Iowaska Church of Healing

What is the meaning behind “Iowaksa” name?

IOWASKA is both a sacred symbol and an acronym — Inner Oasis, Wisdom, Awakening, Sacred Knowledge, and Advancements. It reflects our mission to guide souls inward, toward transformation, truth, and healing.

We also honor the land that holds us: Iowa — the sacred heartland of the United States. Rooted in the fertile soil of the Midwest, surrounded by fields that nourish the nation, our home embodies grounded wisdom, natural abundance, and deep spiritual potential. Our spelling is a prayer of place and purpose — where inner awakening meets earthly grounding.

What kind of church is Iowaska Church of Healing?

Iowaska Church of Healing is a non-traditional spiritual organization rooted in universal truth rather than any single doctrine or religion. We are organized as a church to embrace, support, and enlighten all people — regardless of religious background, culture, location, or perceived societal status. Our purpose is to create a sanctuary where every soul can seek healing, awakening, and deeper connection with the Divine.

We recognize that the world’s great religions are like branches of the same sacred tree — each reaching toward truth in their own way. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Indigenous traditions, and countless other paths all carry wisdom. Iowaska Church of Healing stands at the trunk of that tree, drawing nourishment from the roots of ancient knowledge and spiritual interconnectedness. Our work honors the essence beneath all traditions — the universal presence of God, Spirit, Source, or the Divine by any name.

We are spiritual, not dogmatic. We do not seek to replace anyone’s faith, but to help individuals deepen their relationship with the Divine within their own tradition — whether that be Christ, Creator, the Universe, Mother Nature, or the still, sacred voice within.

Our ceremonies, teachings, and practices guide people toward inner truth, healing, and remembrance of who they are at the soul level. For members of multiple faiths, our work becomes a complement — not a contradiction — to their existing belief. We honor all paths, all scriptures, and all sincere seekers of light.

At our core, we believe:
There is one Source. Many paths. One human family.

We welcome all.
We honor all.
We are all ONE.

Is Ayahuasca Legal in the United States?

Currently, in the United States, Ayahuasca is considered a controlled substance as it contains DMT (dimethyltryptamine) which is considered “hallucinogen.” However, as a religious organization we are fighting for our right to hold ceremony with the sacred Ayahuasca vine legally and under full protection of the law. 

We applied to the DEA (for an exemption from the Controlled Substances Act) and the IRS (for recognition as a tax-exempt church) over six years ago, in order to legally and fully obtain permissions and constituitionally ordained protections to shed light on the healing power of Ayahuasca, the sacred sacrament that connects us.  Our approach throughout that process has been to work cooperatively with relevant authorities at the federal and state level and to ensure that we commit to and implement the highest standards in terms of safety and fully address government concerns about potential diversion of ayahuasca to non-religious uses.  Sadly, however, the DEA religious exemption process is notoriously slow, and the IRS has refused to recognize us until we secure a DEA exemption.  We therefore filed suit against the DEA on June 9, 2025.  (A copy of our entire petition is available here).  We are hopeful that that filing will lead to our being able to hold ayahuasca ceremonies will full and unequivocal legal authorization very soon.

Why did you pick Iowa as a location?

Iowa holds a sacred resonance — not only as part of the fertile heartland that nourishes life, but as the only place in the world where the name “Iowa” naturally merges the spirit of Ayahuasca with the name of the land itself. This convergence is more than coincidence; it is a divine alignment. Rooted in deep Native history and blessed by the wisdom of the Earth, Iowa offers symbolic, spiritual, and energetic ground for profound healing and remembrance.

Beyond its spiritual significance, Iowa also provides a central, accessible location ideal for the veterans and families across the nation. As a Midwest hub, it offers easy travel from every corner of the country — no passports, no international flights, and no barriers to entry. Veterans often face physical, emotional, or financial obstacles when traveling long distances for healing programs; a centrally located sanctuary reduces that burden and makes the journey more attainable.

Iowa is also known for its peaceful landscapes, rural serenity, affordability, and community-oriented culture — qualities that create a grounding environment for trauma recovery, integration, and spiritual renewal. Away from the noise of major cities, the quiet of the land itself supports the nervous system, offering the stillness needed for deep work.