There’s many methods that we use to gently detox our bodies from toxins. This series explores each of them. We’ve explored oil pulling, the taking of detox baths and responsible sunbathing. Today, we'll discuss gentle detox methods with enemas.

Why do we detox?

Detoxing helps our liver, lungs and other detox organs. These are part of system that helps process toxins out of our bodies. In the simplest terms, toxins are anything that are not helpful to the body at that time. Gentle detoxing can have an effect on symptoms which are triggered by inflammation, like allergic reactions, headaches, negative emotions, and exhaustion.

What is an enema?

Although we in the developed Western world seem have developed an aversion to enemas, it is a normal household practice in most cultures. Enemas can be helpful to relieve constipation and decrease the amount of toxins hanging around in the colon, which often cause toxic symptoms.

What are Toxic Symptoms?

There are many "toxic symptoms," including anxiety, brain fog, restlessness, racing mind, vivid dreaming, restless leg syndrome, tinnitus, itching, dry skin patches, depression, headaches, nausea, and more. These symptoms are simply a result of inflammation and irritations caused by toxins attacking the body and its tissues.

Some people find that enemas quickly remove their toxic symptoms, especially ones related to emotions and mood, as there are as many (if not more) receptor sites for various neurotransmitters in the abdomen as there are in the brain. The toxins can irritate these receptor sites and cause increasingly worsening symptoms. The severity of these symptoms can be monitored, and an enema performed when they feel the need to detox. Using enemas like this is very useful, showing that enemas can be used for more than just stubborn cases of constipation.

How do I prepare water for an enema?

First, you can use warm to hot water (103 degrees or less, as comfortable.) If your water is too hot it will be difficult to hold your bolus in. If you water is too cold you can shock your intestines and get painful cramps. Make sure you use filtered and dechlorinated water to ﬁll the bag or bucket. Add a pinch of sea salt and baking soda to balance your electrolytes, especially if you are doing frequent enemas. I also recommended stirring in some type of probiotic into the water. You can empty a probiotic capsule directly into the water or add a tablespoon of raw cultured dairy product.

How do I do an enema at home?

First, it is important to be warm, comfortable and relaxed. You can perform your enemas in a bathtub lined with towels or on the floor with a few towels underneath. The main thing is that you are not worried about any leakage so that it doesn't hinder your relaxation and benefit.

Bring everything you need with you, including some form of entertainment if you get impatient (although this is a great time to breathe, relax quietly and meditate. It's not necessary to be fully undressed; you can wear a shirt and socks to help you stay warm and comfortable. You can also bring a towel or blanket to cover any exposed skin to keep warm.

Fill your enema bucket or bag. If you're following your cleansing enema with a coffee enema, make sure you bring the coffee already prepared into the room with you.

Before inserting the tube, make sure you open the stopcock to remove the air from the tubing. For a natural lubricant on the nozzle tip, use coconut oil or sour cream. During the enema, you can lie on your side or in child's pose. Some people find that leaving the stopcock open during the procedure can be helpful, it allows the gas to escape and they are able to hold the bolus for longer. This only works, however, if you have used all the water in the bag.

For your initial bolus, you might find that the amount of water you can insert is smaller due to the amount of stool in your rectum initially. Hold each bolus for 5-20 minutes, or as long as you can (the first time may be shorter). Empty your bowels into the toilet, then reinsert the tube and insert another bolus. You should be able to insert more fluid and hold it in longer the second and third times. After the bolus is in, change positions as needed to maintain comfort and allow for higher cleaning of your colon. Your cleansing enema is done when the water released into the toilet is basically clear, or after 4 boluses maximum.

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What do I do after an enema?

After completing your enema, you should do whatever your body wants. Sometimes this might be laying down and resting. Or you might want to eat, or drink water or tea. The most important thing is to keep your abdomen and yourself warm during and after the procedure. Finally, as with every detox method, it's best to do an enema at a time you are able to rest for a while afterwards.

And as in everything, it is important to learn and listen to your body.

Can children do enemas?

Yes, enemas are safe for children, with the exception of coffee enemas. The amount of enema bolus inserted for children is less than for an adult, and is determined by the size of the child, likely be between 50-500 milliliters per bolus.

Discuss with your practitioner before attempting an enema on a child. Pay attention to your child as you insert the liquid, and do not push past their discomfort. You will quickly learn the appropriate amount for your child.

If you have a small child, it is recommended to use an enema bulb rather than a bucket, to better control the amount of ﬂuid that is inserted.

Children need to feel safe and secure during the enema, and many parents swaddle their children, which also prevents quick movements that could cause damage. Putting on a video for them also helps them have a pleasant experience during the enema. As long as they are not taught to fear it, and it does not hurt, children usually do not mind enemas. And if they are suffering from toxic symptoms, they may even look forward to them because of the relief they bring.