Methods of Body Cleansing
Cleansing the body. Main approaches and methods.
It is known that skin cells are replaced every 5-6 months, hair every 3 years. The cells of the intestine, as a structure that operates at full capacity, are replaced at a rate of 1 million cells per minute.
In just one year of life, we wear out the intestine more than 30 times, or in other words: it changes on average every 8-10 days.
That is why maintaining the intestine in good working condition is so important for the body. This prevents body intoxication, which is often one of the causes of various diseases.
Cleansing the body, along with normalizing the diet, is often the first step on the path to recovery, rejuvenation, and weight loss.
Through body cleansing and a subsequent reasonable attitude towards our health, we restore the disrupted harmonious metabolic balance both within the body and with the external environment.
To date, specialists have differing opinions on the necessity of body cleansing and methods of detoxification.
Most medical professionals conclude that the cleansing of the human body from toxic products should occur naturally to avoid disrupting the balance of its internal environment. In light of this, rough cleansing methods are not welcomed, and it is recommended to simply assist your body by gently stimulating it.
If you have decided to engage in body cleansing, you should start with the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the intestine. This is necessary because the intestine is the factory where active primary processing of all incoming “raw materials” occurs and the removal of “waste products” takes place.
Despite the large number of diverse theories about the onset of diseases, the fundamental cause of almost all diseases is disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a complex “production” for grinding, processing, synthesizing, absorbing necessary substances for the body, and removing metabolic products. In each of its sections, like in a workshop (mouth, stomach, etc.), the process of food processing must be completed. The GIT is:
– 3/4 of all elements of the immune system responsible for “maintaining order” in the body;
– more than 20 of its own hormones, which affect the functioning of the entire hormonal system;
– more than 500 types of symbiotic (friendly) microorganisms that process, synthesize biologically active substances, and destroy harmful ones;
– a kind of root system, the functional state of which affects any process occurring in the body.
Unfortunately, the ecological situation today is such that every breath, every sip of water or food leads to the penetration of substances into the body that are not intended for it.
Toxic products for the body are:
– refined, fried foods, smoked products, for the processing of which a lot of oxygen is required, causing the body to constantly experience oxygen starvation;
– poorly chewed food, diluted during or immediately after eating with any liquid. The decrease in the concentration of digestive juices from the stomach, liver, and pancreas does not allow them to digest food properly, resulting in stagnation and decay, which is also a cause of diseases;
– preservatives; flavor enhancers; “natural-identical” flavorings; trans-isomers of fatty acids, which are abundantly found in many food products made from vegetable fats;
– transgenic products.
The accumulation of toxic products often becomes a catalyst for many negative, pathogenic processes in the human body. Cleansing the body is one of the methods for overall improvement of well-being, rejuvenation, and weight loss.
Disruption of GIT function is:
– weakening of the immune, hormonal, and enzymatic systems;
– replacement of normal microflora with pathological (dysbiosis, colitis, constipation, etc.);
– alteration of electrolyte balance (vitamins, micro- and macroelements), leading to disruption of metabolic processes (arthritis, osteochondrosis), blood circulation (atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, etc.);
– displacement and compression of all organs in the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic areas, leading to disruption of their functioning;
– stagnant phenomena in any section, especially the large intestine, lead to pathological processes in the organ projected on it.
9/10 of all diseases depend on the state of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly constipation, which we usually pay no attention to.
In order for defecation to be natural and regular, it is necessary to introduce cereals, black bread, and other grains, bran, and plenty of raw vegetables into the diet. They will restore strength to your intestinal muscles and enzymatic-absorptive capacity to the mucosa.
Laxatives should only be taken in the most extreme cases, as they dry out the mucosa of the intestine and cause cracks; it is better to use intestinal cleansing through an enema.
It is also worth noting that according to the teachings of Chinese medicine:
– the energy channel of the large intestine is most active from 5 to 7 a.m., and passive from 5 to 7 p.m.
Therefore, the best time for cleansing the large intestine is considered to be from 5 to 7 a.m. (at its peak activity).
The most common method of cleansing the intestine is performing enemas. The enema as a method of intestinal cleansing has been used since ancient times, but this method remains relevant today.
The so-called cleansing enema is the most popular, in which the lower sections of the large intestine are washed.
In official medicine, there is a widespread opinion that using an enema can wash away the protective intestinal mucus, which can disrupt the normal microflora of the intestine.
However, this only occurs with excessive use of this cleansing method (it is well known that moderation is necessary in everything: even eating regular bread can lead to intestinal twisting if an entire loaf is eaten at once!).
Periodic cleansing of the intestine using an enema or other methods will help eliminate toxins that suppress the growth of beneficial microflora, which often leads to the onset of dysbiosis.
