THE HOLY TRINITY OF KAMBO KNOWLEDGE - TRADITION, SCIENCE, AND BELIEF
In the vast realm of Kambo, understanding its true nature can be a difficult task sometimes. Myths, misconceptions, and personal interpretations often intertwine with traditional knowledge and emerging scientific findings, making it challenging to discern fact from fiction. At Kambo Naturista, we emphasize the importance of tracing information back to its source, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced understanding of this powerful medicine.
Kambo-related knowledge can always be categorized into three distinct areas: Tradition, Science, and Belief.
Tradition: The Root of Kambo Knowledge
Kambo’s roots lie deep within the traditions of indigenous Amazonian tribes, who have used this medicine for generations. Their knowledge is an invaluable treasure, preserved and passed down orally through ceremonies, rituals, and daily life. However, it is important to understand that there is no single “tradition” of Kambo; rather, there are multiple traditions, each reflecting the unique perspectives and practices of different tribes.
Diverse Tribal Perspectives
Tribal traditions surrounding Kambo can be divided into two main subcategories:
Experiential Knowledge
This aspect of tradition comes from firsthand experiences, both individual and collective. Indigenous healers and tribe members have observed the effects of Kambo over centuries and have come to conclusion how to use this medicine to best fit their needs. This type of knowledge is very similar to all tribes. They all apply Kambo on a burned open area on the body, usually drink some starchy fluid prior to the session following a vomiting that is seen as a natural purification process.
Cultural Beliefs
Beyond experiential knowledge, cultural beliefs also shape Kambo traditions. Those believes are often unique to the tribe. Like for example, where to apply the Kambo dots on the body. In some tribes only men can receive Kambo on the upper part of the body where the women will have it on the legs or belly. In another tribe they will only apply the medicine on the front and outer parts of the body, never on the back or the inner arm for example. Which may be seen as disrespectful in their particular culture. Another believe found in some tribes is that only same sex can apply Kambo to each other where in other tribe only the shaman will be the one who has the authority to apply Kambo to others. Those are just a few examples that show the cultural differences.
Challenges with Tradition Knowledge
While this knowledge is of great value and a true treasure one has also to understand that each tribe has designed their Kambo use specifically to fit their own needs. Lots of their Kambo use is related to becoming a better hunter and having more luck when hunting. They also traditionally get applied Kambo from a very young age which all influences their reaction to the medicine, as their no adverse reactions ever reported by any of the tribes using this remedy. This is something to be considered when one tries to apply some of the traditional knowledge to people living outside the jungle with very different backgrounds and needs.
Science: Evidence-Based Understanding
In contrast to tradition, scientific knowledge about Kambo is grounded in empirical evidence and rigorous methodology. Science seeks to uncover the biological and chemical mechanisms behind Kambo’s effects, offering objective insights that are free from cultural or personal biases.
Key Scientific Findings
Researchs on Kambo are not many, specifically not on human use, but several promising discoveries have already been made from looking into the Kambo medicine itself. The secretion is extremely rich in bio active peptides, in total there are 16 that have been discovered. They are directly or indirectly responsible for all the effects one will experience during the session. From the initial contraction of the smooth muscles that is responsible for the fluctuation in blood pressure over to nausea and purging. Or the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects, which may aid in healing.
This research helps Kambo users understand its potential effects on the body and can also assist in identifying possible side effects in certain individuals. Additionally, scientific knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology is essential to understanding how Kambo interacts with different bodies.
Challenges with Scientific Research
One of the main challenges in studying Kambo is the complexity of its bioactive compounds. The synergistic effects of multiple peptides make it difficult to isolate and study individual components.
Considering that there is only very limited research on Kambo it is essential to distinguish between scientifically proven facts and hypotheses. While some claims about Kambo’s benefits are supported by evidence, others remain speculative.
Some Kambo practitioners may view it solely through the lens of peptide therapy. While this perspective is built on a solid foundation, it often excludes the shamanic and holistic approach that has been used traditionally for centuries.
Belief: The Modern Interpretations
The third category of Kambo knowledge comprises beliefs, particularly those that have emerged in recent decades. These beliefs often reflect a fusion of traditional wisdom, personal interpretations, and contemporary.
For example, some practitioners may look into the purge and do a spiritual reading based on the colors or consistency of the vomit. This isn’t only not backed up by any scientific or traditional evidence but can also be misleading as the practitioner may project their own believes into another person. There are also those that have given meaning to the placement of the medicine on the body, inspired by the Tantric teachings of the chakras or the TCM acupuncture system. Which generally speaking is not wrong as long one is aware that this methodology is built purely on believe.
And there is nothing wrong with believing, the believe is a powerful tool that can be used to enhance our life to a better or worse. This is also backed up by science known as the placebo effect. It occurs when a person experiences real physical or psychological benefits from a treatment due to their belief in its efficacy, rather than the treatment’s actual biochemical properties. For that it is a good to have faith in the medicine or the practitioner providing the session. But it is crucial not to impose our own believes upon others, spread misinformation and misleading people.
Distinguishing Belief from Fact
Beliefs, by their nature, are subjective and influenced by personal experiences and cultural contexts. While they can offer meaningful insights and inspire transformation, they should not be conflated with established facts. Any Kambo practitioner should be able to distinguish between those two. Kambo practitioners must distinguish between these categories and be transparent when presenting information rooted in belief rather than tradition or science.
Integrating Tradition, Science, and Belief
To fully understand Kambo, it is essential to integrate knowledge from all three categories: tradition, science, and belief. Being able to identify the source of Kambo-related information is invaluable. Each category offers a unique perspective, and together they form a holistic framework for appreciating the depth and complexity of this medicine.
When encountering new claims about Kambo, ask: Is this based on tradition, science, or belief? What evidence supports this claim? While it is clear that Kambo works on a biochemical level, combining belief in its power with traditional shamanic tools can significantly enhance the overall experience, creating a truly holistic healing process.