Private or small-group sessions in Pittsburgh, PA with a trained and certified practitioner. Learn about Kambo, safety, traditional use, & pricing.
kambo
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Kambo is a traditional Amazonian practice using the secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor, or giant monkey frog, native to the Amazon rainforest. It has been used by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon for generations in practices associated with purification, strength, endurance, clarity, and the removal of panema (negative or stagnant energy).
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People come to Kambo for many different reasons. Some are drawn to its traditional uses, while others incorporate it into physical, emotional, spiritual, or personal wellness practices.
Common reasons include:
Cleansing and purification
Energy, clarity, and resilience
Emotional or spiritual release
Feeling “stuck” or energetically blocked
Support during personal transitions
Complementing other spiritual or wellness practices
Kambo has also become the subject of scientific interest because its secretion contains several bioactive peptides, including dermorphins, deltorphins, phyllomedusin, phyllokinin, sauvagine, and dermaseptins. Researchers have studied these compounds for a variety of biological activities. However, research into the secretion and its individual compounds should not be confused with clinical evidence that Kambo treats or cures specific health conditions.
I encourage anyone considering Kambo to do their own research, ask questions, and make an informed decision about whether the practice is appropriate for them.
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I first learned about Kambo several years ago while dealing with a health issue of my own. My experience eventually led me to study the practice and complete formal training, becoming a certified practitioner, registered with Kambo International.
Sessions at Arts & Crafts are private and intentionally designed to provide a supportive, comfortable, and nonjudgmental environment throughout what can be an intense physical and emotional process.
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A Kambo appointment generally lasts about 2–2.5 hours, allowing time for preparation, the application itself, and rest afterward. The most intense physical effects typically begin within minutes and are relatively brief—often 5–20 minutes—although everyone responds differently.
Kambo is not a psychedelic and does not produce hallucinations or a psychedelic “trip.” It produces a strong physiological response that may include warmth, increased heart rate, sweating, nausea, purging, facial swelling, dizziness, or fatigue. Rest and recovery time are built into the session.
Depending on the individual and the intention for the session, hapé (rapé) and/or sananga may also be incorporated as complementary traditional practices intentionally or as needed. These are always discussed beforehand rather than assumed to be part of every session.
You’ll receive preparation instructions before your appointment and guidance for aftercare before you leave.
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The booking process includes a consultation before your Kambo session, which typically takes 15-20 minutes. This gives us time to discuss your needs and intentions, review the process and safety considerations, talk through preparation and what to expect, and answer any questions you may have. The consultation also helps determine whether Kambo is appropriate for you before moving forward with a session.
The cost of the consultation is $35 (non-refundable & non-transferable) and will be applied toward the cost of your session if you proceed.
Note: A consultation is required for all new clients and clients that are returning after a long gap or significant health/medication change.
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Kambo comes from the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog and has its origins in Indigenous Amazonian traditions. The frogs are not killed during traditional harvesting. The secretion is collected and the frog is released back into its natural environment. Within these traditions, harvesting reflects a sacred and reciprocal relationship between the people, the frog, the land, and the practice, and not just the extraction of a substance.
The Kambo used in my practice is sourced with an emphasis on ethical harvesting, sustainability, reciprocity, and respect for the communities that have maintained these traditions. My practice honors that relationship and the responsibility that comes with working with Kambo.
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Kambo is not appropriate for everyone and has important contraindications. Certain cardiovascular and neurological conditions, medications, pregnancy, recent major surgery, organ transplantation, and other health circumstances may make Kambo unsafe.
Every participant must complete a health and safety intake and screening before a session. I reserve the right to decline or postpone a session when there is a safety concern. Participants should also consult an appropriate healthcare professional when they have questions about their individual health or medications.
Kambo is not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is also not a federally controlled substance in the United States.
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I offer Kambo on a sliding scale of $250/$300/$350.
Sessions are available one-on-one or in small groups. Some clients choose to work with Kambo more than once, so customized multi-session options are available when appropriate. Payment arrangements are available. Contact me for small-group and package pricing.
Interested in Kambo?
The first step is completing a brief screening & intake form. This helps determine whether Kambo may be appropriate for you before scheduling a consultation.
After your form is reviewed, if eligible, you will receive instructions for scheduling a consultation. The consultation fee is $35 and is applied in full toward the cost of your Kambo session if you proceed. During the consultation, we’ll discuss your needs, the process, preparation, safety considerations, and any questions you have. Please be aware that the consultation fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Safety Note: Kambo can produce an intense physical response and is not appropriate for everyone. It is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. Please disclose all health conditions, medications, and relevant medical history during screening. Completing the form does not guarantee eligibility for a session.