Safety Discussion Large Volume Enemas

Iwill probably be stirring up a hornet’s nest, but I feel that this is reallynecessary to shake so many people out of their complacency, when it comes toeffective cleansing of the average adult colon.

I amwell aware that it is fashionable to reject the claims that most adults havesome degree of impacted colon, which interfere with attempts to obtain optimumhealth. I am ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED that if someone was brave enough to conduct astudy, using patients who have been tested, and found to have peer-reviewedsqueaky-clean pink colons, that if they were then given a series of largevolume enemas, ending with from 4 quarts and up to a maximum of 6 quarts, thatmost of these patients would expel considerable foul-smelling faecal material. Ithink that most open-minded Medical experts would be ASTOUNDED by theseresults.

Isanyone willing to take up the challenge, preferably in the field ofGastroenterology, to disprove these claims. You might even face condemnationfrom the Medical establishment.

Therehave been just too many claims by Medical doctors 100 years ago, and also morerecently, by alternative therapists, to back up these facts. Here is some ofthe evidence which I have compiled over the last 15 years:-

[font=&quot]Anold test to detect impaction of the adult colon was by means of a large enemacan; if 6 quarts could be introduced, there was no impaction of the colon; ifless than 4 quarts could be introduced, there was some impaction of the colon.From Modern Surgery – J. De Costa - 1919 [/font]

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Many people suffering greatly from a cloggedcondition of the system still have a daily movement of the bowels; and having adaily movement, such persons usually have no idea that they are suffering fromretention of fecal matter, and from fermenting foods. In many such cases theintestines, and especially the colon, have adhering to their inner surfaceconsiderable quantities of old hardened feces, while yet there is a movementthrough the center of the bowel. The truth of this assertion may easily beproven by taking a large enema. Let the patient lie on the back, preferablywith the hips raised higher than the head, and inject two, or three, or ifpossible four quarts of warm water into the bowels. Let every effort be used toretain this water as long as possible; when it is released it will usuallycarry with it such an amount of fecal matter with an especially offensive odoras will convince even the most skeptical.

From HowNature Cures - E.Densmore M.D.- London 1891.

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Ithas been estimated that with the majority of people living in our so called“civilised life” nearly 70% suffer from constipation to a greater or lesserdegree. A well-known authority has said “Daily movements of the bowel are nosign that the colon is not impacted; in fact the worst cases of impaction thatwe ever saw were those in which daily movements of the bowels occurred.”

Dr.Turner conducted an extended series ofinvestigations with the startling result that he felt justified in claimingthat fully 70% of all adults are afflicted with impacted colons in variousdegrees. A Chicago physician in the “MedicalExaminer” says “The formation of cells or cavities in the colon become the seatof faecal accumulations only too often unnoticed by the physician”.

Accumulations can occur in any part of the colon.These cavities in the colon contain small faecal accumulations extending overweeks, months or even years. Reports from hospitals where autopsies areconducted show that in about 500 cases in which examinations of the colon havebeen made, about 50 were found to have colons in a natural condition. Themajority (90%) were found to be greatly clogged with hardened excrement. [/b]

From The Practical Water Cure - YogiRamacharaka. [This is the pen-name of a British Yoga Practitioner.]

ManyDoctors and Therapists of the past, have recognized the frequency of impactedmaterial in the colon, especially in those who are chronically constipated. It is usually not possible to remove all ofthis hardened material by a single large volume enema. Here are the recommendationsof Dr. Kellogg:-

The Copious Enema - Thepurpose of this mode of applying the enema is to introduce the largest quantityof water possible to fill the entire colon without overdistending it.[/i] [/b]Four tosix quarts (liters) are often used. Frequently quantities of old putrefying faecal masses, semi-hardened bylong retention, make their appearance after a copious enema has been thoroughlyadministered every day for a week or more, showing that a single flushing ofthe colon, no matter how thorough[/i][/b], is not sufficient to achieve effectivecleansing. In this class of patients the copious enema should be administereddaily for two or three weeks if necessary, while the patient complains ofgaseous distension of the bowels and fetid flatulence.

From Home Handbook of Domestic Hygiene and Rational Medicine -J.H.Kellogg M.D. 1903Hereis a recent observation from a Canadian Chiropracter:-

Mostpeople think they are not constipated because they have a bowel movement almostevery day, accomplished without straining. I have even had clients tell me thatthey have a bowel movement once a week and they are quite certain that they arenot constipated. The most surprising thing to novice fasters is that repeatedenemas or colonics during fasting begins to release many pounds of undeniablyreal, old, caked faecal matter and/or huge mucus strings. The first-time fastercan hardly believe these were present. These old faecal deposits will not allbe removed by the tenth enema. But over the course of extended fasting or a longspell of light raw food eating with repeated daily enemas, amazing changes dobegin to occur. It seems that no one who has eaten a civilized diet has escapedthe formation of caked deposits lining the colon’s walls, interfering with itsfunction. This material does not respond to laxatives or casually administeredenemas.

