What to Expect
Every Kambo session is unique, but the overall process follows a structured, supportive flow designed to help your body release what it no longer needs — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Here's a full breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after your session.
Before your Session
To ensure your safety and to make the most of your Kambo session, you’ll take a few important steps in preparation:
Health & Medication Disclosure
Please be open and honest about any diagnosed medical conditions, medications, or herbal supplements you’re currently taking. This information is kept completely confidential and is essential to make sure Kambo is safe and appropriate for you.
Medications & Supplements
✔ Avoid taking any supplements or medications the day of your session unless they are absolutely necessary. Many substances will likely be purged out and won’t be absorbed.
✔ Certain medications and herbs can interfere with Kambo and may need to be paused a few days before your session. This will be discussed during your intake.
✔ Avoid melatonin, 5-HTP, and diet pills for at least 3 days prior.
You may resume your regular medications and supplements after your session is complete.
Fasting & Hydration
For best results, it’s important to fast for at least 6–8 hours before your session.
Morning sessions: No breakfast, coffee, caffeinated tea, or juice.
Evening sessions: You can eat a light breakfast, but do not eat anything within 6–8 hours of your session.
Stay hydrated, but don’t over-drink water. Please do not restrict salt in the days leading up to your session — salt is essential for proper hydration and electrolyte balance.
Diet (Before & After)
There’s no strict “Kambo diet,” but for a smoother experience and easier detox, it’s helpful to eat clean and nourishing foods in the days before and after your session.
✔ Avoid: alcohol, processed sugar, fried and spicy foods
✔ Do: focus on whole, organic foods and light, nourishing meals
A clean diet helps reduce the toxic load on your body, allowing Kambo to do its job more effectively and gently.
24 Hours Before:
✔ Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, cannabis, and caffeine.
✔ Eat clean, light meals - nothing processed, greasy, or heavy.
✔ Do not have melatonin or 5HTP supplements
You will be sent an email with detailed descriptions of what to bring, and all of the preparation notes on this page.
The Day Of:
✔ Fast for 6–8 hours before your session. (Water is fine, but drink minimally.)
✔ Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring layers.
✔ Bring 2 liters of water for your session.
During the Session
Your Kambo session is a guided, step-by-step process, carefully designed to support your body’s natural detox and healing response. Here’s what to expect:
1. Intake & Intention Setting
We’ll begin with a brief check-in to review your health history, set intentions, and answer any final questions. This ensures the session is tailored to your needs and your experience feels supported from the start.
2. Burn Points (“Gates”)
Small, superficial burn marks (traditionally called “gates”) are gently made on your skin using a small incense stick. These points allow the Kambo to enter your body through the lymphatic system, where it can begin to work quickly and efficiently. This process feels like a light sting.
3. Water
You’ll drink 1.5 - 2 liters of water within 15 minutes before Kambo is applied. This timing is intentional — it keeps the water in your stomach, where it aids in the purge process rather than being absorbed too quickly by the body.
*Consuming 3+ liters in a short period can dilute the body's electrolyte levels, leading to a serious condition known as hyponatremia.
(Optional: Hapé Before Your Session)
Before your session begins, you’ll have the option to work with Hapé (pronounced ha-PAY) — a traditional Amazonian snuff known for its grounding and clearing effects. Hapé can help quiet the mind, open the breath, and prepare your body and spirit to receive the Kambo more intentionally. It's always optional, and offered with respect for your personal preference and readiness.
4. Applying the Kambo
Once the medicine is placed on the gates, you may feel a mild stinging sensation, which is completely normal. The effects typically begin within 60 seconds, and may include:
- A flushing or heat sensation, similar to being in a sauna
- An increased heart rate
- Minor facial swelling
- Nausea, followed by a strong physical or emotional purge
The purge may include vomiting, sweating, tears, bowel movements, or a release of mucus through the sinuses. This is your body’s way of letting go — both physically and energetically — of what it no longer needs.
5. The Purge
After the Kambo is applied, its peptides begin to circulate throughout your system, triggering a deep release. This release (commonly known as “the purge”) can take many forms, including vomiting, crying, shaking, sweating, bowel movements, or other emotional or physical expressions. Every person's purge is unique and unfolds in the way your body needs most.
You're encouraged to keep the Kambo on the gates for about 20 minutes, but this is always flexible. If you feel the need to remove it sooner or leave it on longer, that's completely okay. There is no "right" amount of time — your system will take in what it needs, in its own timing.
The intensity of the experience can vary, but the most active part of the session typically lasts between 15–30 minutes.
6. Recovery & Integration
Once the Kambo is removed, most people begin to feel relief within moments. Dragon’s Blood oil will then be put on your gates to seal the burn. (Dragon’s Blood is like natural Neosporin and will seal the burn until it forms into a scab, falling off naturally about a week or so later.) You'll be invited to lie down, rest, and allow your nervous system to reset. This recovery phase typically lasts about 15–20 minutes, during which your body begins to return to its natural state.
Many people report feeling lighter, clearer, and more emotionally grounded in the hours and days following their session. (It’s also commonly reported that skin feels tighter and looks more vibrant.)
It's common to experience mental clarity, perspective shifts, and a deeper sense of alignment with your intentions. Of course, this varies from person to person—your experience will be uniquely your own.
To support your continued healing and integration, you’ll receive a follow-up check-in session in the days after your ceremony.
If you’re ready to book your session:
Still deciding if Kambo is the right fit for you?