How Kambo is applied

Before applying Kambo, all health issues, intentions and general questions will be covered with you to ensure both client and practitioner are safe and relaxed to immerse themselves in the process.

Prior to the application of the medicine the practitioner will discuss where you would like your gates. This is traditionally the upper left arm for males and bottom right leg for females, although with the exception of sensitive areas such as head (other than ears for auricular treatments), armpits & genitals most areas can be used.

Once a location has been agreed upon, the practitioner will open the gates by burning the top layer of skin, usually with a hot stick. This exposes the epidermis and allows the medicine to travel around the body through the lymphatic system, the pain is akin to having a finger pricked for a blood test. This is much like a small blister and as the skin peels away there is no blood. As the gates are opened (removing any excess skin) you will proceed to drink between 1.5 and 2 litres of water whilst the practitioner prepares the Kambo points.

The water should only be consumed a few minutes before the Kambo is applied to the opened gates otherwise it will not be available within the stomach for the purge. To avoid there being too much fluid in the body at one time consumption on the day of treatment should be kept to a minimum.

The dried Kambo which the practitioner will bring on sticks will be diluted with a small amount of water to form a paste or glue-like substance and manipulated into small balls referred to as points which will then be placed on the open gates on the skin. In the event of repeat treatments within the same session the same gates will be used.

It is unsafe to apply Kambo in any other way, including snorting the substance, ingesting it or allowing it to enter the bloodstream directly. Due to the risk factors associated with Kambo it is really important you work with a trained professional or undergo training yourself.

What to expect during a Kambo ceremony

Kambo can be intense but the experience is short and fast and the effects of the secretion are usually felt within a minute or two of application. This starts with flushing as the heart rate increases a warmth is felt across the face and upper body and is usually visible with redness of the skin. Some feel tingling in the hands and feet as well as occasional swelling of the face and throat.

After a few minutes your blood pressure will drop causing nausea. Purging begins and usually lasts around 20-40 minutes, which can take a number of forms including crying, diarrhea, sounding, sweating and vomiting. As a result Kambô is sometimes referred to as an “ordeal” medicine.

When the blood pressure drops this can cause dizziness or feeling foggy and in some cases can cause fainting. This is completely normal and will be monitored by the practitioner, in most cases clients are encouraged to continue with their process. When medicine is removed early this can cause the process to continue many hours after with the feeling of dizziness, nausea and in some cases diarrhoea. When we continue with the process the majority of symptoms are only felt within the 30-40 minutes treatment.

Kambo works with your intention and targets the areas requiring the most attention, we often experience it scanning the body and can feel throbbing and sometimes burning in those areas. The discomfort we feel is often the accumulation of toxins both physical and emotional trying to exit the body.

What happens after the ceremony?

Once the points have been removed, the open gates are treated with a tree sap from Peru known as dragons blood (Sangre de Grado). This seals the wounds minimising the risk of infection and accelerating healing. The tree itself is part of the rubber family and therefore is advisable for those with a latex allergy to avoid this form of treatment.

Once you have finished purging the body is usually exhausted and you will need to rest (although not always the case). After an hour or so the body has usually recovered and you are able to eat and drink as normal, most practitioners provide a healthy meal and refreshments following your process to restart the digestive system. At this stage many people report feeling an increase in energy and vitality.

Occasionally the face and lips are swollen and tingling can continue in these areas. Then, usually within a day or so (depending on your state of health), you will start to feel the real benefits. Most people report an increase in energy and vitality as well as better quality sleep and an overall improvement in mental and physical wellness.

For those with more complex medical conditions or in states of high toxicity the Herxheimer reaction can sometimes be experienced. A Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction describes the bodies immune response to the release of a large toxic load and usually last from a few days up to a few weeks. As Kambo causes the destruction of many parasites, fungus, viruses, bacteria or other pathogens, this is consequently releases waste material into the bloodstream resulting in inflammation around the body. Although the experience is not pleasant, the Herxheimer Reaction is actually a good sign that healing is taking place. If you have any concerns following a treatment please contact your doctor as a first port of call, as well as the practitioner that treated you.

Will the marks fade?

Essentially the marks will heal and fade in time, this is very dependant on your skin colour and age. It is likely you will always have small visible scars. Most people however see their marks as a badge of honour, similar to a tattoo that is commissioned to signify a certain aspect or time in their life. Speak with your practitioner prior to your treatment if you would like your points arranging in a particular pattern. The same gates, once healed, can be reused after 2 -3 months.

Can I go to work the next day?

Yes absolutely, in fact the majority of participants are able to drive home from a ceremony. Some more frequent users of Kambo have returned to work say on the evening. Although we don’t advocate this as time and reflection are more important following a ceremony, it does give you an indication of recovery rates.

Is Kambo psychoactive?

Sometimes mistaken for Bufo, Kambo is not psychoactive. There are some stories of tribal Indians experiencing hallucinations although this is thought to be after receiving large amounts of Kambo (up to 10 applications in one night) and likely in conjunction with other medicines such as hallucinogenic snuff.

That being said it not uncommon for participants to receive moments of inspiration straight after a ceremony such as a sudden urge to correct their diet.