Dr. Jacques Mabit is a French doctor specializing in traditional medicine, who defines himself as “an academically trained therapist, a doctor who practices a part of healing”. He runs Takiwasi, the research center he founded, in Tarapoto, in the upper Peruvian Amazon, a small town which, thanks to its geographical location, offers a great diversity of ethno-medicinal traditions.
Familiar with the practices of the healers he met on his travels, this veteran of humanitarian action (Doctors Without Borders) arrived in Peru in 1986 to conduct research into the traditional medicines of the Amazon basin. In the course of his studies with shamans, the doctor came across Ayahuasca, a liana that healers and sorcerers claim to have knowledge of. A “master plant” from which they extract a hallucinogenic drink, and which they hold in great respect.
Unwilling to take “drugs”, the doctor nevertheless decided to experiment with the “Liana of the soul” to try and understand.
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Dr. Jacques Mabit
Tarapoto, Peru. Dr. Jacques Mabit, a French doctor based in Peru, runs the Takiwasi center dedicated to the study of traditional medicines and the rehabilitation of drug addicts through treatment with Ayahuasca.
Dr. Jacques Mabit and Dyonisio Santos
State of San Martin, Peru. Orlando, a young Tarapototo Curandero transports cuttings from the Banisteriopsis Caapi (Ayahuasca) liana to replant them in the Selva.
Blessing of a new hotel
Pucallpa, Peru. Ceremony for the blessing of a new hotel, by Shipivo shaman Guillermo Arrevalo;
Takiwasi Center
Dr. Jacques Mabit and Dyonisio Santos
Tarapoto, Peru. Takiwasi Center. Dr Jacques Mabit (right) and Dyonisio Santos.
Blessing of a new hotel
Pucallpa, Peru. Ceremony for the blessing of a new hotel by the local shaman.
Takiwasi Center
Tarapoto, Peru. Detox patients and therapists, during group discussions at the Takiwasi center.
Young Curandero
State of San Martin, Peru. Orlando, a young curandero from Tarapoto, replants a cutting of Banisteriopsis Caapi (Ayahuasca) at the foot of a tree.
Takiwasi Center
Tarapoto, Peru. Takiwasi Center. Ceremonial intake of Oja de sangre or Ayar Panga, a liana whose powerfully emetic juice is used during the purges that precede Ayahuasca intake, and accompanies the treatment of drug addicts.
Ayahuasca preparation
Tarapoto, Peru. Preparation of Ayahuasca at the Takiwasi center for the study of traditional medicines.
Guillermo Arrevalo
Pucallpa, Peru. Ceremony for the blessing of a new hotel, by Shipivo shaman Guillermo Arrevalo.
Sale of medicinal plants
Tarapoto, Peru. Herbalist’s stall in the market. Traditional medical practices incorporate hallucinogens (san pedro cactus, tobacco, etc.).
Takiwasi Center
Tarapoto, Peru. Takiwasi Center. Once a week, the center’s staff and patients perform ceremonial Ayahuasca ingestion.
Takiwasi Center
Tarapoto, Peru. A patient undergoing detoxification (alcohol) at the Takiwasi center, during an interview with the center’s psychologist.
Takiwasi Center
Stretch of liana
Tarapoto, Peru. Takiwasi Center. Section of Banisteriopsis Caapi liana (Ayahuasca).
