Methods of detoxification
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; in other words, it changes on average every 8-10 days.
This is why maintaining the intestine in good working order is so important for the body. It 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.
Thanks to body cleansing and a subsequent sensible attitude towards our health, we restore the disturbed harmonious metabolic balance both within the body and with the external environment.
Today, opinions among specialists about the necessity of body cleansing and methods of cleansing are quite heterogeneous.
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; rather, it is recommended to simply help your body by gently stimulating it.
If you have decided to engage in body cleansing, you should start with the gastrointestinal tract, specifically with the intestine. This is necessary because the intestine is the factory where active primary processing of all incoming “raw materials” from the outside occurs, as well as the removal of “waste products.”
Despite the large number of various theories regarding the onset of diseases, the fundamental cause of almost all diseases is a disruption in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a complex “production” for crushing, 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, on which the entire hormonal system depends;
– more than 500 species of symbiotic (friendly) microorganisms that process, synthesize biologically active substances, and destroy harmful ones;
– a kind of root system, the functional state of which depends on 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 needed, causing the body to constantly experience oxygen starvation;
– poorly chewed food, diluted during or immediately after eating with any liquid. The reduction in the concentration of digestive juices from the stomach, liver, and pancreas does not allow them to properly digest food to the end, resulting in it remaining, rotting, which is also a cause of diseases;
– preservatives; flavor enhancers; flavorings “identical to natural”; trans-isomers of fatty acids, which are found in excess in many food products in the composition of 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.);
– changes in electrolyte balance (vitamins, micro- and macroelements), leading to disruptions in 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 dysfunction;
– 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 is usually overlooked.
To ensure that defecation is natural and regular, it is necessary to include cereals, black bread, and other grains, bran, and plenty of raw vegetables in 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 of constipation, as they dry out the intestinal mucosa and can cause fissures – it is better to use bowel cleansing with an enema.
It is also worth noting that according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:
– the energy channel of the large intestine is most active from 5 to 7 AM, and passive from 5 to 7 PM.
Therefore, the best time for cleansing the large intestine is considered to be from 5 to 7 AM (at its peak activity).
The most common method of cleansing the intestines is performing enemas. The enema as a method of intestinal cleansing has been used since ancient times, but this method remains relevant today.
The most popular is the so-called cleansing enema, which rinses the lower sections of the large intestine.
In official medicine, it is quite common to believe that using an enema can lead to the extinction of protective intestinal mucus, disrupting the normal intestinal microflora.
However, this occurs only with excessive use of this cleansing method (as it is well known that moderation is necessary in everything: even the consumption of regular bread can lead to intestinal volvulus if an entire loaf is eaten at once!).
Periodic cleansing of the intestines using an enema or other methods will help eliminate toxins that suppress the growth of beneficial microflora, often leading to dysbiosis.
Further intake of probiotics together with prebiotics will normalize it.
Let’s consider the pros and cons of cleansing the intestines using an enema.
Cleansing the intestines using an enema – pros:
– availability of the method – cleansing the intestines with an enema is one of the most accessible procedures that can be easily performed at home;
– the effectiveness of the cleansing enema increases when adding herbal infusions – chamomile, St. John’s wort, sage;
– rinsing the lower sections of the intestines stimulates peristalsis, helping to relieve constipation;
– cleansing the intestines of toxins, fecal stones, and pathogenic flora refreshes the complexion;
– serotonin released from the large intestine leads to an increase in 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 in general, 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 large intestine. The serotonin produced by bacteria is absorbed by the cells of the large intestine mucosa, transmitted to enterochromaffin cells, “stored” in them as granules, and gradually released into the blood).
Cleansing the intestines using an enema – cons:
– along with pathogenic microflora, beneficial microorganisms are washed out, which can lead to dysbiosis. But, as mentioned above, this danger arises with excessive cleansing – everything should be done in moderation;
– mechanical irritation of the anus can lead to exacerbation of hemorrhoids. To prevent this problem, the enema tip should be generously lubricated with vegetable oil;
– overuse of enemas can lead to intestinal atony – this is indeed the case. Cleansing enemas are a radical measure and should be used in extreme cases when natural cleansing methods fail.
