Sananga Ceremony
A few seconds of intensity. A different kind of clarity.
Traditional Sananga eye drops are offered at The Sanctuary, near Tulum — a brief, intense experience that lasts only a few minutes, often before another ceremony, but also available on its own.
“A few seconds of the worst burning I've felt, then a clarity I didn't know eyes could have.” — Cristian
What is Sananga?
Sananga is a traditional Amazonian eye-drop preparation made from the root bark of Tabernaemontana species, a group of tropical shrubs found throughout parts of South America. The preparation is applied directly to the eyes in very small amounts and produces an immediate, intense burning sensation followed by watering and temporary visual discomfort. It is not psychoactive and does not produce the altered or visionary states associated with Ayahuasca or Bufo.
A Practice of Focus and Preparation
Traditionally, Sananga has been used as a practice of focus and preparation — often described as sharpening physical sight while also encouraging a more attentive, inward state. Some people use it before other ceremonies, while others choose it as a standalone practice. At Lumina, the emphasis is not on chasing an extraordinary experience, but on approaching Sananga with intention, care, and respect for the traditions from which it comes.
What you may experience
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An intense burning sensation lasting a minute or two
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Temporary watering and visual discomfort as the sensation passes
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A period of heightened clarity, focus, or alertness afterward
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Often used as a brief preparatory practice before another ceremony, or experienced on its own
We won't promise transformation. We can promise a screened, prepared, and genuinely held process.
How the session unfolds
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Administration: Your guide carefully applies a few drops to each eye.
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Burning: An intense sensation typically peaks during the first 60–90 seconds.
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Clearing: As the sensation fades, vision gradually returns and may feel sharper or more focused.
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Afterward: Take a few quiet minutes to settle before continuing with your day.
The People Behind Lumina
Behind every ceremony, retreat, and conversation at Lumina are real people who care deeply about how this work is approached. Our team brings together practitioners and guides with different backgrounds, experiences, and roles, united by a shared commitment to care, respect, preparation, and responsible practice. Get to know the people behind the work.
Priyananda Shaktipat
Priyananda began his spiritual journey in India and brings more than 35 years of experience in holistic practices including yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, tantra, and shamanic traditions. He is the creator of Conscious Touch Therapy and Kundalini Activation and has extensive experience working with traditional plant medicine ceremonies across Latin America, including Indigenous communities in Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico.
Kala Shakti
Kala Shakti has more than 10 years of experience guiding personal growth and wellbeing through yoga, meditation, bodywork, and ancestral practices. A yoga and meditation teacher and bodywork therapist, she focuses much of her work on helping women reconnect with their sensuality, vitality, and inner strength. She is also a facilitator of mushroom, Ayahuasca, peyote, and San Pedro ceremonies.
Important info
Duration: a single evening session
Format: Standalone — $1,900 MXN can be done before another ceremony
Preparation: None
Psychoactive: No
Minimum age: 18 NO EXCEPTIONS
Does Sananga replace Ayahuasca or Bufo?
No. Sananga is a short, separate practice that may be offered before another ceremony, but it does not replace a psychedelic ceremony.
Can I use Sananga if I wear contact lenses?
Contact lenses should be removed before Sananga is administered. If you have any eye condition, recent eye surgery, or other eye-related concern, discuss it with the practicing team during your screening call.
