In today's fast-paced, modern world, many people are seeking out ancient healing practices to restore balance and wellness to their bodies. One such practice is Kambo, a traditional Amazonian medicine that has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes to detoxify the body, clear the mind, and sharpen the senses. In this article, I share my personal experience with Kambo, how it has supported my healing process, long-standing gut health issues and rejuvenated my body. We’ll also dive into the fascinating science behind Kambo, and how working with the spirit of this powerful medicine can bring transformative results.

What is Kambo?

Kambo is a natural medicine derived from the secretion of the Amazonian frog Phyllomedusa bicolor. Traditionally, tribes like the Matsés and the Katukina have used this medicine to cleanse their bodies before hunting expeditions, believing it sharpens their senses and strengthens their resilience. The frogs are treated with care and respect during the extraction process, and no harm comes to them.

In modern ceremonies, Kambo is applied to the body in a ritualistic manner. The process begins with the creation of small "gates" on the skin, where the medicine will be placed. These gates are made by lightly burning the top layer of skin with a small, sterile stick, allowing the secretion to penetrate directly into the lymphatic system. The Kambo is then mixed with water to form a paste and applied to these entry points by a skilled practitioner.

This method bypasses the digestive system entirely, enabling the bioactive compounds in Kambo to act swiftly and efficiently. Though the initial sensation can be intense, the effects are transformative, offering detoxification, physical clarity, and emotional release.

The Health Benefits and Science of Kambo

Kambo’s effects are linked to its unique composition of bioactive peptides. These peptides interact with the body’s biological systems in remarkable ways, producing a range of health benefits:

Phyllomedusin: Stimulates the production of digestive secretions and supports liver and gut detoxification. This peptide helps clear out toxins, improving digestion and overall gut health.
Phyllokinin: A vasodilator that expands blood vessels, improving circulation and reducing blood pressure. Increased blood flow brings more oxygen to the body’s tissues, supporting healing and rejuvenation.
Dermorphin and Deltorphin: These natural opioid peptides have strong pain-relieving properties, interacting with the body’s opioid receptors to reduce pain and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
Adenoregulin: This peptide has been shown to regulate the central nervous system by interacting with adenosine receptors. It helps to boost mental clarity and overall energy management, making individuals feel more focused and alert.
Antimicrobial Properties: Research indicates that Kambo has antimicrobial and antifungal peptides that help cleanse the body of harmful pathogens, supporting the immune system.

By working with these peptides, Kambo helps to detoxify the body, support the immune system, and reset the nervous system, resulting in a wide range of benefits, from improved digestion to enhanced mental clarity.
INDHI

My Personal Story on how this helped heal my Gut Health through emotional release with Kambo

For years, I have struggled with gut health issues. Chronic bloating, IBS and indigestion a regular part of my life, and despite trying conventional treatments, nothing has seemed to provide lasting relief. I knew there had to be another way—a holistic approach that would not only target my physical symptoms but also heal the deeper issues.

As an advocate for holistic alternatives for treating illness I have always believed in natural remedies and believe very much in indigenous ancient practices as a source for alternative healing. That’s why when I discovered Kambo I knew there was a way for me to treat my symptoms in a way that felt good to me.

The idea of working with a ancient medicine intrigued me. I had heard of the deep cleansing effects of Kambo, and after having first experiencing it in 2020 with a Mexica tribe shaman I thought it might me time to do it again with a more conscious health intention and not a spiritual one as I felt that this ancient medicine has had positive results when it comes to tackling a variety of health & wellness benefits

“Kambo helped me release stored emotions that were tied to my health, allowing me to move forward with a sense of clarity and balance. My RETURN session was with INDHI a medicine woman and somatic trauma-informed coach and founder of KAMBO TULUM. I wanted to do what is called “La Vacuna” (which is 3 rounds three days in a row) because it gives the body the full cleanse it needs.

I remember setting my intention and asking that the medicine show me what I needed to see. As I began to feel the first gate seep into my body I began to remember the abuse from my upbringing. The stories and words that crafted a narrative of not ever feeling like I was good enough.

“I knew this was it….. “The Release” and then I purged. ”

I had believed the stories I was told from a very young age. My little girl was exhausted and my adult woman was ready to let it all go. I cried and then slept. Not only was I physically tired but also weak from what I had been carrying for so long.

I began to think….

“How often are we telling ourselves stories that are living dormant in our bodies. Embedded and stored in our cells like its a part of us? ”

The following sessions brought more to the surface but less gates to open as I was establishing a relationship with this intelligent medicine with the support of INDHI to understand how to let it go where it was needed. And then my life did a movie and showed me how illnesses’ have been living in me for over twenty years. The same issues over and over again. I began to cry again. “I am tired of being sick” I have been sick my w/hole life. I have struggled with severe sinus issues, dizziness and a weak stomach ever since I can remember and just accepted it as part of who I was.

