Kambo
Purification that reaches beyond the physical
Kambo is a traditional non- psychoactive Amazonian medicine that comes from the secretion of the Giant Phyllomedusa bicolor tree frog. Used for generations by Indigenous tribes of the Amazon, it has long been worked with as a way to cleanse the body, sharpen awareness, build resilience, and restore connection to vitality.
While often referred to simply as a “detox,” Kambo is far more complex than that.
The frog’s secretion contains a wide range of bioactive peptides that interact with multiple systems in the body — including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, lymphatic, immune, and nervous systems — often creating a rapid and intense physiological response.
For many, Kambo can feel like a profound reset, clearing, and recalibration. A deep and potent encounter with the body’s innate intelligence – something that can often feel challenging to access on one’s own.
The Experience
Kambo is traditionally applied through small points on the skin called gates. Once applied, the effects generally begin within minutes and can last approximately 30-60 minutes, though the process of integration continues long after the physical intensity has passed.
The experience can come on quickly. Heat may rise through the body. The heart may pound. The face can swell and the digestive system often becomes highly activated. Purging, sweating, trembling, emotional release, or waves of fatigue are all common parts of the experience.
Though physically intense at times, many people also describe arriving on the other side feeling clearer, quieter, more grounded, or deeply connected to themselves and their innate strength and capacity.
Although it is a big part of the experience, purging is not the goal. Presence is.
Beyond “Detox”
Kambo works through highly specific biological signaling, interacting with the body in complex and intelligent ways.
People often come to this work seeking support with stress, fatigue, chronic health conditions and inflammation, emotional heaviness, chronic tension, hormonal imbalances, addictive patterns, PTSD and C-PTSD, or a general sense of disconnection from themselves and their bodies.
At times, Kambo can feel deeply physical. At other times, it can feel emotional, energetic, psychological, or even spiritual in nature.
Often, it touches all of these layers simultaneously.
There can be moments where long-held emotions rise unexpectedly to the surface. Grief, anger, clarity, memories, insight, or simply a deep exhale after years of holding. And sometimes, what’s most profound is not dramatic at all — but rather a quiet feeling of coming back into relationship with oneself.
My Approach
My relationship with Kambo is deeply rooted in somatic awareness and nervous system listening. My background in craniosacral therapy, bodywork, breathwork, and trauma-informed care deeply informs how I hold this work.
Kambo is a powerful, yet still very mysterious medicine that works intimately and collaboratively with the body. I have deep respect for the intelligence of this process, and I am not here to force, overwhelm, or push my clients beyond their capacity in any way, nor to disrespect the intelligence of the medicine itself.
I believe the body is wise and enters into deep relationship with Kambo, and that the body will open and surrender in its own timing. Safety, pacing, preparation, and integration matter just as much as the medicine session itself.
Sessions are approached respectfully and intuitively. Some people need a softer, slower approach, while others may feel ready for a stronger experience. There is no single “right” way.
Preparation + Integration
Preparation and integration are essential parts of this process.
In the days leading up to a session, clients are encouraged to begin slowing down and listening inward. Hydration, mineral support, nourishing foods, adequate rest, and reducing excess stimulation can all help support the body in entering the experience well-resourced.
Afterward, the body often asks for spaciousness. Quiet. Simplicity. Grounding foods, rest, and time to process what has moved physically or emotionally.
Kambo is not a quick fix or a magic cure. It is a catalyst. The deeper shifts often unfold through the relationship we build with ourselves in the days and weeks that follow.
Contraindications + Safety
Kambo is not appropriate for everyone, and safety is taken seriously within this work.
Certain medical conditions, medications, cardiovascular concerns, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and some mental health conditions may make Kambo unsafe or unsuitable. A thorough intake and screening process is required prior to all sessions. My intention is never simply to create an intense experience, but to support an experience that is respectful, informed, and appropriately paced for the individual sitting in front of me.
This work can be deeply transformative for those who are ready, resourced, and willing to step into a more honest and engaged relationship with themselves, their body, and their overall health and wellbeing.
A Note on Responsibility
This medicine is sacred, and it matters how it is sourced and worked with.
While the frog is currently abundant, it is still impacted by human practices such as overharvesting, disrespectful treatment due to increasing global popularity, and deforestation. I am committed to sourcing responsibly and engaging with this work in a way that honors both the medicine and the ecosystems it comes from in the ways I know.
Booking
If you feel called to work with Kambo, I invite you to reach out directly to begin a conversation.