Nissan began his career as a medical doctor in an urban clinic before specializing in ophthalmology, practicing for 36 years in a small town. Dissatisfied with strictly physical medicine, he pursued Gestalt psychotherapy and operated a private practice. Nissan’s interest in Natural Vision Improvement led him to combine vision science with present-moment, embodied awareness. A tarot reading prompted exploration of shamanism, which, along with his wife’s experience, inspired him to use ayahuasca for spiritual growth. After powerful experiences and a plant dieta in the Amazon in 2005, he trained as a vegetalista under Don José and Don Lucho. Since 2009, he’s led ayahuasca ceremonies in the US (and occasionally Canada) and plant dietas in the Amazon twice yearly, guiding spiritual healing and consciousness expansion.

Articles:
In Service of Ayahuasca – A Medical Doctor’s Journey Into an Ancient Healing Tradition

Books:
White Owl. In Service of Ayahuasca – A Medical Doctor´s Journey into an Ancient Healing Tradition (2025, Total Publishing and Media)

Brainforest Café Podcast with Nissan (Ep#48), November 2025
Listen to the episode and read the transcript