Whenincreasingly larger enemas are administered until the colon is nearly emptiedof fecal matter and the injection of close to a gallon of water is achieved,beneficial exercise and an increase in overall muscle tone are the results.Correctly given, enemas serve as strengthening exercises for the colon. Thislong tubular muscle is repeatedly and completelyfilled[/i], inducing it to vigorously exercise while evacuating itself mutipletimes. The result is a great increase in muscle tone, acceleration ofperistalsis and eventually, after several dozens of repetitions [of one enema aday for six months to a year], a considerable reduction of transit time. FromHow and When to Be Your Own Doctor - Dr. Isabelle A. Moser with Steve SolomonJune, 1997. (Dr Moser is a Canadian Chiropracter.)

Some colon therapists are reluctant to fillthe colon completely, because of the cramping and discomfort experienced by thepatient. They fear that the solution will be forced though the ileo-cecal valveand cause pain and nausea, and the patient will never return. Sometimes aseries of large volume enemas can achieve a more thorough cleansing than acolonic irrigation.

A six quart enema is required tocompletely fill the large intestine, and leakage of fluid through theileo-cecal valve into the small intestine is rare.

FromDiseases of the Digestive Organs – Charles D. Aaron – 1921

Here is the experience of a Canadian model:-

I am a 31 year old married woman. In the last4 years, I have found a clinic in Jamaicawhere I had a lot of enema treatments. [/b]Iwas there for 3 weeks and had at least 5 high volume enemas every day alongwith massage administered at the same time. They used long colon tubes on meand the longest colon tube is inserted to 60”. The enemas were given veryslowly and were very large - 5 quarts or more. I have to tell you they werewonderful and I have so much energy from them. My health has never been better,and I highly recommend them.

I have been to colonic clinics where you areon a machine for about 45 minutes, and then they say nothing more is comingout, so that is the end of the session. For me high enemas of at least 5 quarts do so much more, and I proved that tomyself by having a long session right after having a colonic. The amount ofmatter that came out was very surprising, and continued to come out for a goodfour hours that I was given the enemas. Also I have had my colon checked and Ihave far less kinks in it than I did before. I am very healthy, with lots ofenergy and my weight is great, which is very important for my work. At home,between clinic visits, I have large enemas of between 4 and 5 quarts at least 3times a week and feel wonderful for them.

From Susanne – A Canadian Model – 2005.

Inorder to shorten the treatment time and to reduce the number of enemas requiredfor clearing the impacted colons found in many adults, some therapists haverecognized the need for retaining large volume enemas for at least 15 minutesand often up to 30 minutes. Here is a procedure recommended by two MedicalDoctors, for use in the home:-

The HighEnema: A high enema is often necessary for constipation, when the colon hasbecome impacted. It should be taken on the left side or back, so that the watermay pass the sigmoid flexure and enter the colon. The use of a good soapdissolved in the water will help. Moderately warm or cool water is best. Allowfrom gallon to a gallon and a half (4 to 6 quarts) to flow from the syringeinto the bowels. While the bowels are heavily loaded in this manner the bodyshould not be constricted by bands or corsets. To be effective, one should liestill and retain it for fifteen to thirty minutes. Do not take more than threetimes a week, as they weaken the bowel.

From Viavi Hygiene - Hartland Law MD and Herbert E.Law, FCS – 1908 Page 399.

Thelong retention of large volume enemas, is very challenging and uncomfortable,with the urge to expel the enema becoming intolerable before the designatedretention time is up. Anyone who has experimented with this procedure, will beaware that it takes a lot of practice and perseverance. Because of thesedifficulties, this treatment has fallen out of favour with Doctors and thegeneral public.

About30% of teenagers growing up all over Europe during the 50’s and 60’s were given regular large volume enemas whichthey had to retain for long periods. Here is a typical example from Switzerland:-

I am 36 years old from Switzerland. Enemas are a family tradition. My mother got verylarge enemas when she was young. Mother, a nurse, also gave me very largeenemas at least once a week. Often she gave very crampy enemas of large amount.Before and during menstruation I got them every day. I got my first 4 liter enemaat 12. From the age of 14 I was given a 5 liter enema of herbal tea, which Ihad to hold for 45 minutes. From the age of 17, 6 liter enemas were routine.The retention time was always between 30 and 90 minutes. Every two weeks I wasgiven distension enemas (called ‘Dehnungseinlauf’) of 7 liters. I was thankfulthat she strapped me to our special enema-table, to help me to hold such large enemas. From Astrid –2009.

