Preparing for a Kambô ceremony is an essential part of ensuring a safe and transformative experience. Following the guidelines provided by the International Association of Kambô Practitioners (IAKP) helps ensure that your body and mind are ready to receive the medicine with clarity and openness. In this post, I’ll walk you through the key steps of preparation, including fasting, hydration, and setting your intentions.
1. Fasting: Giving Your Body Space to Work
Fasting is a crucial step in preparing for a Kambô session. It ensures your digestive system is clear and your body can focus fully on the detoxification process initiated by the medicine.
When to Begin Fasting: Avoid eating solid food for 8-12 hours before your session. This fasting period reduces the likelihood of intense nausea due to undigested food and makes the purging process less physically uncomfortable. If food is present in the stomach, it can also complicate the process.
What to Avoid: Refrain from consuming heavy, oily, or processed foods in the 24-48 hours leading up to your session. Alcohol, caffeine, and sugary foods should also be avoided, as they can strain your body and affect your experience.
Tip for the Day Before: Opt for light, nourishing meals such as fruits, vegetables, and soups to help your body transition smoothly into the fasting period.
Fasting and Enemas: Water fasting, juice fasting, enemas and colonics before a Kambô ceremony can be dangerous due to their potential impact on electrolyte balance, blood sugar levels, and the risk of hyponatremia. Prolonged fasting can cause blood sugar imbalances, leading to dizziness, fatigue, or fainting during the ceremony, especially if energy reserves are already depleted. Overuse of enemas or extreme fasting can disrupt electrolyte levels, further compounded by the intense purging effects of Kambô, which already causes significant fluid and electrolyte loss. This increases the risk of hyponatremia (low sodium levels), which can result in nausea, confusion, seizures, or more severe complications. To avoid these dangers, it’s best to limit fasting to the recommended 8–12 hours and skip unnecessary enemas, instead focusing on a light, balanced diet and proper hydration in the days before the ceremony.
2. Hydration:
Hydration plays a key role in Kambô preparation and is essential for the purging process. It is important to drink water strategically before your session to avoid overhydration or dehydration.
Tip for the Days Before: Hydrate well in the days before the ceremony in order for your body to be better prepared for the intense physical effects of Kambô, while also reducing the risk of dehydration during the purge.
Limit Dehydrating Drinks: Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks for at least 24–48 hours before the ceremony, as they can dehydrate you. Minimize salty or processed foods, which can increase water retention but don’t provide real hydration.
Morning of the Ceremony: On the morning of your session, limit your fluid intake to one cup of herbal tea.
Avoid Overhydration: Drinking excessive amounts of water in the hours leading up to your session can be dangerous, as overhydration can dilute your electrolytes and can cause hyponatremia, also known as water intoxication
During the Session: You will be instructed on the exact amount of water to drink and the appropriate timing for it during the ceremony.
After the Session: Hydrate gradually and replenish electrolytes with coconut water, herbal teas, or a pinch of sea salt in water to support recovery.
3. Setting Intentions
Kambô is not just a physical detox; it’s an emotional and spiritual journey. Taking time to set clear intentions helps create a meaningful and focused experience.
Reflect on Your Intention: Before the session, spend time reflecting on why you’re seeking Kambô. Are you looking for physical healing, emotional release, or spiritual clarity? Writing down your intentions can help clarify your goals and guide your journey.
Practice Mindfulness: Spend a few moments meditating or sitting in silence before your session to connect with your inner self and prepare your mind for the experience.
Stay Open: While it’s important to have intentions, also allow room for the unexpected. Kambô works on multiple levels, often addressing areas you might not anticipate.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Preparation
Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area where the Kambô will be applied, such as your arms or legs.
Rest: Get plenty of sleep the night before to ensure you’re well-rested and ready for the session.
Mental Preparation: Approach the session with a calm and open mind. Avoid stressors or emotionally charged situations on the day of your ceremony.
Why Proper Preparation Matters
Following these preparation steps helps create the optimal environment for Kambô to work. Fasting clears your digestive system, hydration supports the physical detox, and setting intentions prepares you emotionally and spiritually. These elements, guided by IAKP standards, ensure a safe, powerful, and transformative experience.
By taking the time to prepare thoroughly, you are honoring yourself, the medicine, and the traditions behind Kambô. If you have any questions about preparation or need further guidance, feel free to reach out before your session.
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