KAMBÔ
WHAT IS KAMBÔ?
Kambô is a secretion collected from the Amazonian Tree Frog, Phyllomedusa Bicolor, found in the jungles of South America. Also known as Sapo, Kampu or ‘vaccina da floresta’ (vaccine of the forest), it detoxifies the body and offers a natural way to empower and boost your immune system as it carries powerful and potent anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties. This secretion is actually one of the strongest antibiotics and anesthetics found naturally on our planet.
At a mental level, the mind becomes more focused and still, with increased resistance to stress as everything feels calmer and more manageable, leaving you feeling lighter and more grounded.
BENEFITS OF KAMBÔ
Kambô offers a full-body detoxification and a natural way to empower and boost your immune system.
Immediate and short-term effects include enhanced mood; focused mind; increase in energy; and increased resistance to stress, tiredness, hunger, and thirst. In the long term, Kambô empowers the immune system by rousing the body’s defences to their natural functions, addressing existing health problems to improve or resolve them, while adding a preventative measure against future health issues.
On a Spiritual level, Kambô works in a mystical fashion, often illuminating a way forward, helping to overcome obstacles and release blockages within our emotional body. It clears the energy field and realigns the chakras enabling one to break negative habits and think more naturally.
The properties of the peptides found in Kambô also cover a wide range of potential medical uses ranging from cancer, addiction, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Candida, fibromyalgia, depression, PTSD, anxiety, chronic fatigue, acute pain, migraines, blood circulatory problems, vascular insufficiency, organ disease, skin and eye issues, fertility problems, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, Lyme’s, autoimmune disorders
…to name a few.
Kambô, is a holistic treatment that works on the mind, body, energy, and spirit at all levels in ways that we still do not completely understand.
Traditionally, Kambô is used by many tribes, such as the Matses, Katukina, Yawanawa, Uni Kuin, Noke Kuin and Maruba. The use of Kambô differs amongst tribes, but the main traditional uses are for lifting panema (an indigenous name for dark or negative energy), for hunting magic (by increasing speed and energy during hunting and making the hunter invisible by temporarily eliminating human odour) and of course to treat diseases such as malaria, snake bites, infections, fertility problems, to cleanse, detox, and strengthen the mind and body — increasing energy and stamina, while reducing pain.
THE KAMBÔ SESSION
Kambô is known as an “ordeal” medicine, it is intense and fast, with the unpleasant effects coming on strong and immediately — only lasting for about 20-30 minutes.
Before the application, health issues, intention, and any other questions will be discussed. If the session is happening in a group environment, one can request to have the consultation in private. Specific treatments and point locations will also be discussed and decided upon during the consultation.
To begin, the practitioner will proceed to burn the dots on the agreed upon treatment site. The thin top-layer of skin is blistered with an incense stick and the skin is peeled off to expose the epidermis underneath; this is not as deep as when you have a blister and the skin rubs off. There is no blood.
At this moment you will start drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water while the practitioner prepares the Kambô. The water needs to be consumed, and the Kambô applied, within 15 minutes otherwise the body will start absorbing the water and won’t be available for the purge.
During the preparation, the dried Kambô is mixed with a small amount of water and divided into small dots, creating a glue-like texture. When the water has been finished, the small points, called gates, are placed on the surface of the skin. The points are approximately 1/8 inch across but can be smaller or slightly larger, depending on the treatment.
The Kambô will enter directly into the lymphatic system, bringing on the effect almost immediately. Most people experience a warm to hot flush on the upper body and face along with increased heart rate within the first minute of application.
Within a few seconds, most feel a slight prickly feeling and a tingling sensations in their hands and feet. A slight swelling in the face, ears, and throat may be experienced.
As Kambô works with your intention and what is needed in the moment, it moves quickly within your body, scanning for problems and then going directly to work on those areas. You may experience throbbing or burning sensations in the places where the medicine is working.