Thefollowing is the most thorough enema procedure that I have come across in printin English. In this procedure the volume is slowly increased by 1 pint a day,to clear more and more of the colon. It is recommended by a highly qualifiedtherapist in his Naturopathic Textbook:-

JamesHewlett-Parsons (Fellow and Secretary of the Register of Consultant Herbalistsand Homeopathic Practitioners and sometime Vice President of the Guild ofNaturopaths and Osteopaths.)

Anyonewishing to take a full colon cleansing, should always be properly prepared byspending at least one day on an all-fruit diet before starting. At least eighthours should have elapsed after the last fruit meal and it is always best doneafter a night’s rest. [The day on the fruit diet and 8 hour fast ensures thatthe stomach and small intestine are completely emptied thus preventing nausea.]

Theresults with an enema can in the private house can be just as good as thecolonic irrigation apparatus. It is best to obtain an 8 pint (5 liter) size, asthis is the normal maximum used in this way. Inject the water on the left sideor in a kneeling or crouching position. The left side is perhaps the bestposition. The first irrigation should not exceed 1 pint of water at bodytemperature and this amount can be increased by 1 pint on each succeeding dayuntil the patient’s maximum [from 6 to 8 Imperial pints or 4 to 5 liters] hasbeen reached.

When thedesired amount has been absorbed, the patient should continue to lie on theleft side for 10 minutes and then turn to lie on the back for a further 10minutes with careful kneading of the abdomen. After this the patient turns overto the right side for another 10 minutes, followed by 10 minutes in the facedown position. If, during this time [in the face down position] the retentionof the water becomes intolerable, then it should be expelled and a longer timeaimed at with the next irrigation. [Note: The authorrecognizes the difficulty in the [/b]retentionof the enema in the face down position, because of the increased pressurecaused by the weight of the body on the distended abdomen. Nevertheless in spiteof this difficulty, he recommends aiming for the full ten minutes retention, toensure the loosening of hardened encrusted waste.]

[font=&quot]If it is found impossible to hold the water for thislength of time on the first day, there is no cause for alarm and greaterlengths of time can be aimed at quite successfully in following treatmentsuntil a maximum of forty minutes has been reached. Quite often theencrustations of many years will be harmlessly expelled by a course of theseirrigations and in many cases the patient will feel rejuvenated[/font]. [font=&quot]From NaturopathicPractice – Hewlett-Parsons – 1985 – Pages 133 to 135.[/font]

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“Beware of using tap wateror a soap solution, especially when large quantities of water are used. Soapsolutions result in unnecessary irritations of the colon and plain water risksupsetting the sugar and salt balance in the blood, which can result in greattiredness and even total collapse. [/i]Solutionsused for large enemas should always [/i]containa teaspoonful of salt to each liter of water used.” From Clair Boewer, who runsthe leading German colonic clinic in Munich.

In the followingaccount the need for a normal saline solution to maintain the electrolytebalance, is recognized, when large volume enemas are retained:-

[font=&quot]Mymother in law has been taking large volume enemas ever since she was firsttaken to a spa in Mexico by her mother at age 12. She is now the owner of thisspa. I have been going to the spa every summer for 13 years now and stay forseveral weeks. I enjoy all the enemas I am given. All the enemas given at thespa are carefully calculated to maintain electrolyte balance in the system. Aslong as the chemical balance is maintained, enemas can be retained for hours.Water can be used for long periods of colon stretching as long as a teaspoonfulof salt is added to each liter of water used. You naturally absorb somesolution when it stays in your colon for several hours, but a catheter isalways inserted before the enema is started to allow elimination by thekidneys. At the spa I look forward to, once a week, being filled with 5 to 6liters and then holding the full amount for 4 to 5 hours. There is an MD on thestaff at the spa, and he is always nearby or in the room when most of thetreatments are given. [/font]

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[font=&quot]Athome I build up to 5 to 6 liters at least twice a week, usually on the weekendwhen my husband can do it for me. I believe that frequent large enemas are thekey to a healthy colon and prevention of colon cancer as well as many otherproblems. [/b][/font]

[font=&quot]FromJune Dietz – Daughter of a Doctor of Natural Medicine - 2007.[/font]

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Finally here is the opinionof a very well-respected family physician:-

Some physicians threatentheir patients with disaster if they take enemas, but I can’t see the sense ofthis because in 37 year’s experience I have never seen anyone whose colonappeared to have been damaged by repeated washings.

