Kambo as Entheogenic Therapy: Processes of Physiological, Symbolic, and Transpersonal Healing

Michael J. Winkelman; Jan M. Keppel Hesselink

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Chapter 16 Kambo as Entheogenic Therapy: Processes of Physiological, Symbolic, and Transpersonal Healing

In: Handbook of Entheogenic Healing

Authors:

Michael J. Winkelman

Michael J. Winkelman
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Jan M. Keppel Hesselink

Jan M. Keppel Hesselink
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 416–440

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004729759_018

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Abstract

Entheogenic healing rituals have emerged recently decades in the Western world using a psychoactive secretion from a tree frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor) called Kambo. Kambo use originated as an Amazonian hunting ritual but became internationalized as a spiritual healing practice in a “vaccination” involving application of the frog secretion of a frog through the skin via a heat-induced blister. The immediate pharmacological effects typical include nausea, vomiting, and autonomic reactions a profound parasympathetic state with intense physiological and emotional processes including facial edema (frog-face), palpitations and hypotension. The Kambo-induced physiological effects induce alterations of consciousness from purgative effects that also present health risks due to esophagus rupture, as well as diverse cardiovascular responses that have resulted in death. Purging is basic to Kambo therapy as physiological, emotional, and symbolic cleansing. Kambo produces physiological reactions that support the experienced symbolism of what is referred to as being “infected by bad influences,” and subsequently of being “cleansed.” Kambo healing also exhibits core transpersonal principles of ecopsychology and ecotherapy engaging the transformative potency of nature. Kambo healing embodies natural processes in the diverse meanings of the frog’s venom and the effects it produces, a personal transformation derived from the experience of cleansing through intensified relations with nature provided by the intrinsic nature symbolism of the frog and its psychoactive effects exemplified in ejection of unwanted influences through purging.

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Handbook of Entheogenic Healing

Series: Brill Handbooks on Contemporary Religion, Volume: 23

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004729759

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 16 Jun 2025

Subjects
- Religious Studies
  - Anthropology of Religion

Front Matter

Part 1 Traditional Entheogenic Practices

Part 2 Modern Entheogenic Healing

Part 3 Post-modern Entheogenic Medicine

Part 4 Medical Healing with Entheogens

Part 5 The Evolutionary Psychology of Entheogenic Healing

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Chapter 16 Kambo as Entheogenic Therapy: Processes of Physiological, Symbolic, and Transpersonal Healing

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Handbook of Entheogenic Healing

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