What is Kambo?
In the vibrant heart of the Amazon Rainforest, an age-old tradition has risen, steeped in wisdom, healing, and a profound connection with nature. This practice, known as Kambo, harnesses the therapeutic properties of the secretion of a native tree frog, the Phyllomedusa bicolor.
The Origin
Story of Kambo
Kambo therapy traces its roots back to a Kaxinawá shaman named Kampu. With his tribe ravaged by sickness (Malaria or Dengue Fever), Kampu sought answers through the plant medicine Ayahuasca. While sitting alongside the Amazon river Mother Ayahuasca revealed herself to him in the form of the Kambo frog.
She then instructed him how to administer the medicine to his people which eradicated the illness and forever changed the way medicine was approached in the jungle.
There are a number of versions of this story floating around the internet but the deeper you go into the jungle, the more details are added to the context of the myth.
Historical
Context of Kambo
Over centuries, Kambo has traveled from the deep recesses of the Amazon to global consciousness, its therapeutic potential resonating with a world increasingly seeking holistic healing options. Steeped in the traditions of indigenous cultures, Kambo serves as a testament to the ancient knowledge of healing, reminding us of our symbiotic relationship with nature.
The Kambo Frog
and Its Secretion
The Giant Monkey Tree Frog, known scientifically as Phyllomedusa bicolor, produces a powerful secretion that protects it and the species from predators. This secretion is a complex blend of bioactive peptides that when ingested by reptiles (snakes that eat frogs) cause immediate and harsh reactions.
Lucky for humans, the very peptides that cause snakes to get sick are recognized by our bodies, and are integrated with ease making the secretion beyond beneficial for us to take through our lymphatic system.
Ethical, Humane, and Sustainable Harvesting
Collecting Kambo entails respecting and preserving the Kambo frog's wellbeing. Ethical tribespeople gently and skillfully harvest its secretions without harm before returning the frog to its natural habitat. We, at KamboCoach.com, are staunch advocates of these ethical, humane, and sustainable practices.
Traditional Use
Among Tribes
Amazonian tribes, including the Mayoruna, Matsés, and Kaxinawá, have integrated Kambo into their cultural fabric. Its uses vary from enhancing stamina for hunting, medicinal applications for ailments like malaria and fevers, to spiritual ceremonies for dispelling negativity.
The Science
of Kambo Peptides
Kambo secretion is rich in a variety of bioactive peptides, each with their own potential therapeutic effects. Below are the nine peptides most commonly found in Kambo:
01
Dermaseptin
Dermaseptins have been scientifically shown to be potent antimicrobial agents, particularly effective against bacteria, fungi, yeast, and protozoa. Anecdotally, it’s suggested that this peptide contributes to Kambo’s purifying and detoxifying effects.
02
Phyllokinin
This peptide is known to lower blood pressure by expanding blood vessels, which might lead to the common immediate effects of Kambo such as flushing and rapid heart rate.
03
Phyllocaerulein
It stimulates the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, contributing to heightened sensory perception and increased stamina.
04
Phyllomedusin
This peptide stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and has potential uses in treating digestive disorders.
05
Dermorphin
This peptide is a powerful opioid that’s thirty to forty times more potent than morphine. It’s thought to contribute to pain relief both during and after a Kambo ceremony.
06
Deltorphin
Similar to Dermorphin, Deltorphin is also an opioid that’s reported to be about forty times more potent than morphine. It’s another peptide believed to contribute to the pain-relieving properties of Kambo.
07
Adenoregulin
This peptide has been found to affect adenosine receptors, which play a role in various bodily functions, including heart rate and blood flow. Anecdotally, it’s believed to contribute to the feelings of increased energy and focus that some people report after Kambo.
08
Tryptophyllins
While the function of these peptides is still under investigation, preliminary research indicates potential anticancer properties.
09
Sauvagine
This peptide stimulates the adrenal cortex, causing an increase in corticosteroid production. It’s also known to cause a drop in blood pressure and can lead to feelings of lightheadedness or faintness during a Kambo ceremony.
Remember, while these peptides have been found to have a wide range of potential effects, the use of Kambo as a whole, and the interactions between these different compounds, is not fully understood and research is ongoing
Kambo
Precautions
Sitting with Kambo can be a transformative experience, however, even for those in optimal health, certain precautions are important to follow.
- First and foremost, maintaining a balanced electrolyte level is critical when preparing for a Kambo ceremony. In the minutes leading up to the application of Kambo, the client will drink up to 2 liters of water which can imbalance electrolytes.
- Kambo also induces a purging process which can lead to electrolyte imbalance if not managed properly. Consuming electrolyte-rich foods or supplements in the days leading up to your ceremony can help ensure your body is well-prepared.
- Overhydration can lead to a condition known as hyponatremia, a dangerous state characterized by low sodium levels. Drinking ample water is important, but it should be balanced and not excessive which is why I usually have my clients supplement with electrolytes pills a few days before we meet, with the final dose taken before bed, the evening leading up to the Kambo ceremony.
