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COLON CLEANSING

Speak with your Doctor or an experienced practitioner of complementary medicine before carrying out this cleanse to ensure that it is suitable for you.

This article is not for the squeamish. You may not wish to know what you're about to read, but never mind, I think you should read it anyway!!

Extract from "The Definitive Cure of Chronic Constipation", by Prof. A. Ehret:

"A physician of Berlin, whose life work was the performing of autopsies, stated that 60 per cent of all the corpses contained in the alimentary canal various foreign matter - worms and petrified faeces - and he further stated that in nearly all cases the walls of the intestines and colon were lined with a crust of hardened faeces, making it evident that these organs had degenerated to a state of utter inefficiency. Progressive American physicians are rapidly awakening to the fact that retained faecal matter is one of the chief causes of disease.

Autopsies are constantly revealing indescribable filthy astounding conditions. One physician publishes the following:

" 'I have found a prototype of the cause of all diseases of the human body, the foundation of premature old age and death. Surprising as it may seem, out of two hundred and eighty-four cases of autopsy held, but twenty-eight colons were found to be free from hardened faeces and in a normal and healthy state. The others, as described above, were to a more or less extent incrusted with hardened, rotten, rejected food material. Many were distended to twice their natural size throughout their whole length with a small hole through the center and almost universally these last cases mentioned had regular bowel evacuations daily. Some of them contained large worms from four to six inches in length."

When the bowels become constipated or overloaded, there is an increase of load on the other eliminative organs. Often they cannot handle it properly and then the body stores the toxins in places such as fat cells and joints. If bowels do not function as they should, the liquid waste from the delayed faecal material must be reabsorbed into the body. It is picked up by the blood stream, carried through the circulation system, and brought to kidneys, skin and lungs. The kidneys, faced with having to remove an extra load of liquid wastes or poisons from the blood stream, day after day and month after month, may enlarge. Frequency of urination increases. There is a strong urine odour. The overload can bring about a lowered resistance to infection.

The skin tries hard to do its part and the sweat and sebaceous glands work overtime. But they are not up to the task. They soon cease to function properly. Finally, the lungs. These have a minute-to-minute vital function to perform. The body often calls upon the lungs to shoulder the overload of the other organs of elimination. The lungs are busy ridding the blood of carbon dioxide and renewing it with oxygen for every cell in the body. Yet when the lungs must take over part of the bowel job the breath becomes unpleasant.

The Benefits of Colon Cleansing

The accumulation of old faeces in the colon can stretch it and related body structures out of shape until it becomes three or four times as wide and twice as long as it should be, with only a small channel through which material may pass.

This can create hernias, collapsed colon, spastic colon, prolapsed colon, redundant colon, diverticulitis and haemorrhoids. In the majority of cases, colon cleansing alone will be sufficient to end any disturbing symptoms due to mechanical abnormalities (Robert Gray).

The accumulation of mucoid material along the walls of the small intestines can further interfere with nutrient absorption even though nutritional intake may be adequate. The nutrients that suffer the most are the large molecules, namely the proteins, vitamins and enzymes.

Stagnation is the failure of matter in the alimentary canal to continue moving until expelled through the anus. When material becomes lodged in the alimentary tract, it can continue to putrefy and release toxins for weeks. Stagnation occurs primarily in the colon and is usually the body's largest contributor to putrefaction and the consequent autointoxication. The primary objective of colon cleansing is to remove stagnant material from the colon and entire alimentary tract. Doing so will sizeably reduce putrefaction and autointoxication within the system. The stagnant material in the alimentary tract can be divided into two types - putrefactive and postputrefactive. Putrefactive matter is still moist, decaying, and releasing toxic substances. Unless removed it eventually becomes so dry and hard that it does not putrefy any further. This postputrefactive matter is very difficult to dissolve or remove, except with special herbs and fibres. Worms, amoebas and other parasites live in and thrive upon this stagnant putrefactive matter.

Transit time is how long it takes after food is eaten until its residues are expelled through the anus. The shorter the transit time, the less the food will putrefy before being expelled from the body, and the less will be the resultant autointoxication. Colon cleansing reduces transit time.

Lymph Detoxification

When waste material leaves the body cells, it is carried away by the two circulating body fluids, namely, the blood and the lymph. The lymph is formed out of the blood but contains no red blood cells. Because the lymphatic system carries away toxins from all body cells its proper functioning is important to the health of the entire body. When too much mucoid material is produced in the body, the lymph cannot dispose of it fast enough and it builds up. Ancient Chinese medicine teaches that the colon is the principal organ for detoxifying the lymph.

