About Kambô
What is Kambo?
Kambô (also called sapo) comes from the rainforests of the Amazon and is obtained from the skin secretion of the giant lemur frog Phyllomedusa bicolor.
The secretion plays an important role for the frog in supporting skin respiration, reproduction, protection against microorganisms, and defense against predators .
The frog is nocturnal and feeds mainly on insects. Its habitat includes the treetops in moist, dense forests, where it hides in tree hollows or leaves during the day.
Phyllomedusa Bicolor occurs in the Amazon basin in Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and possibly Ecuador.
How is Kambô obtained?
There are many different approaches to obtaining Kambô.
Traditionally, the collection of the Kambô secretion is carried out in a way that does not harm or endanger the frog. The frog is carefully taken out of its habitat and then stretched out in an X shape with strings on all four limbs. The skin secretion is carefully scraped off with a wooden stick. After this treatment, the frog is released back into the wild.
The strings leave small marks on the limbs, which fade after a certain time (approx. 2-3 months). Only after this time should the frog be subjected to this procedure again.
A secretion obtained according to these principles is considered to be ethically "harvested".
I get my Kambô sticks from the IAKP (International Association of Kambo Practitioners). They ensure ethical collection and this is ensured by regular checks .
How is Kambô traditionally used?
In the indigenous tradition there are various areas of application of Kambô.
Kambô is used to cleanse, strengthen and energize the mind and body before hunting. This is said to increase endurance and strength. It is also said that this makes the hunters invisible to the animals they are hunting.
It is also called vacuna de la selva (vaccination of the jungle) to protect against infections such as yellow fever or malaria, and snake bites.
Kambô is also used to eliminate Panema (dark or negative energy). This allows life to flow again and blockages are removed.
Women traditionally use it for their fertility.
How does Kambô work?
Kambô, which is clearly non-psychoactive and non-hallucinogenic, is applied to the skin through superficial burns called gates. The Kambô practitioner opens these gates by gently burning the epidermis of three or more selected points on the body. The dried Kambô secretion is then mixed with water and prepared. The mixture is formed into small balls, about the size of a lentil, which are placed on the opened gates.
From here, Kambô enters your lymphatic system and begins a comprehensive scan of your physical and energetic body. This powerful process opens your cells and facilitates the elimination of toxins, trauma and ancestral wounds. This allows for a deeper connection to your authentic self.
Kambô works on your body for about 15 to 20 minutes, but the effects can last from 15 to 45 minutes. During the session, you may experience a rush of heat pulsing through your body as Kambô integrates with your lymphatic system. The effects usually begin within 60 to 90 seconds as Kambô scans your body. The purging that is an integral part of this experience can manifest itself in various forms, such as burping, sweating, laughing, crying, swelling, vomiting and diarrhea.