THE 80/20 RULE IN KAMBO

Kambo is known to be a powerful natural medicine derived from the secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog. Originally from the Amazonian rainforest, it has found its way into modern society, profoundly impacting the lives of many seeking to improve their health and well-being.
Even though Kambo is considered a natural medicine, its effects are unique and not comparable to most natural remedies. This is largely due to its wide range of bioactive peptides that act as a cocktail, producing a variety of symptoms simultaneously. Each person’s journey with Kambo is often unique, shaped by their body, mind, and spirit. Yet, as practitioners, we also notice similarities. Personally, I divide its effects into two groups and refer to this as the 80/20 Rule. This concept suggests that about 80% of sessions follow a predictable pattern, while the other 20% do not.

The 80% – The Predictable Experience of Kambo


In my personal observation, approximately 80% of people undergoing a Kambo session have a fairly predictable experience. This isn’t to say that the journey lacks depth or meaning—it’s a profound process—but it follows a recognizable structure, making it manageable and straightforward for both the practitioner and the client.
The session often unfolds as follows:


• The Dosage
For most of my clients who fall into this category, they require somewhere between 3 to 4 dots of Kambo. However, this also depends on the potency of the medicine I use and the size of the dots. That’s why the number of dots can also vary depending on the size of the dots or the potency of the medicine. However, the total amount of medicine used will be very similar for all clients.


• The Heat and the Rise
Within the first minute, a pleasant warm sensation spreads through the body. This is the initial rise in blood pressure, signaling the start of the process.


• Discomfort and Nausea
The medicine begins its work, bringing discomfort to the stomach and waves of nausea. These sensations are essential as they prepare the body for the purge.


• The Purge
Over 95% of my clients experience the urge to vomit, which often feels like a physical, emotional, and spiritual release.


• Other Releases
About half of my clients also feel the urge to use the bathroom, and a smaller percentage experience strong sweating, coughing, or mucus discharge. Even a smaller percentage may also have an emotional release.


• The Peak and Gradual Decline
The intensity builds to a peak, often accompanied by a big purge. Afterward, the effects diminish gradually, leaving the client feeling lighter, clearer, and more at peace. Even if additional vomiting or other forms of release occur, the discomfort lessens with every passing moment.


• After Effects
Some clients feel cold or briefly shiver as their body recovers from the session. This phase is short-lived and often followed by a sense of calm and rejuvenation. If the client experienced facial swelling during the session, which isn’t unusual, it should now gradually start to subside.


• Timing
The entire process—from initially applying the medicine to the recovery phase—usually lasts 15 to 25 minutes.

The 20% – The Unpredictable Experience of Kambo


And then, there’s the other 20%. This group defies patterns and requires a heightened level of awareness and adaptability. These clients often demand more attention and remind us of Kambo’s exceptionality.
Some examples of unique reactions include:


• Delayed or Immediate Reactions
Some clients take a long time to feel the effects, while others experience them almost instantly. The session might last over 40 minutes for one person and conclude in under 5 minutes for another.


• High Sensitivity or Resistance
A small dose might elicit a powerful response in one individual, while another might require an unusually high dose to feel any effects.


• Inability to Purge
Some clients struggle to vomit, which can be due to physical, emotional, or energetic blockages. This can prolong the session or necessitate alternative approaches to help the client.


• Prolonged Purging
While most clients’ purges are limited to the session itself, in rare cases, some may continue to purge or feel unwell for hours or even up to two days, in which case special care would be needed.


• Dizziness and Fainting
While mild dizziness is not uncommon, some individuals may experience intense dizziness, which can lead to fainting and require careful handling. There are different types of fainting that can occur during a Kambo session, and most of them can be minimized if the necessary precautions are taken.
These are just a few unusual reactions that can occur in some people. However, there are many other rare symptoms that individuals may experience, some are so uncommon that they might occur only once in a thousand cases or even just once in a lifetime.


The Role of a Skilled Practitioner


These unique reactions highlight the importance of a skilled practitioner. Many unwanted effects can be mitigated or entirely avoided with proper guidance. Unlike predictable cases, these sessions demand:


• Full PresencePractitioners must be deeply attuned to the client’s needs and reactions. Each signal the body gives is a clue to how the medicine is working.


• Adaptability
Flexibility is key. A test dot can provide valuable insights, but the practitioner must be ready to adjust their approach as the session unfolds.


• Experience and Training
Navigating the complexities of these cases requires more than hope. It demands hands-on experience, often learned from skilled teachers who have encountered the full spectrum of Kambo’s effects.

The Risks of Oversimplification


One of the greatest risks in the world of Kambo lies in underestimating its complexity. Many individuals who fall into the predictable 80% assume their experience is universal. This can lead to dangerous scenarios, especially when inexperienced individuals begin administering Kambo to others, assuming everyone will react the same way.
External factors such as hydration, overall well-being, contraindications with other medicines or drugs, and safety precautions must also be considered. Without proper training, well-intentioned actions can spiral into dramatic or even dangerous situations.

Safety First


For those considering Kambo, understanding the 80/20 Rule offers valuable perspective. While most journeys with this medicine follow a predictable pattern, the exceptions remind us of its depth and power. Whether you’re a client or an aspiring practitioner, the biggest takeaway is safety first.
Kambo is not to be taken lightly. Even in the most straightforward cases, it requires preparation, reverence, and care. Each session is a unique encounter between the medicine and the individual. Trust the process, but also always act responsibly.

A Kambo Naturista Perspective


At Kambo Naturista, we approach each session with organic simplicity and respect for individual needs. The 80/20 Rule serves as a reminder to remain fully present with each client, as it’s impossible to always predict who will fall into which group. When serving this medicine, we must create a safe space where the clients can fully surrender to a personalized healing experience and truly benefit from the process.