Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kambo Safe?
When receiving treatment from a properly trained practitioner, Kambo is extremely safe. There are some contraindications, and anyone with any of the following conditions should not take Kambo.
If you have any of the following conditions, you may still take Kambo but we will need to take some precautionary measures. Please advise me at least 2 days before your treatment if any of these apply to you:
Is Kambo legal?
Yes. Kambo is legal in every country in the world and we hope to keep it that way!
What happens during the ceremony?
For detailed information about the ceremony itself, please read about the Kambo process.
Are you really going to burn me with a hot stick?
Yes, but it's really not as painful as it sounds. These are very quick, superficial burns that only affect the top layer of skin and the stick is applied to the skin for only a fraction of a second. It's really not so bad.
Are the scars permanent?
Your burns will generally heal within 2 weeks and then start to fade with time and sun exposure. Depending on the color of skin, the scars will fade at different rates, with darker skin showing the scars for longer. If the visibility of the scars is an issue for you, we can choose a discreet location for your points.
Am I definitely going to purge?
Most likely, yes. Kambo is a strong purgative and purging is a natural and important part of the healing process. When the Kambo enters your system, it will start pulling out toxins from your body's cells, which then enter your stomach and intestines. These toxins are usually expelled through vomiting, although it is not uncommon to experience other forms of purging like emotional release (crying or laughing) shaking, sweating, going to the toilet, or sometimes a combination of all of these. That being said, we don't want to become attached to the idea that we "definitely have to purge." By trusting the Kambo, we allow it to work where it needs to, and anything that needs to be released most certainly will.
Is Kambo hallucinogenic?
No. Unlike some other amphibious substances, the Kambo experience is not psychedelic. You may experience dizziness or fainting, but you will not be tripping. However, Kambo is The Great Revealer, and can potentially unblock forgotten memories, past-life experiences, repressed emotions, or reveal visions of what you need to do in your life to move forward.
Are any frogs harmed in this process?
Absolutely not. The IAKP ethically and humanely sources all its Kambo through the Matses tribe of Brazil who regard the frog as sacred and treat it with a great deal of respect. Being a native species, there are hundreds of thousands of frogs in the area so there is no over harvesting and the frogs are always handled gently and returned to the jungle unharmed.
Should I stop taking my medications before taking Kambo?
Since I am not a doctor, I cannot advise you to start or stop any medications that have been prescribed by your healthcare professional. Before your session you will be asked to fill out a form and list any drugs or supplements you are taking and we can discuss the appropriate course of action for you.
Are you a shaman?
No, nor is it necessary that a good Kambo practitioner have shamanic talents. My role, as your practitioner, is to create a space that is condicive to healing and to guide you through the process with the utmost safety and benefit. My intention is to be clear, grounded, and fully present for you every step of the way so that you can be relaxed, receptive, and ready for Kambo to work it's magic.
When receiving treatment from a properly trained practitioner, Kambo is extremely safe. There are some contraindications, and anyone with any of the following conditions should not take Kambo.
- Pregnant women.
- Women who are breastfeeding babies under 6 months old.
- Anyone with a serious heart condition, including prior heart bypass operations.
- Anyone taking medication for low blood pressure.
- Anyone who has suffered a stroke, aneurysm, blood clots or hemorrhage.
- Anyone lacking the mental capacity to decide to take Kambo.
- Anyone with a serious mental illness (excluding anxiety and depression).
- Anyone taking immune-suppressants for an organ transplant.
- Anyone with Addison’s disease.
- Anyone with current and severe epilepsy.
- Anyone recovering from a major surgery.
- Anyone undergoing chemo or radiotherapy.
- Anyone under 18 years of age.
If you have any of the following conditions, you may still take Kambo but we will need to take some precautionary measures. Please advise me at least 2 days before your treatment if any of these apply to you:
- Women undergoing fertility treatment.
- Serious eating disorders.
- Active drug or alcohol addiction.
- People taking regular high doses of slimming, serotonin and/or sleeping supplements.
- Someone who has fasted for 7 days before Kambo and who may have a disturbed electrolyte balance.
- Anyone who has worked with Bufo Alvarius/5-MEO-DMT( toad medicine) in the last 28 days
Is Kambo legal?
Yes. Kambo is legal in every country in the world and we hope to keep it that way!
What happens during the ceremony?
For detailed information about the ceremony itself, please read about the Kambo process.
Are you really going to burn me with a hot stick?
Yes, but it's really not as painful as it sounds. These are very quick, superficial burns that only affect the top layer of skin and the stick is applied to the skin for only a fraction of a second. It's really not so bad.
Are the scars permanent?
Your burns will generally heal within 2 weeks and then start to fade with time and sun exposure. Depending on the color of skin, the scars will fade at different rates, with darker skin showing the scars for longer. If the visibility of the scars is an issue for you, we can choose a discreet location for your points.
Am I definitely going to purge?
Most likely, yes. Kambo is a strong purgative and purging is a natural and important part of the healing process. When the Kambo enters your system, it will start pulling out toxins from your body's cells, which then enter your stomach and intestines. These toxins are usually expelled through vomiting, although it is not uncommon to experience other forms of purging like emotional release (crying or laughing) shaking, sweating, going to the toilet, or sometimes a combination of all of these. That being said, we don't want to become attached to the idea that we "definitely have to purge." By trusting the Kambo, we allow it to work where it needs to, and anything that needs to be released most certainly will.
Is Kambo hallucinogenic?
No. Unlike some other amphibious substances, the Kambo experience is not psychedelic. You may experience dizziness or fainting, but you will not be tripping. However, Kambo is The Great Revealer, and can potentially unblock forgotten memories, past-life experiences, repressed emotions, or reveal visions of what you need to do in your life to move forward.
Are any frogs harmed in this process?
Absolutely not. The IAKP ethically and humanely sources all its Kambo through the Matses tribe of Brazil who regard the frog as sacred and treat it with a great deal of respect. Being a native species, there are hundreds of thousands of frogs in the area so there is no over harvesting and the frogs are always handled gently and returned to the jungle unharmed.
Should I stop taking my medications before taking Kambo?
Since I am not a doctor, I cannot advise you to start or stop any medications that have been prescribed by your healthcare professional. Before your session you will be asked to fill out a form and list any drugs or supplements you are taking and we can discuss the appropriate course of action for you.
Are you a shaman?
No, nor is it necessary that a good Kambo practitioner have shamanic talents. My role, as your practitioner, is to create a space that is condicive to healing and to guide you through the process with the utmost safety and benefit. My intention is to be clear, grounded, and fully present for you every step of the way so that you can be relaxed, receptive, and ready for Kambo to work it's magic.