How to use Enemas as part of a Detox Plan

One of the most controversial and disputed procedures to include in a detox plan has to be the enema. An enema is way of putting fluid into the rectum through the anus to clear out the bowel. In some cases it can be used to administer medication or nutrients.

The word itself comes from the Greek en-hienai, meaning to “send or inject into.” For centuries, enemas were a routine home remedy for all sorts of ailments but in more recent times their routine use for health has largely died out.

However, disposable enemas, used to treat occasional and chronic severe constipation, are among the best selling items in many pharmacies and various types of enemas are still used in medicine today prior to colon X-rays, colon surgery and childbirth. But the purpose of this article is to look at the use of enemas for detox and cleansing.

Enemas have been used for general internal cleansing purposes since ancient times. According to Dr Morton Walker the transcription of one of the books in the Dead Sea Scrolls and a 3rd Century manuscript, The Essene Gospel of Peace both advise the taking of enemas to cleanse the body.

Although many people claim that the use of enemas is not natural, people in most regions of the world are known to have discovered the use of enemas. American Indians made crude enema kits from an animal bladder and a hollow leg bone. Pre-Columbian South Americans are credited with the invention of the first rubber enema bag and tubes.

What do enemas do?

Enemas can help release the waste that is in the colon. They can help accelerate any cleanse for optimum results. Coffee enemas (more on these later) can stimulate the liver to discharge more toxins and bile. The use of enemas during an intensive detox will help clear out toxins much more quickly. They are especially useful to help relieve detox reactions or a healing crisis .

The longer toxic waste stays in the colon the more chance there is that toxins are reabsorbed into  the body making you feel ill and weak. Juice fasting or feasting does not supply fiber to keep the bowels moving so the use of enemas or other means of cleansing the colon is important to get the toxins out. Dr. Paavo Airola recommended an enema every morning during his juice fasting regimes.

What to put in an enema?

Many different types of solutions have been used for enemas from plain water to herbs, green soap, coffee, Bentonite clay and Epsom Salts. Lets have a look at some of the solutions you can use for an enema during detox.

Water

The most basic enema is simply plain water. It must be pure filtered water and not water from the tap or you will absorb all the chlorine, fluoride and and other unwanted substances from it.
Dr Airola recommended adding a few drops of fresh lemon juice to the water.

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite has a negative charge which attracts positively charged toxins like a magnet and removes them from the bowel. Mix 2 oz. to 4 oz of Bentonite Clay into 1 quart (2 pints/1 liter) warm filtered water just slightly hotter than body temperature.

Epsom Salts

Epsom Salts make a nice relaxing detox bath but can be used for a good cleansing enema too. Use 2 tablespoons Epsom salts for each quart or liter of pure water.

Chamomile

A chamomile enema is useful for a healing crisis. Bring 1 quart pure water to the boil and add 6 chamomile tea bags. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 10 minutes and then remove. I or 2 cups of chamomile tea can also be added to a coffee enema if you have trouble retaining it.

Coffee

Coffee enemas are probably the most controversial although they are central to the Gerson Therapy and the Kelly and Gonzales programs for cancer. They are often ridiculed by main stream medicine and bear the brunt of numerous jokes although they are reputed to be mentioned in the older editions of the Merck Manual, a handbook for medical physicians.

Dr Max Gerson believed that caffeine could stimulate the liver and gall bladder to discharge bile and in fact studies have shown that coffee given as an enema does increase bile output. Toxins that the liver has neutralized are eliminated in the bile so increasing the bile helps to detoxify the body.

Substances known as palmitates in coffee have been shown to stimulate glutahione-S-transferase the enzymes that aid liver detox. The coffee also has a stimulating effect on the bowel and is great for increasing the flushing effect.

People can get hooked on coffee enemas as they can make you feel good but their overuse can cause mineral imbalances. To prevent this you should have at least 3 x 8 oz glasses of fresh vegetable juice for every coffee enema. One enema a day during juice fasting or a detox is usually sufficient. People who are sensitive to caffeine may find a mixture of half coffee and half chamomile better.

How to make a coffee enema solution

To make a coffee enema it is important to use plain filter ground organic coffee or special coffee for enemas. Bring a quart (liter) of distilled or pure water to a gentle boil in a pan and add three rounded  tablesoons of coffeee.  Allow to boil for 3 minutes and then cover and simmer on low heat for a further 20 minutes. Strain through fine muslin and allow to cool to body temperature before using.  You can make them half strength to begin with if you are not used to them.

The site I recommend for your coffee enema equipment and coffee is Pure Life Enema.

Here’s how to take an enema

You need a clean enema bag or container with tubing, a clamp, a nozzle or catheter and some lubricant such as coconut butter, Supersalve or calendula ointment. Put a plastic sheet down on the floor in the bathroom or near the toilet and cover with old towels. Get a pillow for your head and a blanket for warmth.

You will need somewhere to hang the enema bag so that it is about 24 – 36 ins above your body when you are lying down. Have the liquid at body temperature or a little warmer. Make sure the tubing clamp is closed and carefully pour the liquid into the container. Undo the clamp a little and allow some of the liquid to run out into a basin to expel the air. Clamp the tubing again and lubricate the nozzle well.  Do not use petroleum jelly or derivatives or fragranced products.

Positions for enemas

For a coffee enema Dr Gerson maintained that it was more effective if you lie on your right side with legs bent up as the liver is on that side. For other types of enemas you can lie on your left side or in the knee chest position. Kneel down with your bottom up and your head down.

Carefully insert the nozzle into your anus and undo the clamp a little or control the tubing by squeezing with your fingers. Allow the liquid to flow in slowly stopping the flow if you feel uncomfortable or any cramps. Don’t try to take in the full amount if it feels uncomfortable. Try to breathe deeply to suck the fluid into the colon. Hold it for 15 minutes if possible before releasing into the toilet. It helps if you can gently massage your abdomen while you are holding the enema.

The first enema is always going to be the most difficult. They become easier with practice and your body gets used to them. If you have trouble holding it try a small amount and release it when you have to and then try again.

Next time you go on a detox or do a juice fast try an enema and see what difference it makes.

Who should not do enemas?

Do not attempt to do an enema if you have any serious colon disease or other serious health problems such as congestive heart failure, kidney failure or acute liver disease unless you have the consent of a doctor or health practitioner who is experienced in enemas. You can absorb quite a lot of water from the colon which could put extra strain on your heart or kidneys if they are weak.