Trauma Release

Unlike psychedelics like Ayahuasca, psilocybin, or iboga root, which can forcefully reveal hidden shadows or difficult material from our past, Kambo has a more subtle approach. It does not propel us into the intense visual or mental realms that can sometimes overwhelm us. Instead, Kambo functions like a wise, compassionate guide, releasing only those parts of our experience that are ripe and ready to be set free.

Imagine a tree bearing ripe fruit. Kambo’s effect is akin to shaking that tree, gently dislodging the traumas, resentments, regrets, secrets, and lies that no longer serve us. These burdens, ready to be released, fall away, allowing us to heal in their absence. This natural process contrasts with other sacred medicines, which may force us to confront aspects of ourselves we’re not ready to face.

Kambo, while physically demanding, also offers a gentle and nourishing experience. During a Kambo session, the presence of a spiritual guide is often felt. Some refer to this as the spirit of the frog; others may call it our higher self, inner dialogue, or even the Holy Spirit.

Personally, I consider this guiding voice that part of myself untouched by cultural programming and societal constraints. It’s that deep, internal part unaffected by stress, drama, fear, or scarcity. This voice amplifies during the Kambo process, guiding us through the arduous task of purging our limiting belief systems while the medicine heals our body.

Trauma isn’t just a mental or emotional scar; it’s a phenomenon that manifests in the very tissues of our bodies. The field of somatic therapy has evolved to recognize this deep connection between mind and body, and how unresolved trauma can be stored within our physical form.

A Kambo session might involve intense purging, including symptoms like violent shaking, convulsions, heaving, screaming, vomiting, sweating, and various muscle contractions. While this might seem daunting, it’s the Kambo medicine flowing through the body, guided by our inner wisdom, finding, and dislodging these somatic blocks.

Dr. Peter Levine, a prominent figure in the field of somatic experiencing and the author of “Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma,” says, “Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.” His work emphasizes how somatic techniques can release trapped energy and facilitate healing.

Kambo’s process resonates with the principles of somatic therapy by directly addressing the physical manifestations of trauma, not just as symptoms but as the stored memories and energy within the body. The physical reactions during a Kambo session, intense as they may seem, are part of the natural process of releasing these trapped energies and memories.

Bessel van der Kolk, another renowned expert in the field and the author of “The Body Keeps the Score,” writes, “In order to change, people need to become aware of their sensations and the way that their bodies interact with the world around them.” Kambo’s ability to help us connect with and release what’s stored in the body aligns with this understanding.

Moreover, somatic practices believe in the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. As Dr. Levine often emphasizes, the body has its wisdom and ability to move toward balance and health. Kambo acts as a catalyst in this process, unlocking and facilitating the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

The connection between Kambo and somatic practices is profound, offering not just symptom relief but a deep and transformative healing experience. It recognizes the interplay between mind, body, and spirit and leverages the wisdom of traditional Amazonian medicine to bring about true healing.

Kambo’s distinct approach to healing resonates with many, yet it’s vital to understand how it compares to other therapeutic modalities. Here’s an overview:

• Psychotherapy: Unlike traditional counseling or therapy, which often involves verbal interaction with a mental health professional, Kambo’s healing transcends language. It directly accesses the body’s stored trauma and works at a somatic level.
• Pharmaceuticals: Where conventional medicine may address symptoms, Kambo goes to the root of physical and emotional challenges, seeking to restore balance without relying on synthetic drugs.
• Acupuncture: Similar to acupuncture, Kambo works on the body’s energy pathways, but it does so through the application of the frog’s secretion rather than inserting needles at specific points.
• Plant Medicines (such as Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, Iboga): While some plant medicines take the individual on an intense psycho-spiritual journey, Kambo is non-psychoactive. Its healing process is often considered gentler and more grounded in physical reality.
• Yoga and Meditation: Like yoga and meditation, Kambo fosters a connection between mind, body, and spirit. However, Kambo often leads to more immediate and tangible results, particularly for those seeking to release deep-seated trauma.
• Energy Healing (such as Reiki): While energy healing modalities channel universal life force energy, Kambo incorporates both a biological and spiritual element, engaging the body in a unique purging process.

