What to expect in your session

Your first Kambo experience can be a bit intimidating. The treatment is pretty far outside of many people's comfort zone. Here's what you can expect:

Preparation

You will need to fast for 12 hours before your treatment. You will also need to drink no liquids or any kind for 2 hours prior. A cup of tea 2 hours before your treatment is fine. Also:

  • Dress in layers as you may feel hot and/or cold during different stages of the treatment. The are of application will need to remain uncovered for most of session.

  • Bring a change of clothes - it’s rarely needed but when it is, it’s very good to have.

The session itself

Before beginning the session we will take some time to talk about Kambô, your intentions, and whatever else feels supportive to the treatment. When you are comfortable and ready, we will begin.

Burn the Gates

The first step is to burn the gates on your skin. This involves using a small ember to burn away just the top layer of skin. These burns are where the Kambô will be applied.

Drink Water

You will drink a significant amount of water at this point. This will prepare your body for the cleansing effects of the Kambô.

Receive the Kambô

Application of Kambo is fast and painless. Its effects will begin very quickly and generally last 20-40 minutes. During the peak of the experience you may experience physical effects such as:

  • Blood pressure fluctuations - high, low, or both

  • Fever or chills

  • Purging and/or nausea

  • Need to move your bowels

Recover

After 20-40 minutes, I will remove the Kambô. You will have the chance to lie down, feel into what you have just experienced, and recover your strength. When you are ready, I will have food and drinks available to help you recover. After 1-2 hours you will be ready to depart. Most people are capable of driving at this point, and many even go to work or engage in other active pursuits.

After the session

In the hours and days following your session, I encourage you to continue to explore the effects the Kambo has had on you physically, mentally, and spiritually. It can take some time for the effects to fully reveal themselves and the effect can be subtle even while it is powerful. For many people, the benefit of the treatment appears on all levels and has a lasting effect.