Cleansing enemas are indicated:
– in case of persistent constipation;
– in cases of poisoning, including chronic ones;
– before surgical interventions;
– 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 intestines are rinsed until clear water);
– in cases of low mood (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, which lasts (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 headaches, weakness, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, during exacerbation of chronic diseases;
– in cases of heart and kidney failure, stage III hypertension, recently suffered heart attack or stroke;
– in the postoperative period;
– if there is a 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 cases of vaginal prolapse;
– in women – during pregnancy and breastfeeding, during menstruation.
For the enema, an Esmarch cup, a combined heating pad, or a large syringe is needed (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 to the abdomen; squatting; standing, bent over with palms resting on the knees; kneeling with elbows resting on the floor; lying on the back.
The best time for a cleansing enema is from 5 to 7 AM, it can also be done at 8–9 PM.
A cleansing cycle of 4 enemas (one enema per week) can be performed at the beginning of autumn (the large intestine is biochemically active in autumn).
Add a tablespoon of lemon juice (or 4–6% apple cider vinegar, or juice from any sour fruits, or sour brine from fermented cabbage) to 2 liters of warm boiled water. N. Walker believed that the 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 advisable to perform the procedure after defecation.
A special yoga exercise will help physically prepared individuals hold the water longer after introducing the liquid, making the gastrointestinal tract cleansing more effective. This exercise is abdominal contraction, or uddiyana bandha. It is considered by yogis as one of the exercises that positively influence not only physical but also mental development of a person.
Stand straight, 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 hips, 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 straight, and resume breathing.
Start with 1–2 times, gradually increasing the number of repetitions of the exercise to 7 times.
To facilitate intestinal rinsing, it is also recommended to drink several glasses of salted water at room temperature and perform the indicated maneuvers in succession while standing, sitting, lying on the left side, on the back, on the right side, and on all fours, which will ensure good rinsing of various sections of the digestive tract with water.
When water enters the intestine, pain often occurs, which is quite natural, as the accumulation of gas and fecal matter in the intestine causes tension in its walls, spasms, and discomfort. 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 can 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. Microenemas are quite 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 salt, sea salt, Karlovy Vary salt) are introduced in the form of 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, softening the fecal masses, eliminating spasms of the colon, normalizing its peristalsis, and lubricating the intestinal wall without causing irritation.
For laxative microenemas, 10 ml of glycerin is also used, which is introduced through a catheter.
In Ayurvedic texts, honey and coffee enemas are recommended for cleansing the intestines.
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 retain for 10–15 minutes.
In 200 ml of boiling water, immerse 3 tablespoons of ground (but not instant) coffee, boil for 3 minutes, then keep on low heat for 12 minutes. Strain and cool to room temperature. The conditions of use are the same.
The secret of coffee’s effect lies in the fact that when introduced through the intestine, it does not have a harmful effect on the nervous system, but perfectly activates the mucous membrane of the colon and helps eliminate toxic substances from it, in addition to positively affecting the liver, gallbladder, and adrenal glands. Such an enema helps overcome an impending cold.
(with extracts of medicinal plants)
1. Oak bark – 20 g per 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 per 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 per 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. Can also be prescribed for erosive ulcerative proctosigmoiditis and proctitis.
4. Thyme herb – 1 tablespoon per 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 per 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 cleansing the body 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 implementation should not exceed seven days.
The method of cleansing: take 3 tablespoons of unrefined brown rice and boil it to a semi-cooked state. In advance, about 30 minutes before, drink 250 ml of water, and then eat a little rice. After that, for four hours, nothing can be consumed as food and no drinking is allowed.
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.
The method of cleansing: it is best to take apple cider vinegar together with unsweetened tea (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, after which a break is necessary.
This method should not be used by patients with increased acidity of gastric juice, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastritis, as well as a number of other gastrointestinal tract pathologies, so if you have such problems, be sure to consult a doctor before starting treatment.
And remember: before deciding to cleanse the body with folk remedies or methods, it is necessary to consult specialists, and preferably undergo an examination at the nearest clinic or medical center.
Wishing you health!