- Another important consideration involves timing when participating in other plant medicine ceremonies, such as Ayahuasca or Bufo (5-MeO-DMT). Consequently, it’s recommended to allow adequate time between these ceremonies and a Kambo session since they too disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the system.
- This gap ensures your body and mind are rested and ready to receive the Kambo medicine fully.
- Remember, Kambo is a potent therapy. Respecting its power, understanding the precautions, and preparing your body adequately can ensure a safe, beneficial, and transformational journey.
How to Prepare for
Your Kambo Ceremony
A key aspect of your Kambo journey is the preparation process. This stage involves physical, mental, and emotional groundwork that paves the way for a profound and enriching experience. To ensure the most beneficial Kambo session, we at KamboCoach.com recommend the following preparatory steps:
01. Set an intention
As you approach your Kambo journey, take time to reflect on what you seek to achieve from the experience. Whether it’s physical healing, emotional release, or spiritual growth, setting an intention can anchor and guide your experience.
02. Journaling
Expressing your thoughts and feelings through writing can clarify your intention and foster self-awareness, aiding the introspective nature of a Kambo ceremony.
03. Meditate
Regular meditation can enhance your mindfulness, creating a sense of tranquility and focus that can greatly aid your Kambo journey.
04. Spend Time in Nature
This allows you to reconnect with the earth’s energies, promoting a sense of grounding and harmony that complements the natural essence of Kambo.
05. Digital Detox
Minimizing screen time can help quiet the mind, reduce stress, and heighten your receptivity to the Kambo experience.
06. Alone Time
Solitude encourages introspection and provides space for personal growth. This aligns with Kambo’s transformative potential.
07. Clean Up Your Diet
In the days leading up to your Kambo session, maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid sugar, processed foods, excessive caffeine, and spicy foods. This helps prime your body for the detoxification process.
08. Abstain from Drugs and Alcohol
This helps maintain a clean internal system and ensures you approach the ceremony in a clear and grounded state.
These practices cultivate an optimal mindset and physical condition, creating fertile ground for Kambo to impart its healing effects. Remember, your preparation process is a personal journey, honoring your commitment to self-care and personal growth.
When clients come to me, I give them a full list of suggestions to follow for the week leading up to our ceremony together. Following a protocol based in reverence and intention signals to the brain, body and spirit that you are taking this seriously and are ready for change.
The more you put into your pre-work, the more Kambo will reward you in ceremony and after.
The Kambo Ceremony
What to Expect
In a Kambo ceremony, the atmosphere is respectful, honoring the power and wisdom of this ancient healing practice. Every facilitator approaches their ceremonies differently but in general, the experience begins with a discussion about the intention of the client.
Some facilitators play music, burn incense or say prayers and blessings.
Then you’ll begin drinking water while the facilitator creates a few small burns or ‘gateways’ on the skin, typically on the arm or leg, which blister up and are wiped away with a tissue.
This exposed area of the skin allows the Kambo to enter the lymphatic system. Sometimes 1 dot, sometimes 6 or more for experienced users.
In general, it is common practice to place one dot up front to see how you respond. From there additional dots can be applied based on your comfort level.
I usually max my client out at 3 gates for their first Kambo ceremony. There is always time to do more. It’s rare that they will want more this first round.
Once applied, the peptides in the Kambo trigger a short but intense detoxification process, often including sensations of heat, increased heart rate, and sometimes nausea or purging. This process can last from 15 to 40 minutes depending on how much the facilitator hydrates and repositions the dots.
If at any time you want the medicine removed, you can either ask your Kambo facilitator or simply wipe them off yourself. Remember, you are in total control of your body and your experience. You don’t owe anyone anything!
Every Kambo journey is unique and reactions can vary. Some people might experience emotional releases or visions, while others might focus more on the physical sensations but without fail every single person will purge.
The Purge
One of the integral parts of a Kambo session is the purge. This powerful, cathartic release can manifest in a number of ways, each as unique as the individual experiencing it. Common forms of purging include vomiting, crying, coughing, producing mucus, bottom purge (diarrhea), laughing, moaning, shaking, and even temporary loss of limb control.
The list goes on.
While the physical act of purging can be intense and momentarily uncomfortable, it is often accompanied by a profound sense of relief and unburdening. The Kambo purge serves as a physical embodiment of the therapeutic process – a tangible representation of the toxins (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual), negative energies, and emotionally traumatic burdens being expelled from the body.
Indeed, the Kambo purge often transcends the physical realm. As toxin baggage is eliminated from the body, many people also experience an emotional and mental purge. This can take the form of old memories surfacing, the release of long-held emotional pain, or a deeper understanding of past experiences. It’s not uncommon for participants to discover newfound clarity or perspective during the purge, which can be integral to their healing journey.
Moreover, on a spiritual level, the purge can facilitate the release of energetic blockages, leading to a feeling of renewed vitality and openness. Many report a heightened sense of connectedness and unity post-purge, suggesting that the experience often holds a potent spiritual component.