I could pin point how my headaches have always been triggered by my environment and diet in which this three step process takes place where I begin to get throbbing pain in the temple of my head followed by dizziness, extreme tiredness and then have to sleep.

I wondered; How have I just been accepting this as OK?? I could see how I had eliminated so many foods from my diet and moved to places like TULUM where I have no symptoms but yet here it came again.

“I realized the healing needed to go deeper” I was unaware, but now, seeing the direct correlation of my symptoms being triggered meant I needed to get to the root cause because it was still living in my body. “Hello, remember me?”

I had now noticed what was creating this dis-ease in my body which I needed to release and reprogram. My gut which is our second brain was not processing emotions therefore by not speaking up I was manifesting illness in my body which triggers these points in my head and stomach. This is far more then a diet restriction but a new way of living that requires me to speak in order to not become ill.

“A new level of awareness for my patterned thinking and over all wellbeing as my life depends on it. It requires a a healthy mindset before a lifestyle change. ”

“Wow the body is so intelligent” The bloating and discomfort started to fade, and I felt lighter, more energized. It was as if my body had been given a fresh start—a reset button for my digestive system. Beyond the physical, I noticed a shift.”

Connecting with Your Body:

My Kambo journey was guided by practitioner INDHI 🪶whose approach to this medicine is deeply holistic and transformative. INDHI encourages her clients to go beyond the physical detox and tap into a deeper connection with their bodies and spirits.

Body Awareness: Before each session, INDHI guided me through a practice of body awareness. She encouraged me to tune into my physical sensations and emotions, helping me identify where I might be holding tension or discomfort. This practice of mindfulness allowed me to connect more deeply with the medicine and my body, making the Kambo experience even more profound.
Setting an Intention: INDHI also stressed the importance of setting a clear intention before each session. Whether it was to heal my gut, release emotional blockages, or simply detoxify, the intention served as a guiding force for the medicine. Indhi explained that by setting an intention, we align our mind, body, and spirit, amplifying the effects of Kambo.
Creating a Sacred Space: INDHI’S sessions are grounded in ritual. She creates an “at home” environment in her sacred space for the healing to unfold. This atmosphere made me feel supported and held throughout the process, allowing me to fully surrender to the medicine.
Integration Support: What sets Indhi apart is her role in helping you integrate. With a background in positive psychology and narcissistic abuse recovery, she helped me process my experience and integrate the lessons from Kambo into my everyday life. She provided practical tools like journaling prompts and breathwork exercises to help me continue the healing journey long after the session ended.

“Indhi’s approach is rooted in simplicity and respect—true to the traditional use of Kambo in the Amazon, where it is administered with reverence and care.”

The Science and Spirit of Intention

INDHI’S approach, grounded in both science and spirit, reflects how powerful intention can be when working with ancient medicine. Modern studies show that intention and mindfulness can enhance the brain's neuroplasticity—the ability to create new neural connections—allowing the body and mind to heal more effectively.

By setting an intention, we tap into the parasympathetic nervous system, activating the body's natural ability to rest, heal, and regenerate. In the context of Kambo, this creates a powerful synergy between the medicine’s bioactive compounds and the body’s natural healing processes, amplifying the transformative effects of the treatment.

Emotional and Spiritual Integration:

Kambo helped me confront emotional patterns that had been affecting my health. I used voice journaling and meditation to process these emotions and integrate them into my healing journey as a way to establish a deeper connection with my body and the symptoms that arise when I am out of balance or reliving some form of trauma that has been triggered.

My journey with Kambo has been nothing short of transformative. This ancient medicine not only healed my gut but also allowed me to reconnect with my body and release stored emotions that were holding me back. With the guidance of a skilled practitioner like INDHI’S Kambo offers a path to deep detoxification, emotional release, and spiritual growth.

For those looking for a holistic healing option that bridges ancient wisdom with modern understanding, Kambo is a powerful medicine—especially when approached with intention, respect, and the support of an experienced practitioner.

Indhi integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Somatic Trauma-Informed principles into her work, helping clients heal from emotional patterns and trauma. Her background in Positive Psychology enriches her practice, offering a balanced, grounded framework for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Additionally, Indhi specializes in narcissistic abuse recovery, supporting individuals in reclaiming their personal power and moving toward greater self-compassion.

MORE INFO HEAD TO KAMBO TULUM

Ancient Medicine in the Modern World - My Healing Journey with Kambo