Subsequent intake of probiotics
together with prebiotics
will normalize it.
Let’s consider the pros and cons of cleansing the intestine using an enema.
Cleansing the intestine using an enema – pros:
– accessibility of the method – cleansing the intestine with an enema is one of the most accessible procedures that can be easily performed at home;
– the effectiveness of the cleansing enema increases with the addition of herbal decoctions such as chamomile, St. John’s wort, sage;
– washing the lower sections of the intestine stimulates peristalsis, which helps eliminate constipation;
– cleansing the intestine of toxins, fecal stones, and pathogenic flora refreshes the complexion;
– serotonin released from the large intestine increases vitality – a pleasant feeling of lightness arises throughout the body (the intestine, along with the central nervous system, is one of the main sites of serotonin production, the “happiness hormone” in the body, and the primary source of serotonin in blood plasma. Moreover, serotonin in the large intestine is synthesized both by enterochromaffin cells of the intestine itself and by some species of beneficial symbiotic bacteria residing in the colon. The serotonin produced by the bacteria is absorbed by the cells of the large intestine’s mucosa, transmitted to enterochromaffin cells, “stored” in them in granule form, and gradually released into the blood).
Cleansing the intestine using an enema – cons:
– along with pathogenic microflora, beneficial microorganisms are washed away, which can lead to dysbiosis. But, as mentioned above, this danger arises with excessive enthusiasm for washing – everything is good in moderation;
– mechanical irritation of the anus can lead to exacerbation of hemorrhoids. To prevent this problem, the tip of the enema must be generously lubricated with vegetable oil;
– excessive use of enemas can lead to lethargy of the intestine – this is indeed true. Cleansing enemas are a radical measure and should be used in extreme cases when natural cleansing methods do not help.
Cleansing enemas are indicated:
– for persistent constipation;
– for poisoning, including chronic;
– before surgical intervention;
– before childbirth;
– before radiological examination of the abdominal organs (in this case, the enema is administered in the evening, and then in the morning the intestine is washed until the water is clear);
– when mood is low (to release the “happiness hormone” – serotonin. In this aspect, it is very important to use warm enemas, as heat in the large intestine, warming the large intestine, causes the release of serotonin from intracellular depots present in the enterochromaffin cells of the intestine into the blood, increasing the level of serotonin in blood plasma and simultaneously improving mood and well-being, lasting (less often) from several dozen minutes to (more often) 4–6 hours, often for the rest of the day.
Cleansing enemas are contraindicated:
– in case of diseases with high fever, severe headache, weakness, nausea, stomach upset, during exacerbation of chronic diseases;
– in heart and kidney failure, stage III hypertension, recently suffered heart attack or stroke;
– in the postoperative period;
– if there is suspicion of intestinal obstruction;
– if there are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding;
– if there are signs of acute inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity (peritonitis, appendicitis, etc.)
– in diseases of the large intestine, and in women – in case of vaginal prolapse;
– for women – during pregnancy and breastfeeding, during menstruation.
For an enema, you need an Esmarch cup, or a combined heating pad, or a large syringe (many doctors believe that a syringe should not be used as an enema).
Various positions are used: lying on the left or right side with knees drawn up to the abdomen; squatting; standing, bent over with hands on knees; kneeling with elbows supported; lying on the back.
The best time for a cleansing enema is 5–7 a.m., it can also be done at 8–9 p.m.
A cleansing cycle of 4 enemas (one enema per week) can be conducted at the beginning of autumn (the large intestine is biochemically active in autumn).
To 2 liters of warm boiled water, add a tablespoon of lemon juice (or 4–6% apple cider vinegar, or juice from any sour fruits, or sour brine from sauerkraut). N. Walker believed that an acidic solution is necessary to normalize the acid-base balance of the intestine, as putrefactive and fermentative processes occur in a slightly alkaline environment.
Pour the solution into the Esmarch cup, hang it at a height of 1.5 m. Remove the tip from the tube, dip it in vegetable oil. Take a knee-elbow position, with the pelvis higher than the shoulders. Insert the tube into the large intestine as deeply as possible, 25–50 cm, but initially 5–10 cm is sufficient. Breathe through the mouth, relax the abdomen. It is preferable to perform the procedure after defecation.
A special yoga exercise will help physically prepared individuals hold the water longer after the liquid is introduced, making the cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract more effective. This exercise is abdominal contraction, or uddiyana bandha. It is regarded by yogis as one of the exercises that positively affect not only physical but also mental development.
Stand upright, feet shoulder-width apart. Take a deep breath, then exhale forcefully. Hold your breath, tense your abdominal muscles, and energetically pull in your stomach so that a depression forms under your ribs. Place your hands on your thighs, slightly bend your legs, and lean your torso forward without bending. At this point, the diaphragm will easily rise. Stay in this position, not breathing, for as long as possible. Then relax, stand upright, and resume breathing.
Starting with 1–2 times, gradually increase the number of repetitions of the exercise to 7 times.
To wash the intestine, it is also recommended to drink several glasses of room temperature salted water and perform the indicated maneuvers alternately in standing, sitting, lying on the left side, on the back, on the right side, on all fours, which will ensure good washing of different sections of the digestive tract with water.
When water enters the intestine, pain often occurs, which is quite natural, as the accumulation of gases and fecal matter in the intestine causes tension in its walls, spasms, and unpleasant sensations. With a relatively clean large intestine, pain is hardly felt, and the enema procedure becomes easy.
In some cases (in constipation, prostatitis), the use of microenemas may be beneficial. Unlike cleansing enemas, which are performed with a large volume of water (1.5–2 liters), the volume of microenemas ranges from 50 to 200 ml. For correcting pathological conditions, microenemas are widely used in Indian folk medicine (Ayurveda) and in Tibet.
In laxative enemas, solutions of salts, vegetable, or petroleum jelly oil are used.
Salts (table, sea, Karlovy Vary) are introduced as 10–15% warm solutions (40°C) in an amount of 100–200 ml using a rubber bulb or syringe through a soft rubber catheter. The liquid should be retained for 20–30 minutes. Oil acts gently, laxatively, softening fecal matter, eliminating spasms of the large intestine, normalizing its peristalsis, and lubricating the wall of the intestine without causing irritation.
For laxative microenemas, 10 ml of glycerin is also used, which is introduced through a catheter.
In Ayurvedic treatises, honey and coffee enemas are recommended for cleansing the intestine.
Dissolve a tablespoon of honey in a glass of room temperature water, add a tablespoon of lemon juice. Introduce the liquid into the intestine and hold for 10–15 minutes.
In 200 ml of boiling water, place 3 tablespoons of ground (but not instant) coffee, boil for 3 minutes, and then keep on low heat for 12 minutes. Strain and cool to room temperature. The conditions for use are the same.
The secret of coffee’s action lies in the fact that when introduced through the intestine, it does not harm the nervous system but perfectly activates the mucous membrane of the large intestine and helps eliminate toxic substances from it, as well as positively affecting the liver, gallbladder, and adrenal glands. This enema also helps overcome an impending cold.
(with extracts of medicinal plants)
1. Oak bark – 20 g in 200 ml of water, boil for 30 minutes, infuse for 30 minutes, strain. Used 70-100 g for one microenema.
Used in cases of pronounced inflammatory processes. The decoction has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent effects.
2. St. John’s wort herb – 1 tablespoon in 200 ml of water, boil in a water bath for 30 minutes, infuse for 30 minutes, strain. 70-100 g for one microenema.
Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
3. Yarrow herb – 1 tablespoon in 200 ml of water, boil in a water bath for 30 minutes, infuse for 30 minutes, strain. 70-100 g for one microenema.
Has hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects. May also be prescribed for erosive ulcerative proctosigmoiditis, proctitis.
4. Thyme herb – 1 tablespoon in 200 ml of water, boil in a water bath for 30 minutes, infuse for 30 minutes, strain. 70-100 g for one microenema.
Has antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Chamomile flowers – 2 tablespoons in 200 ml of water, boil in a water bath for 30 minutes, infuse for 30 minutes, strain. 70-100 g for one microenema.
Has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and analgesic effects.
Some folk methods of body cleansing can also be recommended.
For example, cleansing the body with rice helps eliminate toxins, heavy metal salts, and excess fluid. This simple method is good for those who have problems with excess weight and swelling. The maximum duration of its use should not exceed seven days.
Method of cleansing: take 3 tablespoons of unrefined brown rice and boil it until semi-cooked. Pre-drink 250 ml of water about 30 minutes beforehand, and then eat a little rice. After that, nothing can be consumed for four hours.
Another effective method of cleansing is cleansing the body with apple cider vinegar. This product contains many beneficial organic acids and trace elements that are important participants in metabolic processes, and proper metabolism is a barrier to the formation of harmful metabolic products that poison the body.
Method of cleansing: it is best to take apple cider vinegar with unsweetened tea (it can be with honey). The amount of vinegar is 1–2 teaspoons, taken 3 times a day. The duration of continuous cleansing with this method should not exceed 1 month, followed by a necessary break.
This method should not be used by patients with increased acidity of gastric juice, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastritis, as well as several other gastrointestinal pathologies, so if you have such problems, be sure to consult a doctor before starting treatment.
And remember: before deciding on body cleansing with folk remedies or methods, it is essential to consult specialists, or better yet – undergo a thorough examination at the nearest clinic or medical center.
Wishing you health!