How To Prepare

Preparing thoughtfully for your Kambo session is an important part of the experience. Please follow the instructions provided by your practitioner carefully and contact us before your session if you have questions or if anything regarding your health or medications has changed since completing your screening.

Fasting: Please follow the fasting instructions provided by your practitioner. Do not eat for at least 4–6 hours before your scheduled session unless you have been given different instructions based on your individual circumstances.
Hydration: Do not intentionally overhydrate before your ceremony. Follow the specific hydration instructions provided by your practitioner. Drinking excessive amounts of water in connection with Kambo can be dangerous.
Food & Nutrition: We recommend keeping meals simple and nourishing leading up to your session. If you choose to eat meat or heavier foods, consider avoiding them on the day of your ceremony and following any additional dietary guidance provided during your pre-ceremony interview.
Alcohol & Recreational Substances: Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs for at least 24–48 hours before your session, or for the period specified by your practitioner.
Medications & Health Changes: Do not stop, skip, or change prescribed medications unless instructed by the healthcare professional who prescribed them. Please tell your Kambo practitioner about all medications, supplements, medical conditions, and recent changes in your health before participating.
Give Yourself Time: Avoid scheduling your ceremony between other obligations. Give yourself enough time to arrive calmly and allow space afterward to rest, reflect, and integrate your experience.

What to Bring

What to Bring to each Kambo Session

To help you feel comfortable, prepared, and supported, please bring the following:

Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, breathable layers. Your body temperature may fluctuate during the session, so clothing that is easy to adjust is best.
Sarong or Wrap: Bring a sarong or cover-up in case access to your back or another application area is needed while maintaining your comfort and privacy.
Yoga Mat or Cushion: Bring something comfortable to sit or lie on during your session.
Blanket & Small Pillow: Helpful for resting and relaxing before or after your ceremony.
Towel & Tissues: A small towel and tissues are helpful to have nearby during the experience.
Hair Tie: If you have long hair, bring something to comfortably secure it.
Water: Bring the type and amount of water specified by your practitioner. Please do not intentionally overhydrate before your session. Your practitioner will provide specific instructions regarding when and how much to drink.
Light Snack for Afterward: Fresh fruit or another simple, nourishing snack can be helpful once your session is complete and your practitioner advises that you're ready to eat.
Journal & Pen: Optional, but helpful if you'd like to record reflections, thoughts, or insights following your experience.
Medication Information: Bring an accurate list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you currently take. If you require a rescue medication or other medication that must remain readily available, bring it with you.

**Don’t have something on the list? We’ve got you. Let us know before your session if there’s an item(s) you don’t have or are unable to bring. We’ll do our best to accommodate you so you can focus on arriving prepared, comfortable, and ready for your experience.

Medical Needs:

Please disclose all medical conditions, medications, and relevant health concerns during your health screening before arriving for your session.
If you have been approved to participate and normally carry prescribed emergency or essential medical supplies, such as a rescue inhaler, glucose-monitoring supplies, or other physician-prescribed medication, bring them with you and inform your practitioner when you arrive.
Do not stop, skip, delay, or alter prescribed medication in preparation for Kambo unless instructed to do so by the licensed healthcare professional who manages that medication.

What to Expect

What to Expect During a Kambo Session

Preparation & Application

Your Kambo experience begins with preparation, conversation, and an opportunity to settle into the space. Your practitioner will review any final questions, confirm that nothing regarding your health or medications has changed, and explain what to expect before beginning.

Kambo is traditionally applied through small superficial points made on the outermost layer of the skin. The secretion is then placed onto these points. The number and placement of points vary depending on the individual and the practitioner's approach.

The small marks generally heal over time and may leave temporary or lasting marks on the skin. Your practitioner can discuss placement and what to expect before application.

During the Session

Once Kambo is applied, physical effects can begin quickly and may feel intense. Everyone responds differently, but possible experiences include:

Warmth, flushing, or sweating
Increased or noticeable heart rate
Pressure or sensations in the head or face
Nausea or abdominal discomfort
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Temporary facial or lip swelling
An urge to purge
Vomiting and, occasionally, diarrhea

Your practitioner remains present throughout the experience to observe your response and guide you through the process. If at any point something doesn't feel right, communicate with your practitioner immediately.

Emotional Release

Kambo can also be an emotionally intense experience. Some participants report crying, emotional release, reflection, feelings of vulnerability, or gaining a different perspective during or after ceremony. Others may experience very little emotionally.

There is no “right” emotional response. Your experience is your own, and you are encouraged to communicate what you're feeling and allow your practitioner to support you throughout the process.

The Purge

Purging is commonly associated with Kambo and may include vomiting and, less commonly, bowel movements. Sweating, tears, and other physical responses may also occur.

Within some traditional and spiritual perspectives, purging is viewed as a form of cleansing or release. From a physiological standpoint, however, we do not describe purging as proof that specific “toxins” are being removed from the body.

Follow your practitioner's hydration instructions carefully and do not intentionally consume excessive amounts of water before or during Kambo.

Completion & Recovery

The most intense effects of Kambo are often relatively brief, but there is no exact timeline that applies to everyone. Your practitioner will determine when the application is complete and continue observing you as the acute effects subside.

Afterward, some participants describe feeling tired and ready to rest, while others report feeling clear, energized, reflective, or emotionally lighter. Individual experiences vary, and no particular after-effect should be expected or guaranteed.

Give yourself time to recover before driving or returning to normal activities. Follow your practitioner's guidance regarding when it is appropriate to leave.

Aftercare

Once your session is complete, give yourself time to rest and reconnect with your body. Your practitioner will provide individualized aftercare instructions.

Generally, we encourage you to:

Follow your practitioner's hydration and electrolyte guidance
Resume nourishing foods when appropriate
Allow yourself time to rest
Journal or reflect if that feels meaningful to you
Avoid immediately rushing back into strenuous activity or a demanding schedule
Contact your practitioner if you have questions or concerns following your session

Some people describe their Kambo experience as primarily physical, while others experience it through an emotional, spiritual, or personal lens. We don't tell you what your experience is supposed to mean. Our role is to provide a respectful environment, responsible guidance, and space for you to process your experience in your own way.

Still Have Questions Before Your Session?

We want you to arrive feeling informed, prepared, and comfortable asking questions. If anything about your preparation, health screening, medications, or upcoming ceremony is unclear, please reach out to your practitioner before your appointment.

Questions are always welcome. Preparation is part of the process.