Are Large Volume Enemas, Which Stretch the Walls of the Colon Beneficial?

[I firmly believe that to obtain effective results from enemas at home, equivalent to the results from professional Colonic Irrigation treatments, after a number of smaller enemas to remove debris and gases from the lower colon, the largest enemas possible need to be taken. The circular muscles in the walls of the colon, which are used for peristalsis, cause sacculations along the full length of the colon. These muscular bands (haustra) trap the fecal residues, which harden and lead to impacted material. My motive for compiling this material, is not for the sake of some sick game of ‘one-up-man-ship’ to encourage others to take dangerously large enemas. I have included the opinions of Medical Doctors in Germany and America. My personal comments are enclosed in [square brackets] to distinguish them from my referenced material.]

It has been estimated that with the majority of people living in our so called “civilised life” nearly 70% suffer from constipation to a greater or lesser degree. A well-known authority has said “Daily movements of the bowel are no sign that the colon is not impacted; in fact the worst cases of impaction that we ever saw were those in which daily movements of the bowels occurred.”

Dr.Turner conducted an extended series of investigations with the startling result that he felt justified in claiming that fully 70% of all adults are afflicted with impacted colons in various degrees. A Chicago physician in the “Medical Examiner” says “The formation of cells or cavities in the colon become the seat of 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 over weeks, months or even years. Reports from hospitals where autopsies are conducted show that in about 500 cases in which examinations of the colon have been made, about 50 were found to have colons in a natural condition. The majority (90%) were found to be greatly clogged with hardened excrement.

From The Practical Water Cure - Yogi Ramacharaka. The pen name of a British Yoga practitioner.)

[The current ‘wisdom’ from the Medical Establishment is to deny the evidence for the widespread existence of impacted colons in the general population. Here is the opinion of an enlightened Medical Doctor:-]

I must report that in the process of inspecting the lining of this organ with a colonoscope, a procedure that I have had occasion to perform many times, one does not ordinarily see large residues in the colon. How might this be? How can it be that there are reliable accounts of these casts that are not seen by the endoscopist? I have come to the conclusion that the answer is that, in preparation for endoscopy, the patient invariably is asked to take a strong purgative to clean out the contents of the bowel so the endoscopist can indeed inspect the lining. Almost certainly these purgations remove all the residues and therefore none is observed when the endoscopic inspection is performed. From Thomas A. Dorman, MD Paracelsus Clinic - 2012.

[During the ‘Golden Age’ of enema therapy, before the development of Colonic Irrigation treatments, the need for full capacity enemas which stretch the walls of the colon, was recognized. Unless the colon is filled completely with about six quarts (liters) of water, the haustra will not be completely unfolded along the full length of the colon, and the impacted material will not be fully released.]

Injections of water are used for determining the capacity of the colon. The normal capacity of the large bowel is about six quarts, therefore if six quarts can be introduced by a fountain syringe, there is no obstruction in the colon; and if less than four quarts can be introduced there is probably some obstruction. From Diagnostic Therapeutics – Albert Abrahams 1910 Page 550.

For a domestic enema, or one which is to be used in ordinary cases of habitual constipation, the quantity of fluid injected is important. Most people use too small a quantity. If enough fluid is slowly injected into the intestines to produce very considerable distension, the result can scarcely fail to be perfectly satisfactory. The liquid should completely fill the whole of the colon. It then stimulates by its temperature, fluidity, and the distension it produces, not only the colon and rectum, but indirectly, the whole of the small intestine.

From Boston Medical and Surgical Journal Volume 3 1931 Page 468.

When fluid is passed into the colon, and particularly when it is passed in skillfully, without introducing any air, there is a gradual distention of the organ. An increase in the pressure of the lumen of the bowel has an instantaneous effect on the pressure of the rest of the abdominal contents. Is stretching the colon a good idea? My answer is a clear Yes! The stretching evens out tensions and restores function. One way to improve the overall function and integrated action of the colon is by stretching the organ, and it is quite plain that the only available way for stretching is through the installation of water gradually under slight-to-moderate pressure through the anal canal. Almost certainly this is a way to retrain the bowel.

From Fact, Fiction, Fraud in Modern Medicine - Thomas A. Dorman, MD

[Where there was a family history of diverticulosis, many Doctors all over Europe during the period 1850 to 1950, recommended regular distension enemas of up to 7 liters for teenagers and adults. Some Doctors today, especially in Austria and Germany still recommend regular distension enemas for teens starting at about 16 years.]