Kambo is more than a medicinal ritual; it’s a bridge that connects the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms of our being. Through its gentle yet profound healing approach, Kambo facilitates the release of stored traumas and associated diseases.

Unlike other sacred medicines, entheogenics or psychedelic therapy, Kambo does not force us into confronting our shadow, but rather assists us in releasing what’s ready to be let go.

Its powerful connection to somatic experiences, as supported by authors and researchers in the field, adds to its authenticity and impact. For those on a quest for inner peace, joy, and health, Kambo may offer a compassionate and nourishing path that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of our deepest wounds.

In the realm of alternative healing, Kambo often faces skepticism, misconceptions, and counterarguments. Some critics argue that traditional medicines like Kambo lack scientific backing or that they are rooted in superstition rather than empirical evidence.

• Lack of Scientific Evidence: While it’s true that Kambo’s therapeutic effects haven’t been studied as extensively as conventional treatments, ongoing research is revealing its potential benefits. The understanding of how trauma is stored in the body and the mechanisms by which Kambo aids in releasing it is a field of growing interest.
• Kambo as a Psychedelic: Some might misclassify Kambo as a psychedelic like Ayahuasca or psilocybin. However, Kambo does not induce hallucinogenic effects. Its healing process is subtler and focused on somatic release rather than altered states of consciousness.
• Safety Concerns: Concerns about safety and potential side effects may arise. It’s essential to understand that Kambo therapy should be approached with caution and conducted by certified practitioners. Kambo’s application by experienced practitioners within a controlled environment minimizes risks and enhances its healing potential.
• Mystical Woo: Detractors might dismiss the spiritual aspects of Kambo as mystical woo. However, many who have sat with Kambo testify to a profound spiritual connection that transcends mere placebo effect or imagination. This connection is considered integral to the healing process by many in the field.

Kambo is more than a medicinal ritual; it’s a bridge that connects the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms of our being. Through its gentle yet profound healing approach, Kambo facilitates the release of stored traumas and associated diseases. Unlike other sacred medicines or therapies, Kambo does not force us into confronting our hidden shadows but rather assists us in releasing what’s ready to be let go.

Its powerful connection to somatic experiences, as supported by authors and researchers in the field, adds to its authenticity and impact. For those on a quest for inner peace, joy, and health, Kambo may offer a compassionate and nourishing path that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of our deepest wounds.

For those interested in further exploration of Kambo and its various applications, here are some academic papers, books, and resources:

Academic Research:

• “Pharmacological Aspects of the Phyllomedusa genus,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
• “An Overview of Kambo Use and its Therapeutic Potential,” Psychoactive Substances Journal.

Books:

• “Kambo: The Spirit of the Shaman” by Jonathan Goldman.
• “The Kambo Practice Guide” by Peter Gorman.
• “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk.
• “Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma” by Peter Levine.

Documentaries and Videos:

• “Kambo: Nature’s Vaccine for the Mind and Body” (Documentary).
• YouTube Series: “Kambo Diaries” – Personal stories and experiences with Kambo.
• “Healing Trauma” (Documentary) – Based on the work of Bessel van der Kolk.
• “Trauma Through a Child’s Eyes” (Documentary) – Featuring the insights of Peter Levine.

Websites and Organizations:

• International Association of Kambo Practitioners: Provides training, resources, and a directory of certified Kambo practitioners.
• Kambo Healing Foundation: A nonprofit organization promoting ethical sourcing and use of Kambo.

Documentaries and Videos:

• “Kambo: Nature’s Vaccine for the Mind and Body” (Documentary).
• YouTube Series: “Kambo Diaries” – Personal stories and experiences with Kambo.