The Ins & Outs of Colon Cleansing

by Amie Mosley

Why Colon Cleanse?

When the elimination channels (bowel, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin) have too much work to do, they become inefficient, and instead of being carried out of the body, the toxins are forced into the bloodstream and settle into those organs and tissues which have the least resistance to toxic material. These areas are usually the inherent weaknesses of the body. The body is always generating waste material as a by-product of metabolic processes. Other waste is derived from food residues, which are no use to the body, including salt, artificial colorings and preservatives, processing by-products and other additives. Significant levels of toxins also accumulate in the body tissues as a result of environmental pollution. Not only from air, water, and chemicals, which are consumed or contacted directly, but also from pesticides and industrial waste, which spread through the food chain from the air, water, and soil to plants, fish and animals that end up on our dinner plates.
The build-up of toxins in the body tissues and in the bloodstream is the pathway to lowered vitality and disease. Intestinal stasis in particular, is implicated in a wide range of illnesses including fatigue, headache, asthma, hypertension, degenerative ocular changes, arthritis, degeneration of the muscles, liver, kidneys, lungs, ovaries, prostate, nerves and indeed the whole body.

Why does the colon health affect body health?

There is a relationship between the tissue of the bowel and the tissue of the rest of the body. When we look at embryology (the study fo the developing fetus), we see the "gut tube" is the first to develop. When gestation is complete we have a whole baby. We now see that the "gut tube" is the large intestine. Essentially, every cell in our bodies developed from the large intestine. Therefore, the relationship exists between these tissues as evident in Iridology. Iridology shows this relationship without a doubt. As seen in the area of the iris that represents poor tissue of the bowel, there also exists the related tissue which is also poor in the reflex area.

How do I colon cleanse?

HERBS--There are many individual herbs and herbal recipes that cleanse the colon. Turkey rhubarb, cascara, buckthorn, and senna are a few of the herbal laxatives.

RECIPES--Usually containing bulking agents such as psyllium or seeds and carminatives for relaxing the bowel to reduce flatulence and griping. Yet other recipes add astringents to tone the bowel and prevent fluid loss; alternatives to balance metabolic processes; anti-inflammatories to sooth mucus membranes; and anti-spasmodics to promote smooth and regular peristalsis.

ENEMAS--This process consists of a 2 quart bag, tubing, and a tip. Enemas are administered laying on the floor, on the left side sometimes with massage to move the water along. For evacuation, the tip is removed from the rectum and the fluid is expelled in the toilet. This procedure is repeated until the water is used. However, there are 2 drawbacks. One, it can be messy if you don't make it to the toilet in time and two, the procedure only flushes the last section of the large intestine. This in itself is beneficial, but cleansing of the whole large intestine would be more beneficial.

PROFESSIONAL COLONICS--Professional Colonic systems vary; however, most operate by flushing the bowel quickly and efficiently with water pressure. The Colon Therapist inserts the rectal speculum. Professional colonics may be cost prohibitive or unavailable, while the home system is available for repeated use at your convenience.

COLONIC or COLEMA BOARDS FOR HOME USE--The Colonic or Colema Board is designed to flush the large intestine with the ease of a one time insertion and continuous evacuation without the removal of the tip. A 5-gallon bucket of water and/or solution is dispensed at will without getting off the Board to expel. Any evacuation of material will fall into the toilet. The procedure usually takes from 1/2 to 1 hour to exhaust a 5-gallon container. The rectal speculum is half the size of the little finger and inserted yourself about 2 to 2 1/2 inches into the rectum. In this writers opinion, home colonics are just as effective as Professional Colonics and is private, making it a more comfortable experience.

Will friendly flora be washed away?

Actually, most of us are deficient in friendly flora due to antibiotic therapy, imbalanced diet or even stress as well as poor colon health. One of the functions of the first half of the colon is to gather the intestinal flora needed for the colon. When the accumulation of feces in the bowel leads to fecal encrustation, the glands in the lining cannot produce the necessary intestinal flora. The resulting lack of lubrication intensifies a state of constipation and generates toxemia. This upsets the normal acid-alkaline balance and the growth of friendly bacteria is stunted. Cleansing the colon will help bring the acid-alkaline ratio back into balance. In this environment, the friendly bacteria will again thrive and disease causing bacteria will find it difficult to develop.

Is anything added to the water?

Distilled or pure water is recommended. Some additions to the water may include: Coffee--the caffeine activates the gall bladder and liver bile stimulating peristalsis; Garlic--kills parasites, bacteria; Aloe Vera--soothing and healing; Flora--adds friendly bacteria; Catnip--calming; Slippery Elm--soothes and neutralizes acids.

Do I need colon cleansing?

Ideally, bowel movements should happen without effort and grant a complete emptying of the colon 2 to 3 times per day. A person that is not constipated produces a stoll that is between one and two feet in length, two to three times daily. The color of the stool should be brown with a green tinge. A person who is not constipated does not produce stools that are light yellow, gray or dark green, have regular diarrhea, small, thin, short or hard goat pill stools, or have mucous, undigested food or blood in their stools. Bowel movements should be firm like a banana and sink to the bottom of the bowl.

Common symptoms of those that could benefit from colon cleanse are:

fatigue,
constipation,
excess weight gain,
stomach bloat,
gas,
bad breath,
coated tongue,
body odor,
skin problems,
lower back pain,
depression,
poor memory,
weakened immune system,
lethargic, etc.

Simple help for your other eliminatory organs...

Kidneys--drink plenty of pure water; Lungs--be careful of what you breathe; Skin--brushing, saunas, avoid congesting lotions/oils; Lymphatic System--moderate exercise.
Rest--your body is repaired only when you sleep. If you are not getting your sleep, it is possible it is due to auto-intoxication.

Remember: Because a confested bowel weakens the entire body, it can be the cause for any illness. For your health, keep your colon clean.

Note: Detox programs and colon cleansing are not for the purpose of addressing any specific condition, but rather is intended only to help the body to do its natural activities of detoxification and elimination. Please work with your health care professional.