Recently I saw a woman whohad taken enemas every day for 17 years, but X-rays of her colon showed nothingunusual. Furthermore the mucosa was perfectly normal. In another case in whichthe woman had taken enemas everyday for 10 years, I was able to study a pile offilms which she had had made of her colon at yearly intervals. These showed nochange in the size or shape of the bowel, and in this case also the mucosa wasnormal.

I have asked hundreds ofphysicians, if they had ever seen enemas do harm, but all that an occasionalone could tell me about was a scratch on the rectal wall produced by the tip onthe end of the tube. I have therefore no fear of enemas, and I cannot see whyso many physicians now object to them as they do. From Nervous Indigestion and Pain - Dr.Alvarez. 1950.

How about some page numbers with your references so we might actually see the original source? No one here is going to tread through hundreds of pages in any text to find what you reference out of context and without a page number.

Next, if impaction was such a problem, how is it that a simple colon prep for a colonoscopy yields a "pink squeaky clean colon" suitable for examination?

No one has feces or mucoid plaque stuck to the walls of their colon like they say in the colon cleanse commercials. It's a lie to sell a product.

The cellular turnover rate for the colon is only a few days--one of the fastest turnover rates anywhere in the body. With all those exfoliated cells, just what is the fecal matter going to stick onto for weeks, months and years? ? ? ?

Don't you have ANY other topic you can discuss??

I have to agree with Susie 100 percent here. I have seen the insides of countless numbers of colons after the pt has been given a colon prep, and she ain't lying, they are pink and poop free.

So with all due respect, and by all means no pun intended, this post is just a bunch of crap!!!

Yes, you are stirring up a hornet's nest, and you've done it before.

I have to echo Susie's sentiments. Not only do you not list page numbers in your references, but there is only one reference that could even be remotely considered as "current". In today's terms, even the 1980's are considered past history, medically speaking. I can't think of any source that's being cited today from the 1890's, let's get with it, shall we?

Much of the "evidence" you cite is anecdotal, at best. There is no scientific, controlled, double-or-triple blind study cited. We apply critical thinking skills now, we don't take the word of a physician as gospel. To take it a step further, some of the quotes you give are not even from medical professionals.

In this forum we don't advocate one-upmanship (oh, you took 8 quarts, well I can take 10). We advocate these practices because they MAY carry health benefits and for many forum members, they are enjoyable. The practices you advocate carry with them potential serious dangers including water intoxication, electrolyte imbalance, distention of the colon, and rupture of the colon. Taking an enema, even a small one, in the presence of an acute appendix, or any acute surgical abdomen could result in serious complications, even death. Using an enema with a truly impacted or obstructed colon could lead to volvulus or intussuception, peritonitis and all kinds of other nasty events.

As an adult, you are certainly entitled to practice whatever you believe. However, before you start promoting your beliefs on a public forum, please do some updated, current research, properly cited. And, just for the sake of completeness, you might want to list some of the possible disadvantages or contraindications to what you are proposing.

As Susie says, is there nothing else you can provide discourse on?

Playing Devil's advocate,

LadyDoc

Bravo for our 3 leading medical ladies! I've watched over 50 colonoscopies and have NEVER seen mucoid plaque, just some cloudy fluid in the cecum, witch the gastro. dispatches with the suction button on the scope.

Howard, Knock it off!!!

DITTO Howard,, Someone might actually believe that hoowey. :😃

Tell us about your enema last night instead. >😄

I agree with the girls, this is bunk!

I would like to give a little info I find true about mucoid plack.

I am a very big fan of Kristy Amolong and her site, she put in her research info at one point that she feels that this thick stuff is a mix of the crap on the insides like the stuff still in the colon and the clay solution that you drink when you go threw a 7 day fast and us the kit sold from her site.

I have had this come out of me as well as things I was not sure that was to come out but did and it really looks like clay with specks of food particles and wast from other things.I do this kit with a juice fast once or twice a tear depending on how much time I have that year.

I do go with the pros and will always see eye to eye with them on medical things not all things but they deal with medical stuff everyday so that is that!

Sorry Howard, but I'm not buying any of it. I must say however, your writings over the years have been consistant with the tremendous volume theme. Hope it works out for ya.

Skybear said:

DITTO Howard,, Someone might actually believe that hoowey. :😃

Tell us about your enema last night instead. >😄

IS THAT HOW YOU SPELL "HOOWEY"? 😁 😁 😁 😁

My father used to say that! 😁

I just looked up HOOWEY, and Miriam Webster says it is "HOOEY"!

