Spring is a great time for cleaning! Now most people will think about cleaning out their closet or perhaps organizing their garage. I, on the other hand, am hoping that you consider cleaning out your intestines. I first heard about colonics and enemas a few years ago while I was conducting a teacher training in Costa Rica. I was eating a vegan diet and doing yoga all day so it seemed like the perfect time to try it. I found a reputable clinic in town and signed up for 10 sessions. Little did I know how amazing it would be. I know it seems like a really odd thing to do but here’s my argument for why it’s important and beneficial.
Why should I do colonics or enemas?
- Unless you’re eating a really clean diet full of fiber and low on sugar, processed foods and animal protein, there is a high chance that you’ve got what’s called mucoid plaque. Over time this plaque begins to coat the intestinal walls, blocking the passageways for nutrient absorption and healthy digestion.
- According to Dr. Norman Walker, bad food combinations can result in fermentation of carbohydrates and putrefaction of protein foods. This further backs up and stresses the digestive system.
- Enemas and colonics have been used for many years to help treat all sorts of conditions including cancer. They relieve constipation, insomnia and cognitive problems; they eliminate and control parasites (which about 80 percent of people in North America and Europe have). This simple procedure also helps with candida, a yeast overgrowth, and many other pathogen problems without disrupting intestinal flora, unlike antibiotics.
- Better skin! After just a few sessions you will start to notice that your skin is clearer, more elastic and moisturized. This is because your liver and intestines start clearing out all the junk. The skin is the largest organ of elimination and when we get pimples and blemishes, dark spots, dryness, etc it can usually be traced to a food allergy or a problem in the digestive tract.
- Coffee enemas and colonics are easier on the system. Taking laxatives can be taxing on the liver.
What’s the difference between an enema and a colonic?
Colon hydrotherapy and irrigation is a soaking and softening process. It’s a gentle method of cleaning accumulated waste and toxins from the colon through the introduction of filtered warm water, an alkaline liquid or coffee. It’s safe, effective and FDA approved. Colonics are done in a clinic, with a professional there to do the dirty work. It’s actually not as bad as it sounds. You get undressed, put on a hospital gown and recline on your back. When the technician is ready for you he or she will ask you to roll onto your side while they insert a small tube into the anus. A machine begins to fill your large intestine with liquid and you try to retain it as long as possible. When you’re ready, you release the liquid via the same tube and you can usually see what comes out . Most of the time it’s not pretty. My experience has always been pretty awesome. I feel lighter with more energy and completely detoxed. In the end you’re usually given some probiotics and sent on your merry way. Each colonic can range between $60 and $120.
Coffee enemas are done at home with your full control. First, you make the coffee and put it either in a bucket or enema bag. When you’re ready, you go to the bathroom and lie on your side with the bucket on the toilet seat. After inserting the small tube you allow the liquid to enter your colon and large intestine. Try to retain for about 12-15 minutes. During this time you might experience mild cramping and also hear the sounds of your liver releasing bile. When the time is up you empty in the toilet and voila, you’re done. Enemas are inexpensive and can be done in private any time you want. Colonics are used to cleanse the bowel. Coffee enemas are used to increase the liver’s detoxification capacity. Certain substances in the coffee stimulate an important detoxification enzyme in the liver as well as dilate the bile ducts and increase the flow of bile. A secondary benefit of the coffee enema is to increase peristalsis which helps to empty the bowel. Here is a great video demonstration on how to make and administer the enema.
How often should I do enemas or colonics?
I was told I could do a colonic once a week or once a month and the enemas every day or a few times a week. It depends on how you’re feeling and what the goal is. I personally have a lot of food allergies and have suffered from digestive problems since childhood so it just depends on the individual.
Below is a diagram of an unhealthy colon taken from the book Become Younger by Dr. Norman Walker. The lady whose X-ray is featured thought her colon was alright and that she was NOT constipated because she had three “regular” movements nearly everyday. However, this colon is in serious condition. Notice the solid impaction at the cross-section where the ascending colon has been divided, showing only a small hole in the center of a thick black wall (mucoid plaque). You can also see a collapsed transverse colon as well as other deformities of the colon caused by bad eating habits.
What if I don’t want to do this crazy enema and colonic stuff?
I suggest doing a juice detox for a few days, the master cleanse or taking herbs, probiotics and supplements to clean out and increase the good flora in your intestines. A few things that are really effective at cleaning out your pipes are bentonite clay, psyllium husk, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, senna tea, rhubarb, slippery elm and cascara sagrada.
Hope you found this article interesting. Please share, comment and happy spring cleaning!
This has been my experience and it has worked well for me. However, if you are interested in these procedures for yourself, please consult your doctor or holistic advisor before trying enemas or colonics.
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