Safety and suitability
Plain words, before you decide.
Who Shripur is not for
Nine reasons, and the ninth is the rule for all of them.
Under 18, or pregnant
Epilepsy, seizures or sensitivity to flickering light, in you or in a parent, sibling or child
Bipolar disorder or a history of psychosis, in you or in a parent, sibling or child
A dissociative condition
A recent trauma, or a recent head injury
A pacemaker or other implanted device
Medication that acts on the brain, other than antidepressants
Recent alcohol or recreational drugs
Less than four hours of sleep in the last day
If you are unsure about any of these, tell your guide. Unsure counts as yes.
Before you begin
Your guide screens you privately, in conversation, before a first session. We never ask about your health on this website, and nothing you write here is used to decide whether you can come.
If anything changes before your first session, tell your guide.
Your first session
First sessions are short, gentle and closely watched. A guide is with you for every moment of every session, and you can end it whenever you wish.
How to stop
Press the stop control, which stays within your reach throughout, or simply speak to your guide, who can end the session at any moment. Before your first session your guide will also show you how to cup your palms over your closed eyes, which shades them at once.
Light and the eyes
For people who are sensitive to flickering light, it can provoke seizures, and the risk is higher with the eyes closed. This is the main reason for the list above and for private screening. The sources are on the page What we know.
After a session
Your guide stays in touch for six months after a journey. Some people feel tender, tired or unusually open for a while. If you feel detached, unreal or unlike yourself, tell your guide at any point. If it lasts a month, we ask you to see a qualified clinician, and we stay in touch.
What Shripur is not
Shripur is a contemplative practice, not a treatment. It does not diagnose, treat or cure any condition. If you are in care for a medical or psychological condition, speak to your doctor before you join, and do not change any medication because of Shripur.
The Instrument
The Instrument is in development, for certified guides and houses. It will be independently tested for optical safety before release, and it is never used without a certified person.
Who to ask
Write to us and a guide will reply.