Code of Practice
IAKP Guidelines for Working with Clients
The following is an excerpt from the IAKP (International Association of Kambô Practitioners) Code of Practice, specifically relating to ethical conduct and client care.
All certified IAKP practitioners are committed to upholding these standards to ensure safety, professionalism, and integrity in their work with Kambô.
Being a professional Kambô practitioner means placing the client’s well-being at the center of all actions. It also means committing to a code of conduct that protects clients from unsafe or inappropriate practices, while accepting personal responsibility for one's actions.
Core Principles & Ethical Guidelines
1. Respect and Inclusion
Practitioners must show full respect for the spiritual, cultural, political, and personal beliefs of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or background.
2. Professional Boundaries
The practitioner-client relationship must be professional. Practitioners must act with skill, care, and integrity — never misusing the trust placed in them.
3. Moral Conduct
Practitioners must always maintain a respectful, compassionate, and appropriate attitude. Behavior must be courteous, discreet, and supportive, and must avoid any action or statement that could be perceived as sexually suggestive or inappropriate.
4. Compliance with Local Protocols
When working in any venue or retreat center, practitioners must follow the rules and protocols of the establishment.
5. No Promises of Cure
Practitioners may describe potential benefits, but must never claim to "cure" any condition or guarantee outcomes.
6. Fitness to Practice
Practitioners must ensure they are physically and mentally well enough to conduct sessions safely and effectively.
7. Client Suitability & Safety
Special caution must be taken when working with individuals suffering from addiction, severe mental health issues, suicidal thoughts, or hallucinations. Only qualified practitioners may work with such clients — or the treatment must be declined and referred appropriately..
8. Medical Interference Prohibited
Practitioners must not override medical advice or prescribe medications or treatment plans unless medically certified to do so.
9. Medical Decisions Left to the Client
Clients must make their own choices regarding medical treatments or procedures, based on their doctor's advice — not the practitioner's.
10. No Medical Diagnoses
Unless medically licensed, practitioners must not offer medical diagnoses. If concerns arise, clients should be referred to a qualified medical professional.
11. Animals
Practitioners must not diagnose, test, or treat animals unless specifically licensed to do so.
12. Postpartum Care
Practitioners must not treat women during childbirth or within 42 days after giving birth.
13. Infectious & STD Protocols
Practitioners must not serve as the primary treatment provider for notifiable diseases or STDs unless properly qualified.
14. Use of Other Remedies
Remedies, herbs, or supplements may only be administered if the practitioner is trained and certified in their use.
15. Advertising Ethics
Advertising must be respectful and accurate — without exaggeration or false claims. It may only present available therapies, qualifications, and general service information.
16. Transparency
Before any session, practitioners must clearly explain the process, including duration, number of sessions, fees, and what to expect.
17. Fair Fees
Fees should be appropriate, clearly communicated, and reflect the service provided.
18. Client Autonomy
Clients have the right to refuse treatment or decline advice at any time.
19. Record Keeping
Accurate records of treatments must be kept, especially when sessions are repeated or complex.
15. Advertising Ethics
Advertising must be respectful and accurate — without exaggeration or false claims. It may only present available therapies, qualifications, and general service information.
20. Confidentiality
All client information must be kept strictly confidential unless legal obligations require otherwise.
16. Transparency
Before any session, practitioners must clearly explain the process, including duration, number of sessions, fees, and what to expect.
17. Fair Fees
Fees should be appropriate, clearly communicated, and reflect the service provided.
18. Client Autonomy
Clients have the right to refuse treatment or decline advice at any time.
19. Record Keeping
Accurate records of treatments must be kept, especially when sessions are repeated or complex.
20. Confidentiality
All client information must be kept strictly confidential unless legal obligations require otherwise.
21.Data Protection
Practitioners must comply with their country’s data protection laws.
22. Client Privacy
No third party may be present in a private session without the client’s explicit consent.
23. Safe Environment
Equipment and spaces used for giving or receiving Kambo must be clean, safe, and appropriate for the practice.
24. Kambo Stick Use
Kambo sticks purchased through IAKP may not be resold to non-members.
25. Copyright & Training Materials
Practitioners must respect the intellectual property rights of all training and membership materials received.
26. Training Others
Members may not train others in the use or administration of Kambo unless formally authorized to do so by the IAKP. This includes giving advice or sharing techniques online or in person.
27. Continuous Membership
Membership in the IAKP must remain continuous. If it lapses for more than 14 days, rejoining may not be permitted.
28. Media Involvement
Practitioners must obtain permission from the IAKP management team before engaging with any media or press.
29. Complaints Process
Members must cooperate with the IAKP’s complaints procedure if a client raises a concern.
30. Filming & Photography
Practitioners must not film, photograph, or allow others to capture images of clients during treatment. Full attention must be given to holding space and protecting the integrity of the process.
31. Adherence to Updates
Members agree to follow any updates or changes made to this Code by the IAKP’s governing body.