What is it?
Kambô, Sapo, Acate and Vacino de Floresta are names given to the waxy, secretion of a bright green tree frog that is used by the indigenous tribes of South America, to heal and strengthen the mind, body and spirit. The Giant Waxy Monkey Tree Frog, or Phyllomedusa bicolor, can be found in the rainforest regions of northern Brazil, eastern Peru, southeastern Colombia, and parts of Venezuela, Bolivia, and the Guianas.
the benefits
As kambô works on the physical, mental and energetic bodies, its traditional uses are wide and varied. From dissolving panema and healing illness, to fertility issues and discipline for the young.
One of its main traditional uses is to dissipate 'panema' or negative energy (bad luck, depression, laziness, sadness or a condition inviting difficulty or illness.)
“Kambô circulates in the heart. When we take Kambô, it makes the heart move accurately so that things flow, bringing good things to the person. It’s as if there was a cloud on the person, preventing the good things to come; then, when they take the Kambô, it becomes a green light which opens the way, making things easier.”
– Kaxinawá Kambô shaman
In conjunction with this energetic realignment, Kambô also has potent physical benefits. Used to gain strength, boost immunity, maintain or regain health, and heal disease. It is often applied before hunting, in order to increase strength, health, stamina and vision. The tribes also use it for rainforest specific issues, such as malaria, yellow fever and snake and spider bites.
As it is one of the strongest natural anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antimicrobial and anesthetic substances found in the world, the physical benefits are great and many. Helping to strengthen the immune system, detoxify the liver, kidneys and intestines. Immediate and short term effects include enhanced mood, alertness, clarity, focus, energy and increased resistance to stress and tiredness. In the longer term, Kambô empowers the immune system, rousing the body’s defense systems to their natural functions so that existing health problems are improved or resolved and future ones are less likely to occur. To gain true long term benefits of healing, it is often recommended to make positive lifestyle changes in addition to the treatment.
the science
During the 1980's, Italian scientist and Nobel prize nominee, 'Vittorio Erspamer of the University of Rome wrote that this secretion contains a ‘fantastic chemical cocktail with potential medical applications, unequaled by any other amphibian’. ‘Among the several dozen peptides found in kambô, up to 7% are bio-active.’ They bind with receptor sites situated in the brain, triggering chemical reactions in the human body. So far, researchers have found nine bioactive peptides that have a potent effect on the gastrointestinal muscles, gastric and pancreatic secretions, blood circulation, and on the stimulation of the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland. ‘Phyllomedusin strongly affects intestines, bowels and contributes to deep purging. Phyllokinin and Phyllomedusin are potent vessel dilators, increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. This facilitates access to the brain of these two, as well as the other active peptides. Caerulein and Sauvagine cause a fall in blood pressure accompanied by tachycardia. They stimulate the adrenal cortex and the pituitary gland, contributing to heightened sensory perception and increased stamina. Both of these peptides have a strong analgesic effect, enhance endurance, increase physical strength and in general, enhance the capacity to face pain and stressful situations. They possess medical potential as digestive aids, and have demonstrated analgesic effects for those with renal colic pain due to peripheral vascular insufficiency and cancer pain. Dermorphin and Deltorphin are potent opioid peptides 4000 times stronger than morphine and 40 times stronger than endogenic b-endorphines. In the 1990’s, a new peptide, Adenoregulin, was discovered by John Daly’s team at the National Institute of Health in the USA. Adenoregulin works in the human body through the adenosine receptors, a fundamental component in all human cell fuel. These receptors can offer a target for treating depression, stroke seizures and cognitive loss ailments such as Alzheimer’s disease. Scientific research on the peptides of kambô are opening up new perspectives on how the human brain works. The properties of kambô peptides cover a wide range of potential medical uses: treatment of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, depression, migraines, blood circulation problems, vascular insufficiency, organ diseases, skin and eyes issues, fertility problems in women and men, AID’s, hepatitis, cancer, etc. Other interesting medicinal properties of this secretion are its anti-inflammatory effects, its capacity to destroy microbes and viruses and heal infections. Due to the presence of these nine peptides, kambô is one of the strongest natural antibiotics and anesthetics found in the world and one of the strongest, natural ways to empower our immune system.'
http://www.heartoftheinitiate.com/files/Kambo-Scientific-Research-Healing-Treatments.pdf
To view more information on scientific research into Kambô, click here.
the risks
Despite its power, Kambô is not dangerous when administered correctly by a qualified practitioner. There are a few factors however that can transform a powerful and transformational healing experience, into a risky one.
The most vital variable in having a beautiful experience with Kambô, is an open line of communication and trust between the person receiving and the person administering. Full disclosure of what is happening on a physical, mental and energetic level of the person receiving the kambô, is crucial for their well-being. It is vital to discuss any medication they may be taking, as well as any ailments they may have, a brief history of both, and their current state of being. There are certain contraindications that may be deemed to risky to combine with kambô in that moment, where perhaps other modalities or lifestyle changes may actually be more beneficial.
As Kambô becomes more and more popular, there are more and more unqualified practitioners. Find one that you trust and can feel safe and supported by. Ask questions regarding their connection to the frog, their training, their experience, and from where they get their sticks of kambô.
Nobody has ever died as a direct result of receiving kambô, yet unfortunately there have been a number of deaths where the person had at some point received it. Variables in these cases include administering the person with a contraindication, a mixing of other medication or hyponatremia (water intoxication).
is kambô for you?
Kambô is certainly not for everybody. Most people that decide to sit with the frog feel a very strong call that they are ready and it is their time. For many people, kambô comes into their life when they are ready, when they need it, or when it is called. It is not something to be rushed into, nor is it something to be done for the experience. Even if you feel called, there are a number of contraindications that are deemed too risky, and it is likely there are other modalities of healing, detoxification or lifestyle change, which may better prepare you or may be more appropriate.
If you feel the call, please view the list of contraindications and decide if kambô works for you. If so, you can submit an application. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.