An unobstructed colon will absorb the mucoid material in the lymph through its walls into its interior. As the walls of the colon become more obstructed with linings of faecal deposits, however, its ability to detoxify the lymph decreases and the accumulation of mucoid matter begins to back up into the lymphatic system. When the colon cannot perform the necessary rate of purification of the lymph, then the body uses the liver to do the work instead. The toxins taken up by the liver are excreted as part of the bile. When the flow of bile becomes excessive, bile backs up into the stomach, and the result is nausea. So, when the colon becomes clogged, waste material gets backed up into the lymphatic system. As this process continues, waste material backs up into the body tissues and disease can result. This process can affect any body part because the lymphatic system serves all body cells.

What can be done?

1. Skin brushing
2. Cleansing diet (or fasting)
3. Special fibres, herbs, and acidophilus and bifidus bacteria
4. Enemas or colonic irrigation treatments

Skin brushing

As the largest eliminative organ, the skin plays a vital role in ridding the body of toxins and impurities that are potential sources of illness. It has been estimated that the skin eliminates over one pound of waste per day. For this reason daily skin brushing would normally go hand in hand with an internal cleansing programme.

Skin brushing is one of the most powerful ways to cleanse the lymphatic system. Waste material is carried away from the cells by the blood and lymph. Skin brushing stimulates the release of this material from the cells near the surface of the body. Eventually most of the toxins along with their carrier cells, primarily lymphocytes, find their way to the colon. It also stimulates the sweat glands and increases blood circulation to underlying organs and tissues in the body. Today, a sedentary lifestyle and general lack of exercise, along with the common use of anti-perspirant, keep people from perspiring enough. As a result, toxins and metabolic waste are not released through sweat as they were intended, but instead, back up into the body. Skin brushing opens up the pores, allowing the body to breathe and thus enhances proper functioning of the organs.

Purchase a natural bristle brush from a health food store and brush the skin daily BEFORE bath or shower. That is, use a dry brush on dry skin, and then wash. Five minutes per day is ample, brushing in long stroking movements, always in the direction of the heart.

7-day COLON CLEANSING PLAN

This cleanse has been adapted from 'Tissue Cleansing through bowel management' by Bernard Jensen DC. Thanks also go to Peter and Angela Bradbury, Iridologists and naturopaths of Pimlico, London, who first encouraged me many years ago to try a version of the 7-day cleanse myself.

It is strongly advised that you consult a qualified nutritionist or naturopath before embarking on this cleanse, so that you can be advised and supported through it. Please do not carry out this cleansing without qualified supervision - do the more gentle 4-week cleanse mentioned later, instead.

Recipe for 2-part cleansing drink:

Part 1:

2 oz freshly pressed apple juice (not from concentrate)
8 oz spring water
1 tablespoon Bentonite clay liquid (see below)
Level teaspoon Colofibre (Higher Nature)
(mix quickly and drink quickly - mixture thickens)

Follow immediately with:

Part 2:

10 oz spring water
1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 teaspoon honey

Fasting Regime - Days 1-7

Night before day 1 : Drink one mug of herbal laxative tea at bedtime.

7.00 a.m. 2-part cleansing drink, as above

7.30 a.m. Coffee enema

8.30 a.m.

(Click on the supplement below to go there.)

10.00 a.m. 2-part cleansing drink, as above

11.30 a.m. Supplements, as above, with herb tea or vegetable juice. (no Liver Support this time)

1.00 p.m. 2-part cleansing drink

2.30 p.m. Supplements, as above, with herb tea or vegetable juice. (no Liver Support this time)

4.00 p.m. 2-part cleansing drink

5.30 p.m. Supplements, as above, with herb tea or vegetable juice. One teaspoon of crushed linseeds (flaxseed - Higher Nature). (no Liver Support this time)

7.00 p.m. 2-part cleansing drink

7.30 p.m. Enema

9.00 p.m. Herb tea with one food form calcium and magnesium tablet
(Higher Nature)

9.30 p.m. Bedtime

Supplements: (Click on the supplement to go there.)

Bentonite Clay is available from:

The Herbal Apothecary, 103 High Street, Syston, Leicester, LE7 1GQ, United Kingdom. Telephone: 0116 2602690 Fax: 0116 2602757

Enema Bags are available from:

Archturus Healthlink Limited, Strathenry House, Leslie, Fife, Scotland, KY6 3HY
United Kingdom
Tel: 01592 620865 Fax: 01592 620965

Instructions for carrying out the 7-day cleanse

The night before first day, take one mug of laxative tea at bedtime.

Begin each day with skin brushing 3-5 minutes.

Take coffee enema days 1-7, twice a day: 7.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.

Many ingredients can be added to enema water to increase the effectiveness in some specific manner. Coffee enemas help detoxify the liver. Linseed enemas relieve inflammation of the bowel. Bentonite clay water added to the enema assists in absorbing and mobilizing toxins from the bowel wall. Chamomile and Slippery Elm are soothing.