It was a shock to me!

But it's still "nonsense" just like this thread!

😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁

I agree with the other nurses who have responded to this fallacious idea of the bowel being lined with any kind of food residue. We nurses and the physicians who we work with would simply not tolerate such Hooey.

This thread is a real credit to the site.

My initial reaction was that the post should be removed. then, I realized that part of our purpose is to share knowledge and understanding.

Instead of personal attack, it was an opportunity to learn. you are all good folks and kindred spirits. Sounds sappy but, well, it's just me.

gdfru

Under no circumstances would I attempt a 4 or 6 QUART enema upon a truly impacted person. Howard's description of "Impaction" is soemthing I'd expect from a 15th century physician. I've read posts by Howard on several forums over the years. He would use a army tank toi squash a bug. Walt

Impaction reduces capacity. The best way is a 2-qt Epsom Salt and soapsuds, then while that enema is passing, a dose of Milk Of Magnesia.

Then, 3-qt soapsuds only till clear return. Monitor over the next couple of days to make sure normal function is re-established.

Hooey and single malt scotch + keyboard = HOOWEY. 😳

It is all in fun, thanks for the correction. Who or whom would like to administer a punishment enema and spanking for the FOOOPAWWW. (No scotch involved this time just being a brat)

Hooey and single malt scotch + keyboard = HOOWEY. 😳

It is all in fun, thanks for the correction. Who or whom would like to administer a punishment enema and spanking for the FOOOPAWWW. (No scotch involved this time just being a brat)

Scotch is good. What kind is your pleasure?

But don't be a brat, you might be in for a spanking! 😁 😁

I would like to apologize for the poor spacing in my contribution. I cut and pasted from a perfectly formatted WORD document, but I failed to preview the result.

I make no apology for my claims and references.

Howard.

My mom was a good one for dishing out advice, one thing she used to always say was, "you can't fix stupid". I never quite knew what she meant, but I think I finally understand what she meant.

Howhamilton:

YOU LEFT OUT YOUR OLD REFERENCE BY MAVEN DRECK! 😁 >😄 😁 >😄 😁

Maven Dreck, means "and expert in Shit" in Yiddish. Although the name should be Dreck Maven, using Dreck as an adjective. 😃

Hey Howard,

Your post was fun to read. Just blow off all the negative comments. Most of what the medical community publishes gets trashed sooner or later because of a new health fad. I'm gonna read your post again then head for the bathroom.

Maven Dreck, means "and expert in Shit" in Yiddish. Although the name should be Dreck Maven, using Dreck as an adjective. 😃

HA! I explained that to Howie in a post a year ago when he first used that reference. I guess using the name Dreck Maven would have been a bit too obvious! 😁 😁

Just on the possibility that I might have two kilos of impacted feces in my colon, I think I'll go take an enema. 😁

One hundred years ago many Doctors recognized the frequency and danger of impacted colons in many of their adult patients. Before the development and more widespread adoption of colonic irrigation, many doctors realized the need for large volume enemas to fill the colon completely, for successful results. It was found that the removal of all the impacted material required a persistent effort, often daily over many weeks. This requires a dedicated and time-consuming effort, which many Doctors today are not prepared to accept. It is fashionable today, to deny the existence of the impacted colons, in most adults on a Western diet. Thorough colon cleansing might make common sense, but it just does not make economical sense, in this era of pills and surgery. Colon therapists are often ridiculed and labeled as money-making quacks, for their insistence on a long series of regular colon cleansings. The fact that many people experience much better health, is put down to the effects of neurotransmitters which have been found to be released when the colon walls are stretched. The fact that the immune system is stimulated by these neurotransmitters is not considered important by many Doctors.

See ‘The Second Brain’ by Dr.Gershon.

Thankfully there are some Medical Doctors in America who have been wise enough to accept the benefits of Colonic Irrigations:-

See the Value of Colon Hydrotherapy verified by medical professionals prescribing it. By Morton Walker, DPM Copyright 2000 by Dr.Morton Walker [Google Townsend Letter.]

There has been a long tradition in Europe of the use of regular large volume enemas for teenagers, as a general health measure and for the prevention of diverticulitis later in life. Long retention times were often insisted upon. Here are some typical examples:-

I am 63 now - and grew up in Europe .1/3 of my friends never got enemas, 1/3 sometimes got smaller enemas and 1/3got high enemas on regular basis. My sister and I were given an enema series regularly from childhood till the age of 25 when we studied at university. When I was 14 I got a high enema of 4 liters for constipation. I also got an enema series twice a week consisting of 3 liters of a warm strong soapsuds enema which had to be held for 15 minutes, then two 3.5 liter rinse enemas of clear water, followed by a 5 liter high enema of herbal tea given with a long thick tube. Two hours later a 5 to 6 liter high enema of herbal tea with salt and soda. From Sibylle – 2005.

