What is a kambo ceremony?
A kambo ceremony is an age-old cleansing ritual from the Amazon, in which the secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog (the “giant monkey frog”) is applied to small burn points on the skin. The secretion works as a powerful purifier: your body detoxifies, your emotional baggage comes to the surface, and many participants experience a deep reset.
In the tradition of the Huni Kuin, Katukina and other Amazon tribes, kambo has been used for centuries for:
- Physical cleansing — liver, kidneys and lymphatic system are stimulated to detoxify
- Mental clarity — after the ceremony participants report sharper focus and calm
- Emotional breakthroughs — stuck patterns come loose
- Spiritual deepening — renewed contact with your intuition and life purpose
A ceremony lasts about 30-45 minutes per session. The intense cleansing itself is short (15-20 minutes), followed by a period of rest in which your body completes the process. Mario Wuring guides kambo ceremonies in the Netherlands according to the traditions he came to know in the Amazon.
What does a kambo session at Heartcore by Nature look like?
1. Preparation (1-2 days in advance)
You receive preparation instructions: eat light, no alcohol, drink plenty of water. Set your intention: what do you want to release, what do you want to receive?
2. Arrival and intake
On arrival we discuss your health, intention and expectations. There is time to ask questions and to land in the space.
3. Opening ceremony
With sananga, rapé or a simple ritual we open the space and make contact with the ceremony.
4. Application of kambo
Small burn points (usually 3-8 on the shoulder or leg) are made, and the kambo secretion is applied. The effect begins within 30 seconds.
5. Cleansing (15-20 minutes)
Your body gets to work. Heat, intensity, purging — all part of the detox. The facilitator is never more than an arm’s length away from you.
6. Integration and rest
After the cleansing there is time to recover, with tea, water and conversation. Many soon feel a deep calm and clarity.
7. Aftercare
In the days that follow, kambo continues to work. You receive recommendations for self-care and stay in touch for any questions.
Frequently asked questions about kambo
Is a kambo ceremony safe?
For most healthy people kambo is safe when offered by an experienced facilitator. There are contraindications (heart conditions, pregnancy, serious psychological problems). During the intake we discuss your health carefully.
How long does kambo keep working?
The acute cleansing lasts 15-20 minutes. The mental and emotional after-effects can be felt for 2-7 days. Physically you feel the benefits for weeks to months.
Is it painful?
The burn points are a short, sharp sting. The cleansing feels intense but not like “pain” — more like a powerful wave moving through you.
What is the difference between a single ceremony and the Transformation Cycle?
A single ceremony is a one-off cleansing. The Transformation Cycle (3 ceremonies spread over 3 months) follows the traditional Amazon rhythm and reaches deeper layers. People looking for real change almost always choose the cycle.
Do I have to fast before the ceremony?
Not a full fast, but light food the evening before and no breakfast in the morning. During the ceremony you drink at least 1.5 litres of water.
Can I combine kambo with medication?
Many medications are compatible, but not all. Blood thinners and certain psychiatric medication are contraindications. Send your medication list in advance for review.
This transformation page offers three routes
This page offers three routes for kambo work, each with its own intensity and depth. The three months refer to the full time a trajectory can span and to the three levels at which you can work, from a single ceremony to a full transformation cycle. You choose the route that suits your body, energy and goal.
Single Kambo Ceremony
A single kambo ceremony is a calm and professional introduction to this work. You start with an intake in which we discuss your health, intention and expectations. During the ceremony we work with one to three points, attuned to your body and what is needed. With a single ceremony you receive personal guidance, integration afterwards and a Zoom session to support your process, answer your questions and strengthen your regulation. This session provides depth and clarity, even if you are not yet stepping into a trajectory. Many people experience more calm, energy and mental space right after a single ceremony. It is suitable for those who first want to feel what kambo can mean for them.
Kambo Cycle
A trajectory of three ceremonies, built up in a natural sequence of detox, rest and integration. The kambo cycle consists of three ceremonies spread over three months. This structure provides a natural and stable cleansing in which your body and awareness open, release and recover step by step. Each ceremony includes guidance beforehand, personal support during the process, integration afterwards and a Zoom session to strengthen depth, regulation and clarity. You are never on your own in this trajectory and are professionally guided for three months. This cycle is suitable for people who notice that one ceremony is not enough, who get stuck in patterns or mental pressure, and who need calm, stability and direction. The cycle supports lowering stress, regulating emotions and restoring focus and vitality.
Intensive Transformation Cycle
Three months for a full reset, personal work and deep transformation, with guidance, integration, Zoom calls and extensive assignments. The intensive transformation cycle is the most complete trajectory we offer. This programme is designed for people who want to go beyond physical detox and choose a professional, fully guided route to transformation. Over three months you work with Kambo, Royal Rapé and Sananga, combined with several personal Zoom sessions, assignments, reflections, journaling and integration guidance. In this trajectory we dive deep into your patterns, energy, structure, choices, behaviour and direction. It is intensive but controlled, calm and professional. Where the single ceremony and the standard cycle focus on cleansing and stabilisation, the intensive cycle goes further into identity, emotional clarity, behavioural change and life direction. The assignments, Zoom sessions and personal attunement make this trajectory far deeper and more effective than what others offer. This trajectory is designed for people who want to enter a new phase of their life and want guidance in opening their full potential. The structure, guidance and assignments ensure that the change is lasting.
Comparison of the three levels
Single ceremony. A safe and professional introduction, with guidance, integration and a Zoom call per session.
Standard cycle. Three months of phased cleansing, three ceremonies, guidance, integration and a Zoom call per session.
Intensive transformation cycle. Three months of deep work with ceremonies, integration, several Zoom calls and assignments that structure your whole life and give it direction.
So Alegria, haux!
JEROEN PETERS: Together with a friend I did a kambo cycle at Heartcore by Nature. The ceremony was opened with rapé beforehand. The cycle helped me well on my way to address and process certain issues, and I had complete trust in Heartcore by Nature.
VIVIAN STRIEN: Although I was sceptical about kambo at first, the positive changes in my friends made me curious and I decided to try it. Thanks to the good guidance of Heartcore by Nature I achieved beautiful results, and I am grateful for everything it has brought me.