A Kambo ceremony is a traditional healing ritual originating from the indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest, particularly the Matsés and Katukina people. It involves the application of a secretion from the Phyllomedusa bicolor, commonly known as the giant monkey frog or Kambo frog.
During the ceremony, a shaman, known as a “Kambo practitioner,” administers small burns or superficial openings on the participant’s skin, usually on the arm or leg. The frog secretion, which is believed to possess potent medicinal properties, is then applied to these openings.
The Kambo secretion contains various bioactive peptides that interact with the human body, stimulating the immune system, purging toxins, and promoting physical and emotional healing. Participants typically experience intense physical sensations, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and sometimes vomiting or purging.
Kambo ceremonies are often regarded as a means of spiritual purification and physical detoxification. They are believed to provide mental clarity, emotional balance, and relief from ailments such as chronic pain, depression, and addiction. The ceremony is conducted within a supportive and sacred space, where participants are guided through the process by the Kambo practitioner.