Blood pressure will rise and then fall, at which point nausea is experienced and the desire to purge will occur. As blood pressure slowly falls, many will feel dizzy, weak, foggy, shaky, and may even briefly faint. The discomfort present is the accumulation of toxins (physical and emotional) in your body wanting to exit. Purging can come in a a number of forms including vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, crying, and sounding.
After purging is complete (which can occur in multiple rounds), nausea will subside and the medicine is taken off of the skin. Within a short time (usually 20-30 minutes or so) you will feel much better and will desire to eat and drink.
Immediately afterward, many feel an increase of energy, stamina, clarity, and wellbeing. For some, it may take a few days of feeling a bit more tired and weak, but within a day or so, depending on your state of health, you will begin to feel the real lasting benefits of your Kambô treatment.
After the dots of Kambô are removed, the points are dressed with a Peruvian tree sap solution called ‘Sangre de Grado’ (Dragon’s Blood). This helps them to heal faster and ensures they stay free from infection until they scab naturally within a day or so.
The burn marks will heal and fade with time, but depending on your skin color and type you may always have small visible scars. Most people see their Kambô marks as a badge of honor to be worn proudly and many ask to have the dots arranged on the skin in a pleasing artistic pattern. The same burn points can be reused after 2-3 months.
TYPES OF TREATMENT
Basic Treatment
People new to Kambô will receive a basic treatment consisting of anywhere from 3 to 9 points. It is traditional for men to receive them on the left upper arm and women on the right lower leg. All first time clients will be given a test point to make sure the medicine can be received safely, as well as acting as a litmus test for how much is needed for that treatment. A test point can also be requested for returning clients if they wish so.
Layered Treatment
This treatment is recommended if the person is recovering from illness, elderly, very sensitive or anxious about receiving Kambo. This treatment can make the experience less intense but it usually lasts longer.
Specialised Treatments
These treatments focus on a specific intention and need. Clients receive an in-depth consultation before the treatment to determine what areas to target, strengthen and/or clear physically, energetically and/or emotionally. The points can be administered on chakras (eneregetic centers on the midline of the body, usually the spine), meridians (traditional Chinese medicine), or ears (auricular Kambô).
THE SCIENCE OF KAMBÔ
Kambô is an incredible and unique chemical cocktail that contains dozens of Peptides (short chains of amino acids). These peptides are bioactive, meaning they have an affinity and selectivity for binding to cell receptor sites in humans. A receptor is like a lock that, when opened with the right key, the bioactive peptide triggers a chemical reaction in the body.
As far as we know, Kambô contains around 139 peptides that are known to be crucial to the health, function, growth, and repair of our systems; from breathing, circulation, digestion, nervous system functions to cognitive function, like attention and memory. Kambô contains a truly remarkable spectrum of building blocks.
The properties of the peptides found in Kambô also cover a wide range of potential medical uses, ranging from treatment of cancer, addiction, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Candida, fibromyalgia, depression, PTSD, anxiety, chronic fatigue, acute pain, migraines, blood circulation problems, vascular insufficiency, organ disease, skin and eye issues, fertility problems, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, etc.
Peptides Found In Kambô
Phyllocaeroulein
Reduces blood pressure, modifies satiety, sedation, and thermoregulation. It is also a potent analgesic. Stimulates the adrenal cortex and the pituitary gland, contributing to heightened sensory perception and increased stamina. This is the peptide that is largely responsible for the nausea, sweating and purging in ceremony.
Dermorphin
A heptapeptide with a potent opiate-like activity on mu-type opioid receptors, which have potent depressive and analgesic effects. Dermorphin may also have effects on pulmonary ventilation and pituitary hormone release and is 30-40 times more potent than Morphine.
Phyllomedusin
A neuropeptide which strongly affects the salivary glands, tear ducts, intestines and bowels. It's a powerful Vasodilator which stimulates gastric secretions and contributes to the purging and defecation. The fast dilation of the blood vessels causes the 'rushing' or 'pounding' sensation that Kambô sometimes produces.
