Neurofeedback and Psychedelics: A New Path to Healing in the Sacred Valley

Healing is rarely a one-size-fits-all process. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that true transformation happens when we work with the body and mind—rather than against them. That’s why my research has focused on merging the time-honored wisdom of plant therapy with cutting-edge neurofeedback technology.

At my retreats in Peru’s Sacred Valley, we combine psychedelics and neurofeedback—traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies with QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback training—to explore how these powerful modalities interact. The results have been nothing short of incredible, revealing a natural synergy between ancient healing practices and modern neuroscience. In fact, the ways in which psychedelics influence neuroplasticity align closely with the principles of neurofeedback, as Dr. Richard Soutar, Co-Founder of NewMind Technologies, explores in this recent post.

How Neurofeedback and Psychedelics Work Together for Healing

When I first shared my vision for this research, Dr. Richard Soutar immediately saw its potential. As a pioneer in neurofeedback and QEEG technology, he has played a major role in supporting this work, helping us deepen our understanding of how plant therapies affect the brain.

Using QEEG brain mapping, we’ve observed that Ayahuasca and Huachuma (San Pedro) often guide individuals toward neurological balance. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs that force the brain in a specific direction, psychedelics seem to respond to each person’s unique needs—helping them move toward a more “normalized” state. This discovery reinforces what traditional healers have known for centuries: true healing isn’t about suppression but restoration. Further research has shown that Ayahuasca can promote long-term changes in brain activity, leading to improved emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility (Scientific Reports, 2019).

The Role of Neurofeedback in Psychedelic Integration

While psychedelics can be an incredible catalyst for change, they aren’t a cure-all. The real work begins after the ceremony—when people return home and face the same stresses and patterns they had before. Without the right tools for integration, many struggle to hold onto the benefits of their experience.

This is where neurofeedback, particularly alpha-theta training, comes in. By reinforcing the brain’s newly opened pathways, neurofeedback helps individuals sustain and deepen their transformation. It acts as a bridge, allowing people to continue processing trauma, reinforcing emotional regulation, and maintaining the insights they gained during their journey. NewMind’s neurofeedback platform offers practitioners an advanced toolset to support clients in this integration process, helping them stabilize their progress over time.

A New Paradigm for Healing

We’re at the beginning of a new era in mental health. The renewed interest in psychedelics, combined with advancements in neurotechnology, offers us a powerful opportunity to rethink healing. Rather than relying solely on prescription drugs to manage symptoms, we now have the tools to support deep, lasting change—tapping into the brain’s natural ability to heal.

For those interested in firsthand experience, my company, Tiwaz Awakening, offers retreats where participants can explore Ayahuasca and Huachuma ceremonies in their traditional setting while incorporating neurofeedback for long-term integration. This approach not only enhances the immediate effects of psychedelics but also provides a sustainable method for maintaining emotional and cognitive well-being.

See the Research in Action: Watch the Documentary

To share this work with a wider audience, NewMind has produced a groundbreaking documentary, Crossed Paths: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science.

This film takes you inside the Ayahuasca ceremonies of the Sacred Valley and explores the science behind neurofeedback and psychedelics. Featuring firsthand accounts and QEEG research, it reveals how these ancient and modern approaches come together to create real, lasting transformation.

🎥 Watch the full documentary experience here: