How Colon Cleansing Was Viewed Long Ago
November 14, 2009 by Paul
Filed under Weight Loss
First things first, colon cleansing or colon therapy consists of various alternative medical therapies all aimed to eliminate fecal waste as well as any toxins on the colon and the intestinal tract.
There are many ways to do colon cleansing. These include colon hydrotherapy also known as colonic irrigation and oral cleansing regimens.
In the hydrotherapy type of colon cleansing, an enema is used to inject water. There are instances where herbs and liquids are also put in the mix. These are then infused in the colon via the use of special equipments. Meanwhile, oral cleansing utilizes dietary supplements, herbs, laxatives or dietary fiber.
Those who practice colon cleansing believe that any feces collected along the wall lining of the large intestines become putrefied and eventually harbor pathogenic gut flora and parasites. Such parasites are believed to be the reason for diseases and a general feeling of being sick. Basically, this hypothesis is called `auto-intoxication.’ This view was widely held as a valid medical condition by the Greeks and Ancient Egyptians. However, 20th century modern medicine has long discredited such a notion.
Ancient Egyptians were convinced that toxins found in the intestines have the potential of causing fever and even cause the development of pus. Later on, Ancient Greeks embraced the idea. During the 19th century, biochemistry studies and microbiology research supported the concept of auto-intoxication while conventional physicians advocated the idea.
Take note that there is currently no scientific proof that the bowel is dirty. The bowel is medically regarded as completely capable of cleansing itself naturally.
It is important to note that certain types of colon cleansing may pose risks. Take note that certain equipment utilized during a colon cleanse has lead to injuries on the rectum in a few individuals. Some equipments also brought about amoebiasis especially when inappropriately sterilized.
Also, a few enema mixtures are related with electrolyte imbalances as well as heart attacks. Take note that moderation must be observed as too much colon cleansing could lead to a dependency on laxatives. Certain herbs also have the ability to decrease the potency of prescription drugs. Later on however, the idea of colon cleansing was strongly advanced by Ilva Ily Mechnikov who believed that toxins caused one’s lifespan to shorten intestines.