I am Hungarian. My parents owned a lot of medical books. Once when I protested about the high enemas that they gave me, they showed me some articles in the old medical books. The doctors there, advised giving high enemas to children and adults. My mom always used a full 6 liter bag. For me routine enemas as a teenager were at least 5 liters. My mother, who was the frequent enema giver, also insisted on the holding time of20 to 40 minutes, as prescribed in the books. I am sorry now that I ever got rid of those books, because many people today do not believe the large volumes and long retention times that doctors once recommended for regular home enemas.From Peter 2003.

I am 36 years old from Switzerland. Enemas are a family tradition. My mother got very large enemas when she was young. Mother, a nurse, also gave me very large enemas at least once a week. Often she gave very crampy enemas of large amount.Before and during menstruation I got them every day. I got my first 4 liter enema at 12. Before menstruation I was given a 5 liter enema of herbal tea,which I had to hold for 45 minutes. At the age of 17, 6 liter enemas were routine. The retention time was always between 30 and 90 minutes. Every two weeks I was given distension enemas (called ‘Dehnungseinlauf’) of 7 liters. I was thankful that she strapped me to our special enema-table, to help me to hold such large enemas.

From Astrid – 2009.

live in Croatia in Middle-Europe. I am working part-time as a nurse in a rehabilitation center where people are treated after accidents. I talk a lot about enemas to other mothers in my sons athletic- and sports-club. I think that large volume enemas are more common here than in other countries. Enemas are often a cure for every illness. Some mothers give enemas on a regular basis. I believe that small enemas of 1 or 2 liters (liters) are not effective, but before starting to give large enemas always consult a Doctor or a nurse.

Full enemas are beneficial for most adults, but can be dangerous when the colon isinflamed. I give my 19 year old son large enemas every week. Since he turnedsixteen three years ago, he always gets 6 liters of herbal tea with baking sodaand salt. Sometimes, when he seems to be able to take more I add one moreliter. He is in the Sims-position at the beginning, but after 3 liters areinside him he changes into the knee chest position. I give him the enema slowlytaking 20 minutes for the 6 liter enema and another 10 minutes for the 7 literenema.

As recommended in Medical books and as I was taught, I make sure he retains this enema for a total of 32 minutes - 8 minutes at his left side, 8 on his right side, 8 lying on his back and 8 in knee-chest position. Sometimes if it seems that he can tolerate it, another 8 minutes standing at attention. He is healthy and never had constipation or acne problems.

I wouldn’t expect my son to take any treatments that I have not had myself. Atleast once a week my mother who lives nearby still helps me to take full enemasof the same volume and holding time that I use for my son. My mother is astrong-willed woman who can take her enemas on her own without help. [/font]

If someone is given large enemas on a regular basis from childhood on, they get used to it. If you get your first 4 or 5 liter enema at the age of about 14, by the time you reach 17 or 18 large enemas of 6 or 7 liters, are not difficult to take, although they are uncomfortable and sometimes a little bit painful. My son is well and fit, and he does a lot of sport. Also I never was severely ill. I know that large enemas are healthy, so I insist on the high volume of 6 liters and sometimes up to 7 liters and the long retention time of32 to 40 minutes.

From Anka – Croatia- 2007.

Dr. Kellogg obtained much of his information on large volume enemas from European sources which he references in his manuals.

Dr. Kellogg found that it was often necessary to repeat a very large enema everyday for two or three weeks, to completely clear the impacted colons commonly found in many adults:-

The Copious Enema - The purpose of this mode of applying the enema is to introduce the largest quantity of water possible to fill the entire colon without over-distending it. [/b]Four to six quarts (liters) are often used. Frequently quantities of old putrefying fecal masses, semi-hardened by long retention, make their appearance after a copious enema has been thoroughly administered every day fora week or more, showing that a single flushing of the colon, no matter how thorough, is not sufficient to achieve effective cleansing. In this class of patients the copious enema should be administered daily for two or three weeks if necessary, while the patient complains of gaseous distension of the bowels and fetid flatulence.

From Home Handbook of Domestic Hygiene and Rational Medicine -J.H.Kellogg M.D. 1903Inorder to speed up the process and reduce the number of large enemas required many therapists recommended retaining the full amount for 30 minutes or longer.This long retention of full enemas, demanded tremendous willpower on the part of the patient being treated.

