Menstrual Cycle Customs in the Indigenous Use of Psychedelics
Research Project in Partnership with Dr. Joe Tafur
Natural psychedelics like Ayahuasca, Psilocybin Mushrooms and Peyote have long been used by indigenous populations around the world. From the rich cultural history of the Amazon, to the mountains of Mexico, to the Sonora Desert, there is much to learn from cultures who have have kept psychedelic wisdom over many generations.
From preparation, to dose, to ceremony, there are many aspects of the psychedelic experience that we can learn from families with generational wisdom on the topic.
In an effort to document and translate psychedelic wisdom related to the menstrual cycle, the Dysphoric Project is partnering with Dr. Joe Tafur on a research project to better understand menstrual cycle customs in the indigenous use of natural psychedelics.
Dr. Joe Tafur
Dr. Tafur is a integrative Family Physician, Curandero and Author of The Fellowship of the River. He is a licensed medical doctor and a trained Shipibo Shaman who has worked deep within the Amazon alongside indigenous groups in the region. Dr. Tafur brings a wealth of knowledge on traditional Amazonian plant medicines, reciprocity, and the indigenous use of psychedelics. We are grateful and honored for him to consult with us on this important project.
Thematic Analysis of Menstrual Cycle Customs in the Indigenous Use of Psychedelics
Thematic analysis is a research method used to identify patterns. Our goal with this project is to go far and wide across geographies throughout the world, to interview medicine women keeping wisdom on the menstrual cycle and traditional psychedelic use.
We hope to better understand:
Patterns in menstrual cycle customs in the indigenous use of psychedelics
Psychedelic harm reduction practices for women as it relates to the menstrual cycle
The potential impact of cultural differences in menstrual cycle customs as it relates to the psychedelic experience
Reciprocity
Western psychedelic research does not often account for reciprocity to indigenous populations. We believe that this is a critical component of the project, and our proposed project budget includes reciprocity payments for indigenous groups willing to share their knowledge with us.
Fundraising
Research funding is key, and enables us to give back to indigenous groups while we work to better understand the menstrual cycle and psychedelic use. To learn more about the project - including the budget estimate and scope of work - check out our philanthropy guide below or visit our project page.
BIG hugs,
Tina & Hailey
