WHAT IS KAMBÔ?
Kambô, Kampum, Kapū, Sapo, Acate etc are different names given to the waxy, secretion of a beautiful bright green tree frog that is used by the Indigenous people 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. You are welcome to visit my Instagram page for more information and pictures from the jungle.
THE ORIGIN LEGENDS
There is an Indigenous legend told by various nations such as the Huni Kuin and Noke Koi, that tells that many moons ago their villagers became very ill and the Shaman (Pajé) Kampū (Kampum / Kampó) had done everything that was possible to cure them. All traditional medicines were used but none helped his people, so, he transformed himself into a frog and was able to heal his community. Another Noke Koi legend speaks of the Kambo frog emerging from the mouth of a great anaconda.
Over in Peru, the Matsés people simply say, that the healing powers of Sapo or Dow Kiet (the Matsés word for Kambo), were discovered through trial and error. (we salute those that may have been unlucky with the error, yikes)
I use ethically obtained and fairly traded Kambô from the Huni Kuin, Yawanawá and Matsés communities. The frogs are very sacred to the people I work with and are never harmed in the process. This is taken extremely seriously in my practice.
PANEMA
"Panema" is a term used to describes a negative energy that gathers over time. Traditionally visualised as a sort of cloud or aura, panema is blamed for bad luck, depression, laziness, irritation and other adverse states. Clearing this cloud is vital for Indigenous groups that depend on hunting and community coherence. For many, Kambô serves this purpose. Outside of traditional contexts, the dissipation of panema may be described as recalibrating, “clearing the pain body", or “realigning the chakras". The purge itself may be felt as an expulsion of bad thoughts, habits, negative personality traits, or lingering life problems.
A profoundly transformational tool, Kambô medicine is known to "wipe the slate clean", increase compassion, courage and emotional stability. Some users feel more “aligned” or “solid” after Kambô, not stuck in their heads and more in their bodies or hearts. Frustration, anger, and anxiety also tend to reduce or dissipate entirely. These positive changes may last several days or several months - it's important to participate in this healing actively and ensure you can follow up with the suggested aftercare.
Kambô work is 50:50 between you and the frog. It's really important you are able to commit to this.
