Inside the Kambo ceremony.

Check out the Kambo process in detail with a step-by-step breakdown, including a link to the participation waiver below.

Waiver

STEP 1

Rapé administration (pronounced hop-pay)

Hopefully you didn’t gasp at step 1! Rapé (Amazon tobacco) is sacred shamanic snuff that’s been used by tribes in the Amazon basin for thousands of years and used to initiate traditional Kambo ceremonies. The tobacco is intensely blown into the nasal cavity using a pipe called a Kuripe, this is to aid the person sitting with Kambo to focus their mind and find a shortcut to meditation.

Any person sitting with Kambo needs to fast for 7-10 hours prior to the session.

STEP 2

Sananga administration

Sananga, also known as “Becchete” are powerful eye drops extracted from the shrub Tabernaemontana undulate. There is no other way to say it, the drops burn on application, but it’s been said by the tribes to create an effect of giving the environment greater texture and dimension. The effects can last several days or weeks.

Drops are offered in full or half potency.

STEP 3

Gate preparation

The two safest places for application are the upper arms (pictured above) or inner ankles. Upper arms tend to heal faster because there is more collagen in the tissue. Either location will eventually completely heal, leaving no scars.

First time sessions are always 3 gates. A maximum of 7 gates can be prepared and used per session.

STEP 4

Gate burns

Using a flamed incense stick and the marked dots, the incense is pressed into the skin for a split second, taking off the top two layers of skin creating a superficial burn. The pain is usually described as no worse than receiving a shot.

STEP 5

Clean the gates

Using a napkin and cold water, the gates are wiped down, ensuring a clean environment for the secretion application.

STEP 6

Water!

To the surprise of many, water consumption is the most dangerous element of a Kambo session and most adverse scenarios related to Kambo are the result of something called Hyponatremia, which is low sodium concentration in the blood.

In summary, drinking too much water in a fasted state (7 hours prior to a session) can lead to a dangerous depletion of the electrolye balance in the body, throwing the body out of homeostasis.

We recommend just under 1 liter of filtered water prior to application, with the possibility of a few sips during the session to promote a purge.

STEP 7

Application

First time applications are layered on, starting with application on the first gate only, for 5 minutes to ensure there is no adverse reaction. Once 5 minutes has passed, the remaining can be layered on or added all at once.

The secretion generally stays on for 20 minutes, give or take a few minutes. Other possible effects during the application:

Nausea (common)
Flushing (common)
Vomiting (common)
Body temperature fluctuation (common)
Sweating (common)
Diarrhea (uncommon but possible)
Temporary swollen face (common and not harmful)
Temporary tight feeling in throat (uncommon and not harmful)

STEP 8

Healing the gates

It’s expected that the gates will itch post session, that just means they’re healing properly. Dragon’s blood is a resin that comes from the fruit of the Daemonorops draco tree, it’s typically used in Kambo ceremonies to heal the gates post session. Coconut oil or healing salves can also be used.

STEP 9

Integration

You’ve just given your body a reset at the cellular level with a potent cocktail of peptides, fatigue is likely after the first few sessions as the body begins to detox and cleanse itself due to the energy and metabolism boost from the secretion. It will likely take 2-3 days to feel the full effect of the session.

Depending on what ails you or long-term results you’re seeking, plans can be created to get you there, with Kambo as a pivotal part of your wellness journey.

Your source for Kambo wisdom and wellness

Explore scientific research to personal experiences as well as a wealth of articles and guides that illuminate the multifaceted world of Kambo healing.

Featured