The history of enemas goes back to ancient times when they were part of routine healthcare. The principle of the enema is said to originate from observing birds drawing water into their beaks, inserting their beaks into their rectum and expelling the water.

An enema is a simple and natural means of cleaning out the large, hollow muscular tube, which is the colon or large intestine. We don�t think twice about cleaning our teeth or taking a shower. It shouldn�t be any different when it comes to internal cleansing. But in our modern western culture, many people are reluctant and embarrassed to discuss the bowel and enemas are even more of a taboo subject.

This attitude needs to change as the incidence of bowel related illness is on the increase in the Western world. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as excess gas, abdominal bloating, pain and irregular bowel habits affect a third of people in the UK at one time or another. If the bowel becomes inflamed, more serious conditions develop such as colitis, Crohn�s disease, diverticulitis and even colon cancer.

WASTE DISPOSAL

In a healthy colon, absorption of vital minerals and nutrients takes place through the colon wall and beneficial immune-boosting bacteria flourish. However the colon can become a collecting pool for toxins, especially if it is not evacuated regularly. Many people do not realise that a healthy bowel should move at least once per day. By these standards, a very large number of people are constipated! Children with relaxed, healthy systems often have three daily movements.

The wall of a sluggish bowel can harbour putrefactive waste which, when combined with mucus secretions, forms hardened material. A surgeon will tell you that the intestines can become distorted and full of debris-filled pockets. Absorption of nutrients through the colon wall will be impaired and a breeding ground for undesirable bacteria develops. The bowel can in effect become a toxic pool, which pollutes the rest of the body and has a profoundly adverse affect on overall health and vitality. The liver is first in line as toxins have a direct route from the bowel to the liver via the special hepatic portal circulatory system.

Iridologists have long known that the colon contains reflex points, which correspond to organs all over the body. If the colon is particularly toxic at a certain point, the health of the corresponding organ will be adversely affected. For example, an area of the bowel that can be tender for some women is the point near which the descending colon takes a sharp right hand bend, on the left side of the body near the hip bone. The ovary reflex point is located near this bend. A person with health problems in the reproductive area will often report pain in this part of the bowel. Detoxifying the intestinal reflex area can be a vital part of healing.

So, in addition to the manual expulsion of waste, the most profound benefit of an enema is to stimulate the individual reflex points in the colon, thereby having a positive effect on the well being of the entire body, including the nervous system. Enemas also stimulate liver function. Experiments have shown that after a coffee enema, the flow of bile, which is an important outlet for toxins, is increased.

The effectiveness of enemas will be enhanced if other measures are taken too. For details of the right foods to eat, helpful supplements such as probiotics, herbs, flower essences and skin brushing, ask for our Colon Cleansing information leaflet at only £1. Home enema kits, organic coffee and enema herbs are available from Archturus.

Allow plenty of time and ensure you won�t be interrupted. The best time for an enema is first thing in the morning, ideally after a bowel movement.

1. Prepare your chosen enema fluid (this can be done the night before).

2. Fill the enema bag with fluid (which should be at body temperature so top up with a little pure hot water if necessary) and hang at door handle height for optimum flow. Remove any air locks by releasing the tap. Lie down on your left hand side on a plastic sheet or towel, with your knees tucked up to your chest.

3. Lubricate the rectal area with olive or sesame oil if needed. Gently insert the tip of the enema tube into the rectum at an angle pointing towards the small of the back. Do not press the tip further than 3 inches into the rectum.

4. Release the tap partially and allow the liquid to flow slowly into the rectum. At first, it may be difficult to hold the enema, particularly if there is a build up of faeces in the bowel. In this case, take in small amount of fluid only and release into the toilet before resuming.

5. Aim to retain the enema for 15 minutes. Retention is helped by lying on the right side and gently massaging the abdomen in an anticlockwise direction. Cover yourself with a blanket if needed to keep warm. If you persistently feel the urge to void the enema after a short time, try doing two consecutive enemas, the first being pure water only.

6. Remove the enema tip, get up slowly and release whilst sitting on the toilet. Rest for at least 5 minutes.

Your enema kit should only be used by yourself and can be sterilised in boiling water with a few drops of tea tree oil added.

WATER – Use a litre of pure bottled water (never use tap water due to chlorine content). Useful when first trying an enema or as a preliminary wash out enema before taking a second enema of coffee or herbs.

HERBAL – A blend of burdock root, chamomile, red clover and raspberry leaf is a good detoxifying and calming enema. Pour a litre of boiling water onto 4 rounded teaspoons of the herbs, infuse for 15 minutes and strain. A ready blended mix is available from Archturus.

COFFEE – Coffee enemas are occasionally used as part of a specific and intensive detoxification regime under the guidance of a practitioner, for chronic illness. Take 3 rounded dessertspoons of organic ground coffee (the more finely ground the better) and add to one litre of bottled water. Boil for 3 minutes and simmer for a further 20 minutes. Strain, using a fine sieve, and make up the liquid to one litre by adding more water if necessary.

Always consult your healthcare adviser before embarking on an enema programme. Contraindicated in pregnancy and certain bowel conditions.