Frequently asked questions
How is Kambo applied?
The safest and most effective way to administer Kambo is through the skin into the lymphatic system! A small incense stick or vine is used to burn small ‘gates’ onto the very top layer of skin, which is akin to a mild blister. This blistered skin is carefully removed, leaving a gate approx 3-5mm in diameter. The dried Kambo secretion is reconstituted with water into small dots called ‘points’, which are then applied to the small burn sites.
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After treatment the kambo is removed from the 'gates' the small burns are cleaned with colloidal silver water and then 'Sangre de drago' or dragon's blood which has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, is applied which seals the small burns.
The burns do not scar and fade over time.
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What are the effects and how long do they last?
While no two treatments are ever exactly the same, there are some commonalities within the experience. Once the medicine is applied, the effects come on fast! Depending on body placement, you could start to feel the effects within seconds. While the sensations are generally intense and uncomfortable, they’re relatively short-lived, generally passing within 20 – 40 minutes. A warmth and flushing of the skin is the first thing many people feel, with an increase in heart rate, as well as growing pressure in the head and upper body. As the medicine continues to circulate, people may experience swelling in the face and hands, dizziness, shaking, trembling, tingling, nausea, pain, a general bodily discomfort, fainting, cathartic release, purging and defecation.
In saying that, there’s never any guarantees of what the experience will be like, and sometimes people report beautiful treatments – dropping into states of calm meditation alongside euphoria and bliss.
Immediately after the process, you’ll either feel invigorated or completely wiped out. In any case, it’s important to rest up to let the full potential for Kambo’s mind-body-spirit healing power to unfold. The subsequent days after a treatment is when people generally begin to feel the real benefits of Kambo, feeling clean, clear, rejuvenated and energized.
For some, the after-effects are more subtle and harder to notice.
There are those that will, however, experience a “herxheimer” response in the days following their treatment – a short-term detoxification reaction to the body clearing out large amounts of toxins.
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How do I prepare For Kambo?
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No food or drink (water is fine) for at least 10 hours before ceremony. Eat normal and healthy meals prior to this and after Kambo. Try to avoid anything processed, heavy meats and processed sugars during this time. Fruits and vegetables are ideal. Please do not drink an abundance of water before ceremony, just hydrate normally.
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Bring a change of clothes, Just in case :)
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Do not wear any dangling earrings/jewelry or restrictive clothing.
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Drink lots of liquids to stay hydrated the day before your ceremony.
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Refrain from taking supplements/medications on the morning of session. If this is a concern, please contact us.
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It is best to abstain from alcohol 24 – 48 hours prior ceremony, depending on amount consumed. If possible...please refrain from alcohol 3 days after. This is not because of danger...however alcohol can make for an uncomfortable treatment and refraining from it allows Kambo the space needed to do it's best work.
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Contraindications... Who can not have kambo?
Kambo is very safe when given by a properly trained practitioner. However there are some conditions for which Kambo is contraindicated. This is not an exhaustive list so it’s important to speak with us if you have any concerns. Suitability for Kambo may occasionally depend the constitution of the person receiving Kambo.
We contraindicate people who:
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Have serious heart problems or who have had heart surgery. This includes a Pacemaker but excludes Stents.
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Have an aneurysm or blood clot Are on medication for low blood pressure.
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Lack the mental capacity to make the decision to take Kambo.
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Individuals with severe mental health issues including schizophrenia & borderline personality disorder.
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Are undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or have done so within the last 4 weeks.
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Take immune-suppressants after organ transplant.
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Have Addison’s Disease.
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Are recovering from a major surgical procedure (a wait of approximately 6 weeks is needed ).
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Are under 18 years old.
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Have certain types of EDS.
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Are pregnant or maybe so or are breast-feeding a child under 6 months old.
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