I’m German living in Austria. I am 39 and feel healthy, but during a test at a hospital diverticulae were found when I had a Barium enema. The doctor asked me if they troubled me sometimes. I said Yes they did. He told me that the diverticulae are harmless, provided I took large enemas to prevent getting severe diverticulitis. He asked me if I knew what enemas were. I said Yes, my mother often gave me two liter enemas. When I was 16 years and older, she gave me 4 liter enemas. He told me it would be best to do larger full distension enemas of 6 to 7 liters every one or two weeks.

After I started to take regular weekly enemas, I was soon able to hold 4 liters like my mother used to give me. Based in the doctor’s advice, I decided to take more for each enema. After 6 months of slowly increasing the volume of the enemas, I am now able to receive from 6 to 7 liters. It took a long time, but I’m feeling healthier than before. From Herb – 2003.

I am in my 60’s. I have taken large enemas of 3 to 4 liters once a week for most of my adulthood. In spite of this I got an attack of diverticulitis. [When the small pouches that develop in the walls of the colon of most people over the age of 50 years on a Western diet, become inflamed.] I spoke to a Doctor friend of mine about this. She said "I know large enemas are out of fashion, but they work." I told her that I do regularly take large enemas of 3 or 4 liters. She said:"Enemas of 4 liters are not large enough. You need to take 2 or 3 more liters to really stretch and distend your colon!" She told me that she had given large enemas on a regular basis to her son and her two daughters till their university years. Twice a week she gave them enemas of 2 to 4 liters and once a week large ones of 5 to 7 liters. Since speaking to this doctor, I do an enema series twice a week, once a week with 2 liter enemas and once a week with a large enema of at least 4 liters. When I do the series alone I lack the willpower to take more than 4 liters, but with the help and encouragement of my female partner (I’m divorced) I can manage from 5 to 6 liters.

From Herbert – Germany – 2005.

[Even in America today, there are some Medical Doctors who accept the benefits of regular large enemas.]

My internist told me many years ago that my use of enemas (I, too, told my Dr. about my enema practices) was a good preventative measure against diverticulosis and polyps. He told me that some level of "enema enthusiasm" still exists among medical professionals even today. While they won't recommend it to others, they will use it themselves. My last colonoscopy showed the healthy colon of a thirty five year old, and I'm almost seventy. According to my current internist, unfolding the haustra and removing the fecal residue is one of the better things that you can do for colon health. (He, too, is an enema enthusiast, which, I'm sure, biases his recommendation). The cautions that he said to observe were: always use an isotonic solution, especially for long retention times, limit the use of soap or other irritants, such as Fleet or other OTC enema preparations, and if it hurts, don't do it. As to the bacteria in the colon, it is almost impossible to wash out enough to cause a problem, as the bacteria will regenerate to full strength in about three hours. From Frank Robinson 2013.

It is especially important for Americans, whose culture does not teach one to be tolerant of discomfort, to keep in mind that pain is the body’s warning that actual damage is being done to tissues. The correct description for the experience of a full capacity enema is discomfort, not pain. You may have to work at increasing your tolerance for discomfort or it will take you a long time to achieve the goal of totally filling the colon with water. Be brave! And relax. From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor - Dr. Isabelle A. Moser with Steve Solomon - June, 1997.

[Here are at least two members of this Forum who are more enlightened than the average population. Good for you and others like you.]

If the enema is being taken for constipation, you should expect it to get uncomfortable as you will need to be filled to capacity. I have read numerous articles published by doctors, radiologists and chiropractors who state that gentle, but complete filling of the colon to capacity and then slightly distending it, is necessary to completely clean it, just like the old fashioned hospital enemas used to do. That is also the accepted procedure for colonic irrigations. This is why I prefer hospital-style enemas given by a nurse. I know every one will be a challenge! From Manybags – 2013.

I'm not young any more and I've been doing enemas for many years. I like to feel full distension before I let go - to know there are no folds of colon still folded and concealing waste I'm trying to get rid of; and this can be any time after about six and half litres.

From Eleutheros

No! but the large ones will always do that. Never beneficial, but not clearly harmful either.

I love the full feeling of 4 plus quarts. At one time I was able to take 6 quarts every time, now it is 5 quarts and I am slowly working up to 6 quarts. I love the feeling of being so full. Each time I keep working to make sure I am very full. After a couple of clean out enemas of 2 to 4 quarts, I rest for a while and then go back to getting very as much water as I can hold. I rarely have any pain, some discomfort now and then, other times no discomfort at all. It feels so go.

I am in the process of having a very large enema, I am resting now. More water to flow in a while. I am going to get as much in me as possible and be super full.

