Enemas and Colonics

The bowel is one of the four primary systems for excretion of toxins, both exotoxins – those that originate outside the body, and endotoxins – those that originate inside the body as a result of   the processes of metabolism.  Combinations of bad diet, insufficient fiber, too many toxins, lack of   exercise, too much stress, as well as illness, can all contribute to poor bowel health.

Methods of cleansing the colon (the name for the section of the large intestine from the cecum to the rectum) known as colonics can take the form of enemas, colon flushes, and clay or fiber cleanses.  The use of colonics is a controversial approach to improving the health of the colon.

Some medical practitioners are very opposed to the use of colonics, convinced that changes in diet, fluid intake, and exercise should be sufficient to achieve a healthy colon environment.  Some homeopaths suggest that colonics negatively impact the body's fluids.  Others feel colonics disrupt the friendly intestinal flora.

On the other hand, many practitioners feel strongly that colonics can support healthy digestive function, aid the body in the discharge of stored toxins, and promote greater overall health.  A healthy bowel moves one to three times a day.  Colonics and enemas can frequently help reverse a condition of chronic constipation.  (On the other hand, this can also lead to an "addictive" dependency on colonics or enemas to maintain bowel movement regularity.)

Some people find that enemas and/or colonics give a great boost to their detoxification efforts.  In addition to physically eliminating accumulated material in the bowel, colonics or enemas can speed the elimination of toxins that have been stored in the liver, the gallbladder and in fat tissue that come back into the bloodstream in higher quantities during detoxification.  By helping to eliminate these toxins in a hurry, an enema or colonic can resolve symptoms such as headaches that may arise during detoxification. 

Other less intrusive methods of colon regulation can be found.  Traditionally, cultures worldwide have advocated regular fasting as a means of achieving physical or spiritual purity.  During fasting, without new foods being introduced to the colon, the body is able to concentrate on removing older wastes.  Monofasts, i.e. eating only one kind of fruit or brown rice throughout the day, can help cleanse the colon.  (See how to cook brown rice.)  One great way to get extra fiber to help cleanse the colon, and obtain essential fatty acids at the same time, is to eat ground flax seeds. 

For additional information on enemas and colonics, click here.