Dermaseptin
This peptide has potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria yeast, fungi, protozoa and enveloped viruses as well as various filamentous fungi that are responsible for severe opportunistic infections. Also works well against the use of immunosuppressive agents.
Phyllokinin
Responsible for hypotension, creating a long-lasting reduction in blood pressure.
It is also a potent vessel dilator, and it increases the permeability of
the blood-brain barrier
Phyllolitorin
A neuropeptide that is active in the central and peripheral nervous system.
It stimulates gastric acid secretion and smooth muscle contraction.
THE HISTORY OF KAMBÔ
There is a Kaxinawá legend tells that the natives from a village were very ill and their Pajé (medicine man in Brazil) had done everything that was possible to cure them. All medicinal herbs known were used, but none helped his people. Under the effect of sacred plant medicines, he entered the forest, and whilst there received a visit from a female spirit of the forest, The Grandmother. She brought in her hands a large green frog from which she took a white milky secretion, and taught the Pajé how to apply it. Returning to the tribe and following the guidelines that he had received, the Pajé was able to cure his people. From then on he was known as Pajé Kampu and after his death, the tribe believed that his spirit passed into the frog and they began to use its secretion to stay active, healthy, and strong. After his death, his spirit lived on in the frog where it continued its mission to protect the health of those who defended the forest. The natives continue to use its secretion to stay active and healthy. The secretion became known as Kambô but in some tribes, it is called Sapo, Kampu, or vacina da floresta. Its usage spread, and it is still used widely amongst indigenous people in the Amazon to this day although the rituals vary from tribe to tribe.
! CONTRAINDICATIONS !
Kambô is very safe but should always be taken with a properly trained person administering and supervising
the treatments at all times. Certain health conditions prevent some people from being eligible for Kambô treatments,
while some situations require special precautions. Please read carefully the following lists.
*Note: It is very important that you disclose your whole health history
with your practitioner. If something is not clear or you don’t understand, please ask.
Contraindications
The following can not safely receive Kambô treatments:
People with serious heart problems.
People who have had a stroke.
People on medication for low blood pressure (this is extremely rare).
People who’ve had a brain hemorrhage.
People who have aneurysms or blood clots.
People who lack the mental capacity to make the decision to take Kambô.
People with serious mental health problems excluding depression and anxiety.
People undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy for 4 – 6 weeks afterwards.
People who take immune-suppressants for an organ transplant.
Women who are pregnant or may be so.
Women who are breast-feeding a child under 6 months old.
People with Addison’s disease.
People with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.
People with current and severe Epilepsy.
People recovering from a major surgical procedure
If you are under 18 years of age.
Animals.
Mental Health History
It is also very important to inform the practitioner if you ever have, or are currently
suffering from a mental health condition, regardless of whether or not you are taking medication.
Cautions
Certain situations may require special attention or considerations before, during, or after your treatment. Please inform your practitioner if you:
Take immune-suppressants for autoimmune disorders.
Are taking any prescription drugs.
Have recently stopped taking any medications.
Are taking, or have recently stopped taking slimming, serotonin or sleeping supplements.
Have an active drug or alcohol addiction.
Have recently or currently been fasting.
Have done any water fasting before Kambô other than the required fasting.
Had colonics, enemas, liver flushes, or any water/juice-based detox recently.
Chronic health issues: (chronic fatigue, arthritis, migraines, thyroid conditions, etc).
Have any severe fears or phobias.
Have used Bufo Alvarius in the last two months.
Have used Iboga in the last two months.
Had surgery recently.
Had any viral conditions (Lymes, hepatitis, dengue).
Were born with any heart conditions.
Have a history of bulimia or anorexia.
Are diabetic.
Have abnormally high/low blood pressure.
Have asthma.
Are undergoing fertility treatments.