What has always amazed me when I took a series of large volume enemas, the water coming out was clear. Then when I filled myself again, out comes something that I didn't know was in there. I don't have any medical problems, but I wonder where that stuff comes from.

I, too, find that after taking a very large enema, my returns are usually clear. But, later when I take another very large enema, I see things, I know I did not eat recently.

Thanks, HH, for sharing your extensive knowledge to understand the benefits of large volume enemas and some history (and tradition) backing up this phllosophy.

My standard sessions are now a series of three soapy enemas, striving for six quarts each, followed by two ir three rinses. All contain salt (about 1 teaspoon/quart), which prevents spending the next several hours peeing.

Are they beneficial? Afterwards I feel relaxed, happy, energetic, and especially horny for my lovely wife for the next several days.

Two responders to my question, have mentioned that when they take another large volume enema, some time after the first one, they still get more debris being released. What is probably happening is that the large volume enemas, due to pressure on the small intestine, is stimulating the ileo-cecal valve to open and allow more of the contents of the small intestine being ejected into the colon. This may continue to happen after a series of large volume enemas, and does not necessarily mean that the colon is not being adequately cleansed.

I have only recently been able to take a 4 quart enema. I have a 2 quart open top enema container that I refill after the initial 2 quarts are in. I'll first take a 2 quart SSE and expel it. The 4 quarts then goes in easily while on my left side. Once it;s in, I go into the knee chest position to let the water go further into my colon. I can hold it 5-10 minutes. Two of these provides a very good cleanout.

I think the results after a large volume enema (4+ quarts) is also a matter of diet over the days preceding the enema. Roughage such as fruits and veggies tend to help affect a good clean out, whereas, a diet of heavy proteins such as meats tend to prolong a "cleaning session". That's just been my experience over the years.

Have fun and play safe!

Deb

Thanks for the great information I will have to try for a little more than my usual 4 qt enemas now. Just need to remember warm water taken slowly.😃

I have been trying to reach the 4 qt mark, but cant make it past 3-31/2 qts.

In a word. NO.

There comes a point, after repeated distention by large enemas, when the bowel wall loses some elasticity, and just like when you wear the same bra two days in a row it just doesn't snap all the way back any more, and stays partially stretched.

After my first 4qt enema, I found that a 3-qt enema felt about the same as a 2-qt enema had before that.

As I researched my mother's background, I found the medical records of a Barium Enema she had at the age of 14. Why so young, I don't know, but the x-ray shows exactly that type of stretching, consistent with too-frequent, too-large enemas.

This is an interesting topic. I fell very ill in Germany in the early seventies at the beginning of winter. I was living in Kôhln, all of twenty years young and still excessively naive. I was trying earnestly to write the novel of the century, last century that was, to be a new Kafka. It was grim work and cold. My landlady the unforgettable frau Mueller found me passed out one fine morning on the landing in front of the toilet door. She did not assume generously that I was stoned to the gills or going through a hippie moment. She dragged me through the snow to her doctor. She could develop a lot of traction for a little old lady of eighty-some years but I was too weak to resist her. Doctor Augustus Krank, doctor Disease was very thorough in his examination, he palpated and listened to more parts of my body that I ever thought to possess and made grimaces and shook his bushy white mustaches at the results and he asked many questions, about my diet, my work, my thought, my sexual habits, my toilet practices, all of it in high stilted German which I did not understand. Frau Mueller gleefully did the translation not in French but in Latin and in mime and answered all the questions in my place. She had been watching me carefully ever since I had moved in her place. The doctor said that I was debilitated and had manage to contract a number of interesting diseases, the least of them been pneumonia, anorexia and fecal compaction, all of it caused by vegetarian malnutrition, the stress of political exile, excessive fretting, overwork, too much existentialism, too little exercise, and worst of all sexual solitude. He prescribed me to eat a proper German diet suitable for the season and climate, to take regular hot baths, a variety of medications, none of them herbal and enemas large salty ones. He said he would assign a visiting nurse to my case to ensure this regimen was duly followed. There was some debate between the good doctor and frau Mueller about which nurse to assign and this was resolved in her favor. Nobody ever beat frau Mueller in an argument. She had been a comic actress in the thirties.

