications (especially SSRIs, MAOIs, or psychiatric medications)

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Diabetes or blood sugar issues

• Liver or kidney problems

• History of seizures

• Recent surgeries or medical procedures

What We Provide vs. Professional Medical Care

We Provide:

• Educational information about ayahuasca and retreat experiences

• General wellness guidance and integration support

• Traditional ceremonial facilitation

• Basic first aid and safety measures during retreats

We Do NOT Provide:

• Medical diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice

• Psychiatric care or mental health treatment

• Medical supervision during ceremonies

• Treatment for medical or mental health conditions

• Prescription medications or medical interventions

Risks and Limitations

Acknowledged Risks

Participation in ayahuasca ceremonies may involve risks including but not limited to:

• Physical discomfort (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)

• Psychological distress or challenging experiences

• Potential exacerbation of existing mental health conditions

• Interactions with medications or medical conditions

• Spiritual or emotional difficulties

Our Limitations

• We cannot predict individual responses to ayahuasca

• We are not qualified to treat medical emergencies beyond basic first aid

• We cannot provide ongoing medical or psychiatric care

• Our guidance is based on traditional practices, not medical training

When to Seek Professional Medical Help

Consult Your Doctor Before Retreat If You Have:

• Any medical conditions or take any medications

• Mental health concerns or psychiatric history

• Questions about whether ayahuasca is safe for you

• Need to adjust or discontinue medications

Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

• For any serious medical symptoms during or after retreat

• If you experience severe psychological distress

• For any medical emergency or health crisis

• If you have concerns about medication interactions

Integration and Follow-Up

While we provide integration support after retreats, this is not medical or therapeutic treatment. If you experience ongoing physical or psychological difficulties after a retreat:

• Consult with qualified healthcare professionals immediately

• Seek appropriate medical or mental health treatment

• Do not rely solely on our integration support for serious issues

Disclaimer of Liability

By participating in our retreats, you acknowledge that:

• You understand the risks involved with ayahuasca

• You have consulted with appropriate medical professionals

• You are participating at your own risk

• We are not liable for any health issues that may arise

• You will not hold us responsible for medical complications

Medication and Substance Interactions

CRITICAL WARNING: Ayahuasca contains MAO inhibitors that can cause dangerous or potentially fatal interactions with many medications and substances including:

• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics)

• Stimulants and ADHD medications

• Blood pressure medications

• Many over-the-counter medications

• Recreational drugs and alcohol

• Certain foods and supplements

You MUST work with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to safely discontinue any contraindicated medications well before retreat participation.

No Doctor-Patient Relationship

No doctor-patient, therapist-client, or professional healthcare relationship is created through our website, communications, or retreat participation. We do not provide medical care or treatment of any kind.

Individual Responsibility

You are ultimately responsible for:

• Your own health and safety decisions

• Obtaining proper medical clearance and advice

• Following all safety guidelines and recommendations

• Disclosing relevant health information honestly and completely

• Seeking appropriate medical care when needed

Updates to This Disclaimer

This medical disclaimer may be updated periodically. Continued participation in our services constitutes acceptance of any updates. Check our website regularly for the most current version.

By proceeding with booking or participating in our retreats, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this medical disclaimer in its entirety.

Last Updated: [Insert Current Date]

Contact Information:

• Email: connect@akuao.com

• Phone: +44 (0)756464 7905 / +233 (0)26744 6049

This disclaimer is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Consult with qualified legal counsel regarding your specific obligations and liabilities.