The following is probably the most thorough enema procedure that has ever appeared in print in English. It is recommended by a highly qualified therapist in his Naturopathic Textbook:-

Anyone wishing to take a colonic irrigation, should always be properly prepared by spending at least one day on an all-fruit diet before starting. At least eight hours should have elapsed after the last fruit meal and it is always best done after a night’s rest. [The day on the fruit diet and 8 hour fast would ensure that the stomach and small intestine are completely emptied thus reducing the chance of nausea.]

The results with an enema can in the private house can be just as good as the colonic irrigation apparatus. It is best to obtain an 8 pint (5 liter) size, as this is the normal maximum used in this way. Inject the water on the left side or in a kneeling or crouching position. The left side is perhaps the best position. The first irrigation should not exceed 1 pint of water at body temperature and this amount can be increased by 1 pint on each succeeding day until the patient’s maximum [from 6 to 8 Imperial pints or 4 to 5 liters] has been reached.

When the desired amount has been absorbed, the patient should continue to lie on the left side for 10 minutes and then turn to lie on the back for a further 10minutes with careful kneading of the abdomen. After this the patient turns over to the right side for another 10 minutes, followed by 10 minutes in the face down position. If, during this time [in the face down position] the retention of the water becomes intolerable, then it should be expelled and a longer time aimed at with the next irrigation. [Note: The author recognizes the difficulty in the retention of the enema in the face down position, because of the increased pressure caused by the weight of the body on the distended abdomen. Nevertheless in spite of this difficulty, he recommends aiming for the full ten minutes retention, to ensure the loosening of hardened encrusted waste.]

If it is found impossible to hold the water for this length of time on the first day, there is no cause for alarm and greater lengths of time can be aimed at quite successfully in following treatments until a maximum of forty minutes has been reached. Quite often the encrustations of many years will be harmlessly expelled by a course of these irrigations and in many cases the patient will feel rejuvenated.

Extracted from:- Naturopathic Practice - J. Hewlett-ParsonsDSc. Thorsons Publishers Ltd London 1968.

Pages 134 – 135.

The author has the following qualifications:-

Fellow and Secretary of the Register of Consultant Herbalists and Homeopathic Practitioners and sometime Vice President of the Guild of Naturopaths and Osteopaths.

This same book was re-published in a paperback edition as recently as 1985.

For anyone brave enough to try this out, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is a disciplinary procedure designed to test the willpower of even the most experienced enema user.

Here we go again.

Michael Gershon's book, The Second Brain, is really not well titled and is meant to appeal to lay people. It isn't that the "second brain" is intelligent, it just works somewhat independently of the rest of the CNS, which shouldn't be a surprise since phylogenetically, we animals have had a digestive system far longer than we have had brains and central nervous systems.

The book describes the functioning of the digestive system and how it does not rely on the CNS for its operation because it has its own nerve clusters to respond to its functional needs. The "second brain" is the immune system, a large amount of which is in the gut.

a note to Howard: Next time you cut and paste a lengthy piece of prose, PLEASE edit out all the font and printer commands. It makes your posts really hard to read.

Thanks Susie, you took the words right out of my mouth!

LadyDoc

From time to time on this Forum someone starts a thread on enema Volumes. As to maximum volumes taken, replies have ranged from 3 quarts to 8 quarts and even occasionally up to 9 quarts. The following warning should be heeded by those who are foolish enough to take in more than 6 quarts for high volume enemas:-

The full capacity of the normal colon and rectum, and the largest enema that can possibly be used is 8 quarts, but this quantity is dangerous because it may rupture the intestines or cause ptosis (dropping of the colon) or paresis(partial paralysis).

FromDiarrheal, Inflammatory, Obstructive, and Parasitic Diseases of the Colon -Samuel Goodman – 1915.

Many enema users have expressed surprise and even astonishment at the claims of those who take more than 4 quarts. Many users of regular enemas state that they find it impossible to take in more than 3 quarts, and some cannot even take in more than 2 quarts. There seems to be enough of a demand for 6 quart (liter) enema bags which ensures a regular supply from many vendors of enema equipment. This includes some responsible suppliers such as Kristina Amelong who runs the Optimal Healthy Network. She is a qualified Colon Therapist.

Based on the continuing demand for 6 quart enema bags, this seems to indicate that there are some enema users who regularly take enemas of 6 quarts. One hundred years ago, both in Europe and America, high enemas or 'internal baths', were defined as consisting of from 4 to 6 quarts. Enemas of 4 quarts were often considered a minimum requirement for effective results.