The visiting nurse was named Else, she lived in the same buiding, renting a studio practically next door to me. She was a few years older than me, a lot more mature and experienced than me about a lot of thing and she took charge of me immediately. She was very curvy and she favoured tight well buttoned uniforms and she could be jolly but she was very serious and competent and could have cajoled the devil himself to take his medications. She was a compleat enthusiast about hydrotherapy. She taught me about taking baths in company, a practice I had never been exposed to before, for lack of a bathtub and a companion to scrub. She taught me about full distention enemas, six and seven liters, optimal enemas she called them and in her capacious hands after the first surprise, I took grest pleasure at the practice. My problem was not at all the discomfort but the profound sexual stirrings large enemas created during the protracted retention period. Else assured me it was normal and even a desirable side effect, but I was not allowed to relieve myself before the end of the session. To alleviate the growing frustration Else used to seat by side demurely often I must confess in moins que rien de costume after a hit bath and read to me choice extracts of the just published great Henrich Buhl novel: "Group portrait with a lady". Sometimes she read the local scandal rag instead. I remember still a headline. Man arrested by police, chasing his naked wife painted blue, through public garden at the wheel of his wolkswagen". It is amazing what people will get up too in early spring. The plum tree were in bloom in the garden. I was cured thanks to Else, a sexual solitaire no more and a fervent believer of the physical and mental benefits of large enemas ever since.

I've taken 4 quart enemas for years, and I have had no problems.

4 Quarts are very difficult for me, only sometimes i try for it. most I take 2 or 3 Quarts of solution.

I always take 4 quart enemas.

Of late, I have been using my 5 gallon camp shower bag. In that way, I can take as many enemas in a series as I like and not have to refill the bag all of the time. I generally go for somewhat more than 4 qts for each filling, though I have done as many as 6.

hankb

I found that, after I took my first 4-qt enema ever, I had to start using the 3-qt bag to produce the kind of feeling that I previously got from a 2-qt enema.

The difference, so far, after more than 10 years, is permanent, it has not gone away!!

I have never liked pushing my limits on volume. I can comfortably take 2 quarts maybe a little more. There are two other factors involved in enemas along with volume: number of enemas taken and time holding the enema. I try to use all three in balance to get the best results. I really don't want to stretch my colon to the point of increasing my ability to hold more volume. I have noticed it takes multiple fillings and expels to really get very clean. I also think by holding the enema as long as possible will be beneficial because it helps to break down and dissolve the solids so they can be easily expelled.

So for me, enemas are not just about maximum volume to get the best results.

My sister and I were raised from infancy with regular twice-weekly enemas. As we reached puberty, we came to appreciate the "other" benefits. We were always given them together in Grandma's bathroom, nude. Once the more pleasurable effects manifested themselves, we soon started sneaking them whenever at home alone. If we knew we had a whole day, or better, a wholeweekend, we would spend it at home, playing enema games. We would see who could take the most, hold it longest, and sometimes we would experiment with additives to see how we liked them. We learned that we could ladder the enemas (2 qt, then 3, then 4, etc.) I eventually worked up to 5 qts, but could not hold more than a few minutes. Sis could take six, and once managed to hold 8 for a few seconds. Now, I routinely start with three, and find four to be very comfy. Sis can hold five with no problems, and has held five of Ivory suds nearly an hour. If we stop at 3 qts, we sometimes forget it is in us. Now widowed and living together, we normally watch TV while our 4 qt bags slowly drain into us. The couch makes out into a bed, and we find creative ways to amuse ourselves as our enemas work. We keep a camping potty closeby in case we have an urgent moment.

Nmas4u, come on, you're such a tease. 😁

You have given similar accounts before where you and your sister have gotten REALLY familiar with each other during your enema sessions, if you know what I mean. 😁

I have a pair or second cousins, brother and sister who have lived together and slept in the same bed as husband and wife for 25-30 years since they graduated from college. They do not have children. If you met them, you would see they don't interact as brother and sister, they act as husband and wife. You KNOW what I mean by living and acting as husband and wife. I don't think I have to spell it out! The only way a person would know they were brother and sister is because they tell of their shared experiences as children.

SO, when are you and your sister going to do the deed? 😁

You know you want to!

Definitely not! As a health professional, I knew a woman who had to have part of her colon resected because too many enemas over the years had caused a condition known as megacolon. Beware - as we get older, we are less able to hold large volumes of water, and such infusions can lead to serious loss of electrolytes - mainly potassium, sodium and calcium. This causes light-headedness in the young, but serious heart-rate disturbances in those with aging hearts. And an overload of fluid can also aggravate heart failure, which creeps up on all of us as we get older. Note too, it is very difficult at home to estimate at how much salt you will have to replace following a large-volume enema, or repeated enemata. As a young man, I could take up to 5 litres of plain water on an empty bowel, but now, thirty years later, I wouldn't dream of risking it - even if my sphincter control was up to it!