FAQ
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what is kambo?
kambo is the natural secretion from the phyllomedusa bicolor (giant green monkey tree frog) that has been utilized by indigenous amazonian tribes for thousands of years. it contains nine bioactive peptides that support natural detoxification, immune function, & healing on physical, mental, emotional, & spiritual levels.
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is kambo safe?
when administered by trained practitioners with proper screening, kambo has an excellent safety record. however, it's not appropriate for everyone. we conduct comprehensive health screenings & require consultation before any ceremony to ensure safety & appropriateness.
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what does kambo feel like?
kambo creates intense but temporary effects lasting 20-40 minutes. you may experience nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, sweating, & emotional release. while challenging, most people find the experience profoundly clearing & healing. effects vary significantly between individuals.
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how is kambo different from other plant or animal medicines?
unlike plant medicines that create altered states of consciousness, kambo works primarily through biochemical action. it's brief but intense, focusing on physical clearing & energetic reset rather than visionary experiences. it's often utilized to prepare for or integrate other plant medicine work.
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where does your kambo come from?
we source our kambo ethically through the international association of kambo practitioners (iakp) who work in partnership with the matsés tribe to ensure sustainable, respectful harvesting that honors indigenous traditions & supports native communities.
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how do i prepare for kambo?
preparation includes dietary guidelines (no alcohol, recreational drugs, or heavy foods), staying hydrated, setting clear intentions, & eating nourishing foods. we provide detailed preparation guidelines after booking & discuss your specific needs during consultation.
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what should i eat before ceremony?
you'll fast for 8-12 hours before ceremony, with your last meal being light & easily digestible.
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can i take medications with kambo?
certain medications are contraindicated with kambo. during consultation, we review all medications & supplements to ensure safety. never stop prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.
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what should i bring to ceremony?
bring comfortable, loose clothing, water bottle, & anything that helps you feel grounded. we provide everything needed for the ceremony itself. detailed preparation suggestions are sent after booking.
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how long does a ceremony last?
individual ceremonies typically last 3-4 hours total, including preparation, the kambo application (effects last 20-40 minutes), & integration. group ceremonies may be slightly longer to accommodate multiple participants.
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what happens during ceremony?
after preparation & intention setting, small burns are made on the skin (usually arm or leg) & kambo is applied to these points. effects generally begin within minutes & can include purging, sweating, & other physical sensations. we provide support throughout your process.
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will i have visions or altered consciousness?
kambo typically doesn't create visionary experiences like other plant medicines. instead, it provides profound physical clearing, mental clarity, & emotional release. some people experience heightened awareness or spiritual insights, but this varies greatly.
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how many points are applied?
this depends on your experience level, intentions, & physical response. first-time participants typically receive 3-9 points, while experienced individuals may receive more. we always apply an initial test point to observe your response to the medicine. we adjust the number of points based on your healing needs.
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who should not work with kambo?
kambo is not appropriate for people with heart conditions, blood pressure issues, epilepsy, serious mental health conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or those taking certain medications. see the full list on the “contraindications” page.
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what if i have a medical emergency?
we maintain first aid & emergency protocols, & communication with local medical services. while serious emergencies are extremely rare with proper screening, we're prepared to handle any situation that arises.
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can kambo interact with medications?
yes, kambo can interact with various medications. we review all medications during consultation to ensure safety. please do not change prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider.
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is there risk of addiction to kambo?
kambo is not addictive & doesn't create dependency. most people work with it periodically for healing & maintenance rather than seeking regular experiences. the intense nature of the ceremony also naturally limits frequency of use. a maximum of 10-12 sessions is recommended in a calendar year.
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how will i feel after kambo?
many people feel clear, energized, & emotionally lighter after ceremony, though some experience temporary fatigue as the body integrates. effects may continue unfolding over days & weeks through the integration period.
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what is integration & why is it important?
integration is the process of understanding & embodying insights received during your treatment. we provide integration guidance & support to support you with making lasting positive changes in your life based on your kambo experience.
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when can i do kambo again?
we recommend waiting at least 4-6 weeks between ceremonies to allow full integration, unless you’re on an intensive or specialized protocol. some people work with kambo seasonally or as needed for specific healing goals. frequency depends on individual needs & response.
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can i drive after ceremony?
it’s up to how you’re feeling. generally speaking, people feel okay to drive. you are also welcome to arrange for a ride.
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do i need to book a consultation first?
yes, all new participants complete a consultation before any ceremony. this ensures safety, discusses your intentions, & determines if kambo is appropriate for your current situation.
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how far in advance should i book?
we recommend booking 1-2 weeks in advance, though we can sometimes accommodate shorter notice. consultation calls can often be scheduled within a couple of days.
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what is your cancellation policy?
we ask for 48 hours notice when possible for rescheduling. emergency cancellations are handled case-by-case. life happens, & we’ll work with you when unexpected circumstances arise.
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where do ceremonies take place?
ceremonies are held at a private home in bend, oregon. we also offer retreat experiences & can discuss private location options for groups. specific location details are provided after booking.
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how does donation-based pricing work?
we operate on sacred reciprocity principles with suggested donation ranges. your contribution supports not only your session but the sustainability of this work & accessibility for others. see ‘price’ page for more details.
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what if i can't afford the suggested donation?
we deeply feel that healing should be accessible & reserve spaces monthly for reduced-rate ceremonies. contact us to discuss accessibility options.
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what payment methods do you accept?
we accept cash, venmo, zelle, bank transfers, & checks. payment plans are available for intensive programs & retreats.
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are there additional costs?
the donation covers everything needed for ceremony. optional services like extended integration coaching or retreat experiences have separate investment levels discussed during consultation.
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what makes your approach unique?
we bridge ancient wisdom with modern safety, honor both scientific understanding & spiritual tradition, & create sacred container for authentic transformation. our approach integrates multiple healing modalities while maintaining deep respect for indigenous wisdom.
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do you work with other plant medicines?
we also integrate hapé (sacred tobacco snuff) & sananga (eye drops) into our kambo sessions when aligned. these allies can support the overall healing experience.
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can you offer guidance if kambo isn't right for me?
absolutely. if kambo isn't appropriate for your current situation, we can discuss alternative healing approaches or refer you to other practitioners who might better serve your needs.
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how do i know if i'm ready for this work?
readiness is when you feel a call to this work. it also includes inner strength, strong support systems, clear intentions, & willingness to do integration work. our consultation process helps determine readiness & timing for your kambo journey.
still have questions?
if you don't see your question answered here, please reach out. we're happy to discuss any concerns or curiosities about kambo & our approach to this sacred service.