How do we explain the frequency of the claim by regular enema users, that it is impossible for them to take in more than 2 or 3 quarts for a high enema?

I think I have found an explanation in a long article on the causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Here is a brief extract from this article on the role of serotonin incontributing to IBS:-

There is no doubt about it, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a huge problem, particularly for those who suffer from it. The frequency ranges from 5% to 10% from report to report of the general population and is more frequently diagnosed in women compared with men, in young people compared with old and in western countries compared with the developing world. It is often associated with emotional stress and is frequently triggered by life changes. According to consultant neurologist Dr. Jane Collins, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is becoming increasingly common among children, as for that matter is diabetes mellitus and is childhood obesity.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is metabolized by the body into 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan) which is the direct metabolic precursor to the serotonin you then do not have to rely on the tryptophane - 5HTP conversion taking place. Vitamin B6 and Magnesium is necessary for the 5-HTP-serotonin conversion so IBS patients with low vitamin B/Mg levels must address that for5-HTP to be effective.

Colonic and rectal balloon distension studies have shown that IBS patients become aware of distension and perceive pain at lower pressures and volumes than healthy volunteers and subsequent findings indicate that IBS is also associated with increased sensitivity to normal intestinal contractions. Serotonin (5-HT) has emerged as a key chemical messenger in the pathogenesis of IBS [MD Gershon, “ Review article: roles playedby 5-hydroxytryptamine in the physiology of the bowel”, Aliment Pharmacol Ther(1999), 13: pp. 15-30.] The gastrointestinal tract contains approximately 95% of the body's serotonin and colic mucosal serotonin metabolism has been reported to be altered in IBS patients. Serotonin mediates reflexes that control gut motility and secretion, as well as pain perception, predominantly through interactions with 5-HT1p , 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors in thegastrointestinal tract.

Conventional pharmacological management of IBS is often suboptimal, addressing only the most predominant symptom at any one time. According to a 2004 paper by Novartis, newer serotonergic agents that target the multiple symptoms of IBS represent a significant advance in the treatment of this disorder, and together with other measures, such as patient education, promise to improve IBS management. Here at the Integrated Medicine Practice we use the metabolic precursor 5-HTP to restore serotonin levels because this helps with pain reduction, mood enhancing including anxiety reduction. Furthermore 5-HTP helps you to go into a deeper sleep. We use 5-HTP from Nutri Ltd., a plant source precursor of serotonin which is an important neurotransmittor for brain and nerve function and is necessary to control mood, it also regulates sleep patterns. Adults may take up to a maximum of 2tbl 3x/day (600mg) - children 20mg/10kg body weight. (orderfrom NUTRI 0800 212 742 / Ref: 187410)

For the full article,which includes diet, stress and many other contributing causes see:-

www.bioterrain.co.uk/IBS.html

At last, a comment from Howard that isn't promoting ridiculous large volumes. We knew years ago about the 6 kinds of 5HTP and what SOME of them did. We launched drugs for stopping migraines and nausea from these discoveries and were told there are probably more types of serotonin than this, but we didn't yet know what they did in the body. Certainly, effects on the G.I. tract are among the most prominent. Kudos Howard, on good post!

Jim

My enemas generally run from two to three quarts which I consider to be satisfactory. On two occasions I'm aware of, I've probably taken four quarts on long sessions with multiple enemas. I have never been able to empty any of my four-quart bags on deliberate attempts.

However, I've been intrigued by the account given by howhamilton in this thread and, last evening, decided to try the high-volume series he describes. Using my Klystra Olympic five-quart bag, I had my first enema of a three-quart soap solution and, with difficulty, held it for fifteen minutes.

Two hours later, my second enema was three-and-a-half quarts of tap water, followed by a third of the same an hour later.

Two hours after that, I filled the five-quart bag with a tea solution, never imagining I could come close to emptying it. I positioned and closed the clamp to allow a gentle, slow flow and just relaxed, enjoying the slow fill. I was really amazed when I realized the four-quart was obviously reached and was just then beginning to feel uncomfortable, but with determination, held out until the bag actually emptied. I did not attempt to retain it!

Routinely accustomed to enemas half that size, I am delighted to know it is now possible to replace fantasy with "done that" and will go on some day soon to accomplish the fifth enema of five quarts tea/salt/soda.

I believe the large-volume tea enema went so well because it was not irritating the way a cleansing enema of soap is. I am not a "big" guy and am relating this to give hope to anyone else who ponders a similar attempt.

This all makes sense to me.