Enema Bowel Cleansing

A bowel enema is the procedure of introducing liquids to cleanse the colon via the anus. The water volume causes expansion of the lower gastrointestinal tract causing the bowel wall to contract releasing wastes from the bowel wall. Enemas can be beneficial in helping to restore normal bowel function in individuals suffering from chronic illnesses, sluggish digestion or as management in cancer.

Bernard Jensen, a well known American Naturopath, was a pioneer of many natural health practices.  He was a strong advocate of bowel cleanses using enemas as a way of improving general health and well being and he wrote many books concerning bowel cleansing and tissue cleansing which you may like to research further.

Bowel enemas are a natural therapy modality used as a natural health procedure for many years. Coffee enemas are enemas using granulated coffee and are used in the Gerson Therapy for the treatment of many types of cancer. The reason for this is because the coffee increases the purging action of the liver and gall bladder to better remove wastes from the body. Stimulation of the duct which connects the sigmoid colon and the liver causes less reabsorption of wastes from the feces back into circulation thereby expelling a greater amount of toxins. This reaction is caused by the Theophylline and Theobromineconstituents of the coffee. This increased release of toxins increases the livers ability to remove a back up store of wastes, it also stimulates the production of a potent antioxidant enzyme in the liver called Glutathione. This method can result in an uncomfortable feeling of bloating, cramping, strong peristalsis and a feeling of urgency or need to evacuate the bowels.

HOW DOES AN ENEMA HELP TO IMPROVE HEALTH?

  • Stimulates digestive peristalsis in the lower bowels
  • Removes parasites
  • Stimulates liver function and lymphatic waste removal
  • Removal of old toxic waste and heavy metals adhering to the bowel wall
  • Promotes discharge of bile from the bile duct (with coffee enemas) stimulating extra elimination of wastes from the liver, gall bladder and circulation.
  • Improving immune system function

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ENEMA AND COLONIC IRRIGATION?

Colonic irrigation is similar to an enema however it is more invasive and is performed using water pressure similar to a hose to push water further up the colon. It should not be used in people with diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, severe or internal hemorrhoids or tumors in the rectum or colon. It also should not be used soon after bowel surgery (unless directed by one’s health care provider). Regular treatments should be avoided by people with heart disease or renal failure. Colonics are inappropriate for people with bowel, rectal or anal pathologies where the pathology contributes to the risk of bowel perforation. Please seek the help of a Health care professional if you decide to have a colonic rather than the gentler approach of an enema.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER AFTER AN ENEMA

  • Probiotics help to reinocculate the bowels with the healthy bacteria
  • Continue a healthy diet routine with plenty of fruits and vegetables and if you tend towards constipation take some slippery elm or a small amount of psyllium husks followed by a large glass of water
  • Consider taking an electrolyte supplement after the procedure. Often an electrolyte imbalance can occur due to the large amount of water lost, especially if regular enemas are performed. The electrolytes are Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus and Calcium
  • Ensure hydration (at least 2-3 liters of water/ day)
  • Begin each day with a small glass of warm water with lemon juice to continue the cleansing effects on the colon
  • Incorporate herbal teas into your day to increase water intake and support digestion. Try pleasant tasting teas such as Peppermint, Dandelion, Roibos, Fennel, Chamomile, Mint, Ginger and Lemon
  • Reduce foods which contribute to a sluggish system such as breads, pastries, refined and processed food products, sugar, alcohol, tea, coffee and soft drinks
  • Ensure that you eat foods which help to lubricate the bowels and keep the stool softer such as fish oils, flaxseed oil, nuts and seeds, olive oil and avocados
  • Improve liver function as a congested liver will produce heat in its attempt to burn off wastes, this heat contributes to dryness in the bowels and constipation
  • Increase the bitter foods in your diet to promote liver, gall bladder/ bile and bowel function. Bitter foods are lemon juice, bitter lettuces (rocket, endive, chicory) and apple cider vinegar or Swedish vinegar
  • Take blood, kidney and liver cleansing super greens such as Spirulina, Green Barley or Wheat Grass powder
  • Take a herbal supplement which encourages bowel, liver, digestive and gall bladder function