During the 7 days NO SOLID FOODS whatsoever are to be taken, nor any prune juice, tomato juice, V-8, apricot or peach juices. Hunger is NOT experienced as Colofibre and apple juices assuage the appetite and apple juice keeps the blood sugar steady. More liquid than suggested may be taken, but will probably not be wanted. Speak with your Doctor or an experienced practitioner of complementary medicine before carrying out this cleanse to ensure that it is suitable for you.

FIRST THING, ON DAY ONE, prepare the Bentonite clay liquid by mixing a level tablespoon of Bentonite powder with cold water until it reaches the consistency of single cream. It's easiest to use a hand blender. Once prepared, this mixture is enough for about two days and should be kept at room temperature.

DO NOT SKIP THE ENEMAS as they are necessary to avoid a toxic reaction and to achieve the desired elimination. Sit on the toilet for a good fifteen minutes once elimination starts, as the colon can hold on to some of the coffee/water for longer than imagined.

MASSAGE THE COLON DURING ELIMINATION - anti-clockwise. (Clockwise towards the end to ensure all liquid has been eliminated).

MOVE AROUND with gentle exercise, such as yoga or gentle walking in the park. This will help the lymphatic system to cleanse the body.

On the 8th day, stop the enemas, unless you feel you need one.

On the 8th day start a course of HUMAN CULTURED ACIDOPHILUS AND BIFIDUS (Bio-Acidophilus from BioCare) in order to build up the friendly bacteria washed out by the enemas.

On the 8th day, DO NOT eat any junk foods or processed foods. Only eat small amounts of fruits (e.g. stewed apple is good) and vegetables.

From the 8th day onwards, continue with the following supplements, twice a day with food: (Click on the supplement to go there.)

On the 8th day to 30th day, have one 2-part cleansing drink per day.

On the 9th day, continue with fruits and vegetables, and introduce some protein, such as cottage cheese made from sheep or goats milk (see recipes), almond or hazelnut or cashew nut butter, a little white fish.

Drink at least one-and-a-half litres of clean water per day, at room temperature or warmer.

Wise eating habits are thus gradually resumed. Continue to avoid mucous producing foods, such as bread, refined flour foods, sugar, cows milk produce, processed and junk foods, excess meat, etc.

Periodic enemas and continuation with the natural colonic support should be maintained until 2 HEALTHY BOWEL MOVEMENTS DAILY are achieved. Then such treatments can be reduced according to one's needs.

Continue with acidophilus and bifidus bacteria for several months, and periodically thereafter.

In order to see for yourself the amazing amounts of hard, encrusted, black faecal matter, green mucous and rubbery strips of impacted waste products extracted from the colon wall during this cleanse, it is 'interesting' to place a colander in the toilet. The fresh waste and fibres will simply drain through the holes, leaving the ancient waste as a testimony of the morbid, putrid accumulations.

Introducing Food after the Tissue Cleansing Treatment

FIRST DAY

Breakfast: Shredded carrots, slightly wilted, or stewed apple.
Lunch : Large salad; sheep or goats yoghurt.
Dinner: Large salad; one steamed vegetable.

SECOND DAY

Breakfast: Fresh fruit or dried fruit, revived.
Millet, brown rice, corn or buckwheat cereal (no sugar).
Lunch: Large salad; one steamed vegetable; yoghurt or cottage cheese made
from sheep or goats yoghurt. (recipe below)
Dinner: Large salad; one steamed vegetable; a little white fish.

· Eat lightly, slowly and chew well.
· Herb and fruit teas and vegetable juices are allowed between meals, as desired.
· Drink at least one-and-a-half litres of clean water per day, at room temperature or warmer.

THIRD DAY

Resume regular 'clean' diet.

Further 'Cleansing Diet' Ideas:

Breakfast

Reconstituted dried apricots (unsulphured), peaches, figs, prunes, etc.
Fresh fruits, especially figs. Low fat, low salt cottage cheese.

Recipe: Heat goats or sheep milk until almost boiled, add juice of half a lemon,
stir briskly, leave whey to collect on top and curd will settle on bottom.
Strain through sieve, add goats or sheep yoghurt and herbal
flavouring. Whey can be used separately.

Millet or oatmeal cereal (soaked in whey from above recipe), natural goat or sheep yoghurt.
Occasional poached or boiled egg.

Baked apple with organic raisins. Gluten-free muesli with whey or yoghurt and chopped almonds. Handful of sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

Lunch

Vegetable salad, baked potato, steamed vegetables, brown rice, millet, buckwheat, vegetable broth, corn on the cob, one slice pumpernickel bread with avocado or cottage cheese, baked peppers, home made soup, sprouted seeds, such as alfalfa.

Dinner

Salad, steamed vegetables, small omelette, vegetable soup or broth, cottage cheese, steamed or grilled fish.

Recommended Books

health book - Dr.Jensen's Guide to Better Bowel Care
health book - Urine Therapy: Nature's Elixir for Good Health
health book - Wild Blue-green Algae