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.
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.