Trauma Informed Practice - Jungle Medicine Spirits - Integration & Guidance
Trauma Informed Practice - Jungle Medicine Spirits - Integration & Guidance
Phyllomedusa bicolor
"Gaint Monkey Tree Frog"
Kambô is a venomous sweat secretion produced by the widely revered giant monkey tree frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor) It can be found in abundant numbers within the deeper parts of the Amazon basin, particularly in Peru, Brazil, Bolivia and Guianas.
Kambo/Sapo is an ancient jungle technology, historically & traditionally used by the hunters of the tribe to facilitate a cleansing and purgative response within the body,
to catalyze physical and spiritual healing.
According to Peter Gorman who lived and studied with the Matses: The warrior of the tribes work with kambo as an ally to strengthen thei men to be ready to hunt and defend the tribe. For many kambo is an ally to clear panema (dark cloud/energy) is blamed for bad luck, lethargy, defeatism, laziness, irritation, and other adverse states. clearing this cloud is important for indigenous groups that depend on hunting and community coherence.
All the tribes in the region that work with kambo share a similar origin story of how they came across Kambo, One famously known story is based on the legendary pajé (medicine man) Kampu. This shaman is said to have learned about the medicine from a forest spirit (ayahuasca) having exhausted all other means to heal his sickly tribe. According to the Kaxinawá, the spirit of Kampu lives on in the giant monkey frog, continuing to heal any who seek it.
Whatever the mythical origin, kambo secretion has long been used by indigenous Pano-speaking groups in the Amazon.
It may also have been used by the classical Maya, whose art depicted tree frogs next to mushrooms. Traditional uses include eliminating toxins, increasing strength and stamina, and dispersing negative energy known as panema. In the rainforest, kambo is used as a hunting aid, reducing the need for food and water and minimizing the human scent. Fortified by the “vaccine,” hunters are also thought to emit a strange green light that draws their prey away.
In the 1980s,it was rediscovered in a sense, by journalist Peter Gorman and anthropologist Katharine Milton, both of whom spent time living with the Matsés tribe. They brought kambo to our attention. Thanks to them, we now have knowledge about this powerful jungle ally.
In captivity, the monkey tree frog doesn't produce sapo.
It is a friendly and nocturnal creature that volunteers itself when it hears the tribe calling, giant monkey tree frogs have a distinctive song that gives away its location.
Once caught, the frogs are very docile in nature, often curious about you, its legs are then gently tied by a straw string, spreading them to make an X shape, some members don't tie the frog but collect the medicine while it calmly rest on a branch. It is mildly stressed for a short period of time during the secretion extraction process; it is tickled to produce a milky waxy substance which is placed onto a wooden splinters to dry. The frog is released in gratitude and celebration unharmed, usually taking the frog to the river to rejuvenate them.
The tribes people have an instinctive connection and respect to mother nature, understanding not to take more than what is needed, only careful to take the first lot and to leave enough for the frog to protect itself. The frog doesn't produce sapo - the waxy secretion in captivity, it is essential to be release unharmed into its natural habitat. Any disregard to this creature is a direct retaliation to mother earth which results in negative consequences for their community.
Sustainability of the Gaint leaf frog
Currently the species is listed as stable, with the growing popularity and demand for this frog increasing, it may pose a threat to the species if they are unethically removed from their natural habitat, which puts pressure on an ecologically sensitive species. Hence why it is important to consider who your practitioner is and where they receive the medicine.
With all of that being said, it is significantly important to support the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, whom are the guardians of the rainforest, if we don't carry a sustainable practice and mindset, we would not have the rainforest for the future generations.
Kambo reminds the body to reactivate certain functions while simultaneously removing toxins.
Kambo/Sapo has a range of traditional and potential therapeutic applications, . Commonly described as the "vaccina de floresta" the secretion is known for its powerful emetic or purgative effects. Despite its initial unpleasantness, Kambo is widely sought out not just as a medicine but as a spiritual guide to harmonize the mind and spirit.
Is the kambo secretion toxic?
Kambo is not known to be toxic to mamalian cells. * this has not been approved by the FDA*
Is kambo safe?
Despite the ordeal of a spiritual detoxification process, kambo is safe done under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. While there are contraindication's that would prevent a small portion of people from sitting with kambo, most people are perfectly fine to receive it.
Is kambo legal?
It is legal virtually everywhere in the world but Australia.
How many sessions do I need?
This is dependent on your individual goal. Kambo tends to be highly effective when served as a series.
One session is the beginning of a conversation between the body and the spirit of Sapo. If it's your first time sitting with kambo, and want to clear away deep emotional debris, I highly recommend committing to a series of three sessions with kambo, which i termed Kambo Trinity.
However, the medicine of kambo is highly intelligent, there is a conversation that happens between the body and Sapo that surpasses what the mind can comprehend, that one sitting with kambo, even to simply try it, can go so far. Please refer to "spirit micro dose ceremony" if you are curious to try a spirit dose to begin the conversation and still benefit from the experience.
Yes, most people recover from their session within an hour, some even less. it depends on how you feel and when you are truly ready to drive.
Kambo is highly beneficial for optimizing mind, body and spirit health, but there are a few ailments that must thread with caution in regards to kambo.
Please visit the Forms & Guidelines Section for more details.
Sitting with Kambo requires the participant to complete a medical consent form, a liability waiver.
I intend to serve from a place of integrity and trauma-informed responsibility, for your safety and for your highest good, this is my promise. If you choose to embark this couragous journey with me, I am here for you all the way. If you feel this medicine could benefit you but have limited funds, email me for my sliding scale options, accessibility is part of my practice.
thank you for visiting my page.
Gracias, Gracias Kambo Medicina!
Legal disclaimer: the information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific treatment plan product and course of action or medical treatment. The food and drug in administration has not evaluated any of the statements or contents of this website. The information contained herein is not intended nor should it be used to diagnose treat cure prevent or mitigate any disease or condition.
Trauma Informed Practice - Jungle Medicine Offerings - Integration & Guidance
© Copyright. All rights reserved HeartofSapo
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.