After the effects subside, it’s common to feel a sense of peace, clarity, and rejuvenated energy, although responses can vary greatly from person to person. Always remember that your Kambo practitioner is there to guide and support you throughout the entire process.
In the following days or weeks, many people report continued improvements in their physical and emotional wellbeing, a testament to the powerful healing potential of Kambo. This is called the Kambo Afterglow.
Kambo
Afterglow
Following a Kambo session, many participants find themselves enveloped in what’s often referred to as the “Kambo afterglow.” This post-ceremony phase can be as transformative as the experience itself, characterized by profound personal insights and an overall sense of wellbeing.
Participants often report a revitalized sense of self, like emerging from a cocoon of previous limitations and stepping into a newer, freer identity. This breakthrough often feels like a blueprint for personal growth, a roadmap handed down by their higher self, the spirit of the Kambo frog, or their personal spirit guides.
The Kambo afterglow manifests as a sense of lightness and liberation, as if a heavy burden has been lifted off one’s shoulders. There’s a newfound clarity that illuminates their life path, making obstacles appear surmountable and future challenges less daunting.
Furthermore, individuals often report feeling more activated and energetic, ready to meet life’s challenges head-on. They approach situations with renewed enthusiasm, fostered by a deeper understanding of their own strength and potential. Even the mundane aspects of life are seen through a lens of gratitude, fostering an overall increase in positivity and contentment.
In essence, the Kambo afterglow is the dawn of a rejuvenated self, an opportunity to navigate life with renewed vigor, clarity, and a heart brimming with gratitude.
The Importance of
Integration
The Kambo ceremony is an intense journey of self-discovery. It can show us truths about ourselves that we might not always see, like habits or behaviors that are holding us back. But awareness of these things is just the start. To truly grow and heal, we need to take these lessons and apply them in our everyday lives. This is what we call “integration”.
Let’s say during the Kambo ceremony you realize that one of your habits is no longer serving you. It’s then up to you to change that behavior.
If we ignore the lessons Kambo reveals, we risk losing the value of the experience.
Integration is just as important as the ceremony itself, maybe even more. The real change happens when we use the wisdom from the ceremony in our daily life. It’s like taking the spirit of the Kambo frog with us, guiding us to live with a fresh view of ourselves and the world. The ceremony is not the end of our journey, but the start. Our dedication to growth and change shouldn’t stop when the ceremony ends. It’s just the beginning.
Is Kambo Safe?
Generally speaking, Kambo is considered safe for healthy individuals when administered to healthy individuals.
I say generally because there are potential contraindications which include certain health conditions, such as heart disease and severe mental health disorders, as well as pregnancy or breastfeeding. Certain medications, supplements and electrolyte imbalances can also affect the direction of your Kambo ceremony. Therefore, a comprehensive health screening prior to a Kambo session is imperative to ensure the individual’s suitability for the therapy.
The International Association of Kambo Practitioners (IAKP) reports that a small number of deaths have been associated with Kambo ceremonies. However, it’s crucial to note that these incidents often involve factors like pre-existing medical conditions, improper application or dosage, or consumption of excessive water pre and post-application – known as water intoxication.
Most of these adverse events could potentially have been avoided with thorough health screening and supervision by experienced, well-trained practitioners who adhere to safety protocols. Kambo is not recommended for individuals with certain health conditions, including heart disease, severe mental health disorders, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The role of an experienced Kambo practitioner cannot be overstated in maintaining safety. They manage dosage, oversee the individual’s response during the ceremony, and offer post-session care, creating a secure environment for the Kambo journey.
At KamboCoach.com, your safety is our top priority. We pledge to provide complete guidance and support, making your Kambo experience both transformational and secure.
Is Kambo Legal?
Kambo is legal in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the UK, among other Western countries, excluding Australia. Always verify the local legal status of Kambo before deciding to partake in a Kambo ceremony.
Is Kambo Dangerous?
Kambo is a powerful substance that can trigger a series of robust physiological reactions, including vomiting, increased heart rate, and temporary muscle weakness. Most of these reactions are short-lived and are considered part of the healing process. However, severe reactions can occur, especially in those with pre-existing medical conditions or those who use the substance improperly.
Certain health conditions are contraindicated with Kambo use, including heart disease, mental health disorders, liver or kidney issues, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. A thorough health screening with a knowledgeable Kambo practitioner is essential before engaging with the medicine.
When used responsibly under the guidance of a skilled practitioner, and with full disclosure of any potential contraindications, Kambo is not generally considered dangerous. However, like any therapeutic substance, it does carry inherent risks that can be mitigated by adhering to safety protocols.
The KamboCoach.com Difference
At KamboCoach.com, we marry the ancient wisdom of Kambo with modern scientific understanding, creating a practice rooted in safety, respect, and personalized experiences. We recognize each individual’s Kambo journey as unique and provide guidance tailored to individual needs..
Reaching Out to KamboCoach.com
Curious to learn more about Kambo? Ready to embark on a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery? Reach out to us at KamboCoach.com. Our team of skilled practitioners is ready to guide you every step of the way on your Kambo journey.