From the Field to Focus: Jay DeMerit’s Approach to Renewal and Resilience
Former soccer star Jay DeMerit shares how a unique Amazonian practice has helped him find clarity and strength in life beyond the pitch.
I recently sat down with Jay DeMerit, former professional soccer player, best known for his time as a central defender with Watford FC in England and the Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer (MLS). Jay’s rise to prominence was anything but conventional. His journey to becoming a professional athlete was a true testament to perseverance, grit, and determination, as he worked relentlessly to carve out a place for himself in the sport. After hanging up his cleats, Jay shifted his focus to personal development and wellness, embracing holistic healing practices. In our conversation, he shared his thoughts on kambo, an ancient Amazonian ritual that has become a meaningful part of his wellness journey.
What is Kambo?
Kambo is a strong cleansing treatment made from the secretion of the giant monkey frog, found in the Amazon rainforest. Indigenous tribes have used it for centuries in rituals to help with healing and spiritual cleansing. They believe kambo gives them strength, endurance, and sharper senses, especially before going on hunts.
How is Kambo Used?
Kambo is usually done in a ceremonial setting with a trained guide. After the secretion is applied, people might experience reactions like vomiting, sweating, or diarrhea. These effects are part of the cleansing process and are thought to help get rid of toxins, stuck energy, and emotional blocks.
Even though the experience can be intense at first, many people feel refreshed, clear-headed, and better overall after a kambo session. It’s been used to help with different challenges, including physical pain, depression, addiction, and PTSD. Although there aren’t a lot of scientific studies on kambo yet, many people claim it’s been instrumental in improving their overall physical, emotional, and mental wellness – something Jay and I both attest to.
The Benefits of Kambo
Kambo is believed to offer many benefits, mainly because it cleanses the body and boosts the immune system. The secretion contains special peptides (tiny protein-like molecules) that have been shown to fight germs, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. These peptides might help balance the body’s systems, promote healing, and improve mental clarity.
The purging effects are also thought to help release emotional stress and trauma stored in the body. After a session, some people feel more focused, emotionally lighter, and mentally stronger. Kambo is also used to improve physical stamina and endurance,
which is why some athletes and others looking to boost their performance have tried it.
Jay’s Experience with Kambo
For Jay, kambo has become an essential practice for personal growth and healing, especially during his transition from professional soccer to everyday life. He has explored various wellness practices, but kambo stands out for its ability to help him process old wounds and navigate new challenges. It has provided relief from both the physical wear and tear of his athletic career and the mental strain of life transitions. By participating in kambo ceremonies, Jay has found not only relief from chronic pain but also a renewed sense of vitality and focus.
Jay’s journey with kambo reflects a deeply transformative process where emotional burdens, particularly guilt and anger related to relationships and career shifts, are released. Initially skeptical, Jay now describes kambo as a “scrub brush” for the soul, helping him clear stored emotions and reconnect with a deeper sense of purpose. This ongoing practice has brought him balance and clarity, allowing him to show up more fully in his relationships, particularly with his son, and offering him emotional clarity and spiritual grounding.
The Takeaway
Both Jay’s and my experiences with kambo highlight the profound potential this Amazonian medicine has to restore emotional balance and promote healing on a deep level. Jay’s journey underscores how kambo helped him release deeply ingrained emotions, like guilt and anger, leading to a renewed sense of clarity and connection, particularly in his role as a father. And I echo these insights, emphasizing how the medicine has helped me cleanse my body, mind, and spirit, offering grounding benefits that support emotional and physical well-being. For those considering kambo, it’s a reminder that this medicine, in the right hands and with the right intentions, can facilitate powerful transformations that ripple out into daily life, relationships, and personal growth.
For more information or inquiries around working with kambo in British Columbia, Canada, contact: Stef Wyld at Inner Warrior Detox / @inner.warrior.detox. For those interested in working with kambo in Mexico, contact: Mar Berdejo at True Nature /marianna_de_la_montana. To keep-up with Jay on Instagram follow: @D6Merit.
