Colonics involves the use of water to re-hydrate the colon and encourage proper elimination. Many people feel colonics help boost the immune system. How does it work?

In essence water is pushed up the colon to help remove impacted feces so the bowels can release and expel it. Many times people have to undergo a few sessions before the bowels release impacted matter. This may be because the body involuntarily contracts and does not immediately release impacted fecal matter, or because individuals are constipated and dehydrated to an extent that it takes a few sessions before the body is capable of releasing waste product.

Enemas are similar to colonics except you can usually perform an enema all on your own. For this reason enemas are also cheaper. You can purchase an enema bag at most large pharmacies or drug stores and for the most part they are reusable. Raw foodists should use a reusable bag and avoid over-the-counter disposable enemas because these usually contain saline solutions that can stress the delicate balance of the bowels.

Enemas are less cleansing than a colonic because during a colonic as much as 50 gallons of water may be passed through the bowels. Thus, if someone wants to remove fecal matter that has been impacted for some time, they may want to try a colonic and then use enemas weekly to avoid problems in the future.

Many people find using an enema up to three or four times can offer a cleanse similar to that of a colonic. Raw foodists often will find an enema quite sufficient to their needs because they get plenty of fiber in their diets. This helps reduce the odds of constipation.

Many traditional doctors especially Western doctors suggest that overuse of colonics and enemas may result in loss of muscle tone in the colon, which may prevent normal bowel movements. When used properly however, it is very unlikely that something like this would happen. This is more likely to happen if someone were to use small over-the-counter enemas regularly or daily.

An enema or colonic is not intended to help facilitate normal bowel movements daily. Enemas and colonics should be used for cleansings. To strengthen the colon, a gallon or more of water must be used so the colon is emptied of nearly all fecal matter. When correctly utilized, the colon must work diligently to empty itself of all matter which should increase the colons musculature rather than decrease it.

Now, when first starting out many people will find this is too much water and they must start with approximately half this amount, but as your bowels become accustomed to regularly cleansings and clean of impacted fecal matter, most people will soon discover the rapid and enjoyable relief a clear bowel has to offer.

Many people decide to try their first enema and colonic during fasting, a time when people cleanse themselves. If you do plan to do this, it is often beneficial to get a colonic first, before fasting fully. Many health and nutrition guides recommend people begin by enjoying raw foods for roughly three to five days, and drinking lots of water.

Performing a colonic during will help release some of the preliminary fecal matter from the colon and help an individual know what the cleansing process will feel like while fasting.

Once the colonic is completed, and fasting begins, an individual may then perform a series of enemas during subsequent fasts… future fasts will also benefit by beginning with a partial fast consisting of a raw food diet with lots of water to help push fiber and prepare the bowels for cleansing.

One reason people enjoy colonics rather than an enema is that someone else has to administer them. This seems to eliminate some of the “mystery” people perceive to surround the cleansing process. Often today people are not sure how to use an enema.

Using an enema is very simple however, and beneficial for individuals. To use an enema first you must buy one. This does not mean buying a disposable enema like saline enemas at the grocery. Rather, you must buy an enema bag. These are available at most larger pharmacies and drugstores, and if you can't find one just ask.

Usually the bag will be rubber and capable of holding one to two quarts of water (the more the better). An attachable rubber hose is included and tip to insert into the anus. To perform the enema:

1. Fill the bag with water that is room temperature.
2. Checking to see the clamp closing the flow tube is shut, hang the bag fro a hook or shower accessory or similar spot as high as possible to enable the fastest possible filling.
3. Find a comfortable position, like lying on your side and insert the nozzle, a straight plastic tube into the rectum. If you find this difficult a lubricant of some sort may assist.
4. Open the grip clamp and monitor the flow rate using the grip clamp.
5. Try to allow the full amount of water into the colon. Many people are not able to do this initially. If you need to expel, close the clamp.
6. Expel the water and fecal matter. Repeat up to 3 times.

By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari