What does it mean to be clean? Well, in todays’ society we usually think of being clean as showering, taking a bath or putting on fresh clothes. Being clean used to have a whole different meaning as far back as 1500 BC when the Egyptians were not only cleaning their external bodies but their internal bodies as well.
Early Proponents
Colon hydrotherapy, more simply known as an enema, originated with the Egyptians around 1500 BC. They partook in the cleansing activity at least several times a month. Enemas used to be such a normal part of life kings and queens would actually engage in the process discreetly while socializing. While most of us probably don’t want to take it that far, internal cleansing with enemas can be part of a regular health regime.
Over 2,000 years ago Hippocrates, the well-known Greek physician, affectionately known as the “Father of Medicine” and perhaps one of the first holistic practitioners, used enemas to treat fevers. His philosophy? Treat the whole body, not just the part that seems sick.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, best known for his societal contribution of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes®, advocated the use of enemas on a grand scale. The doctor used proper nutrition, physical activity and enemas to treat illnesses associated with the GI tract.
What, How and When?
What are enemas and how do they work to benefit our health?
Enemas use nature’s gift of pure, clean, (warm) water to gently fill the colon. The water stays put for a few minutes, facilitating the release of the mucoid plaque which lines our intestines. This plaque is indicative of all the toxins we have accumulated over the years. If you have ever seen an image of mucoid plaque it is a motivating sight. You will want to rid your body of this unsightly mass pretty quickly. In addition to its’ unappealing aesthetic properties the plaque inhibits the absorption of nutrients. No matter how well you might eat or how many nutrients you take in, if your body can’t absorb them they are completely useless.
When is a good time to cleanse? Internal cleansing can be done whenever you find your digestion is sluggish, e.g., constipation, feel a cold or congestion coming on or you are lethargic and bloated. Cleansing with an enema carries away toxins, especially when accompanied by fasting or a diet regime that releases toxins into your bloodstream.
You may be wondering if this is a safe process. Enemas only engage the sigmoid colon or the part of the large intestine closest to the rectum, making it a totally safe practice.
What Ails You?
Internal cleansing is credited with alleviating symptoms from too many ailments to possibly remember. They range from severe migraines to high blood pressure to colitis to lupus to uterine fibroids to diabetes.
Being unclean bogs us down emotionally, physically and spiritually. Imagine what you can accomplish when you are set free from the waste and toxins that have accumulated in your body over your lifetime.
Benefits
Your energy level will soar, your cells will come alive, the unwanted weight you’ve never been able to get rid of will go and your overall strength will improve. Cleansing is the best skincare program I know about too. Your complexion will shine and so will your eyes.
The Yoga Connection
“Walking is man’s best medicine.” Hippocrates prescription sounds like something from a modern-day healthcare provider. Clearly he advocated physical activity and exercise as a component of being healthy.
Where does the practice of yoga fit in to all this? In addition to all the other benefits derived from internal cleansing the ability to practice yoga more effectively is another one. Whether your yoga preference is Hatha, Iyengar, Kundalini, Astanga or power yoga, cleansing will help you push past what you thought were your body’s limits.
You are lighter, freer and stronger! You have extra endurance, strength and flexibility.
Do you suffer from arthritis? Inflammation of the joints has become a common ailment in today’s society, making even simple movements painful. This leads to inactivity and weight gain. Internal cleansing will release the calcium deposits on your joints making bending and stretching easier and more enjoyable. Your mobility will be greatly improved.
In fact, any sport will benefit from internal cleansing.
1-2-3 Clean!
The Egyptians and Hippocrates also practiced fasting along with the use of enemas, with the earliest records of fasting dating back 10,000 years.
The complete internal cleansing process involves fasting, detoxing and enemas. Fasting means no food, allowing your body and your digestion to take a well-deserved break. Detoxing utilizes psyllium fiber and bentonite. Psyllium pushes unwanted debris through and out, while bentonite takes on the toxins as if they were their very own with the enema completing the process. Cleansing the colon through the use of enemas, along with detoxing and fasting maximizes the benefits you will see and feel.
Hippocrates told us “Healing is a matter of time, but it is also a matter of opportunity.” If we take the time and the opportunities made available to us in the form of knowledge and professional support we will find renewed health. Internal cleansing leads to innate healing which frees the mind body and spirit. This enables the body to take its’ natural course and find health again.
