Ancient Rituals with the Tepi
The journey of Kambo healing begins with sacred tools that facilitate the use of traditional plant medicines. One of the primary instruments is the Tepi, a long applicator used by a shaman or practitioner to administer sacred snuffs directly into another person’s nostrils. This ritual is not only about physical cleansing but also about connecting with ancestral knowledge and unlocking the body’s innate healing power. The Tepi represents trust between healer and participant, embodying a channel for deeper spiritual alignment within the Kambo tradition.
Self-Application with the Kuripe
While the Tepi is used in communal or guided rituals, the Kuripe allows individuals to engage in self-practice. Shaped like a V, it enables the practitioner to blow the medicine into their own nostrils, creating a moment of personal reflection and empowerment. The Kuripe signifies autonomy in the healing journey, offering a direct and intimate connection with the sacred snuffs. In Kambo ceremonies, this tool ensures that healing is not only guided by others but also embraced as a personal responsibility.
Expanding Practices through Tepis and Kuripes
The plural forms, Tepis and Kuripes, highlight the communal and collective aspect of these rituals. Across indigenous communities, many tools are crafted, shared, and passed down through generations, each carrying its own energy and intention. The making of Tepis and Kuripes involves careful craftsmanship, often using natural materials such as bamboo or bone. Their collective presence in ceremonies demonstrates the unifying power of ritual, emphasizing that Kambo healing is both a personal journey and a shared cultural heritage.
The Role of Hapeh and Rapeh in Ceremony
Central to these practices are the sacred snuffs, often called Hapeh or Rapeh, which are finely ground blends of medicinal plants and ashes. These are administered through the Tepi or Kuripe to open energetic channels, clear the mind, and prepare the body for the purifying effects of Kambo medicine. The snuffs are revered for their grounding qualities, helping participants release stagnant energies and find inner clarity. Within a ceremony, Hapeh and Rapeh serve as allies, harmonizing the mind, body, and spirit before and during the Kambo application.
Sacred Plants: Angico, Cacao, and Pau Pereira
Kambo healing often integrates other powerful plants such as Angico, Cacao ,and Pau Pereira, which hold deep spiritual and medicinal significance. Angico is respected for its purifying essence, Cacao for opening the heart and fostering emotional connection, and Pau Pereira for its grounding and protective properties. These plants, when combined with the frog secretion of Kambo medicine, enrich the healing experience, weaving together a tapestry of physical detox, spiritual awakening, and emotional release. Together, they embody the sacred balance of nature, guiding participants toward holistic transformation.