New NUTRITIONAL HEALING SERIES - Bristol, Manchester · 2019. 11. 28. · NUTRITIONAL HEALING...
Transcript of New NUTRITIONAL HEALING SERIES - Bristol, Manchester · 2019. 11. 28. · NUTRITIONAL HEALING...
Naturopathic Techniques
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NUTRITIONAL HEALING SERIES
LECTURE 1 - NH
NATUROPATHIC TECHNIQUES
Naturopathic Techniques
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Contents
INTRODUCTION
RANGE OF TECHNIQUES
PURPOSE OF TECHNIQUES
PACKING Castor oil
Urine
Ginger
OTHER TECHNIQUES FOR DETOXIFICATION THROUGH THE SKIN Skin brushing
Urine rubs
Lymph rubs
Linseed oil rubs
DOUCHES Organic Cider Apple Vinegar
Urine
ENEMAS Water, Bach Flower remedies, Coffee,
Linseed Tea, Linseed Oil, Chamomile
Choline Bitartrate, Magnesium Citrate
Aloe Vera
HYDROTHERAPY Hot and Cold showers, Epsom Salt baths,
Hot Tubs, Urine baths, Sitz baths,
Foot baths, Cold wraps or packs, Throat packs,
Leg packs, Cold socks or cold water paddling
CONCLUSION
RECOMMENDED READING
Naturopathic Techniques
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INTRODUCTION Naturopathy is a system of therapeutics using natural remedies, diet and a range
of techniques which can support the body to detoxify, aiding the natural healing
process. As you will find when you come to research Naturopathy, this is not an
exhaustive list, but it is a good range and if you know them well you will be able to
treat and offer support to most conditions. Naturopathy is not an exact science,
techniques which work well for one individual may not be appropriate for
someone else. The best way to get to know the techniques is to experiment with
them so that you get a feel for their potential – what they can do for you.
Naturopathic techniques should be part of a programme, incorporated alongside
changes in Nutrition and possibly also lifestyle.
To get some measure of their potential, picture first the route that toxicity takes out
from the cell; it moves into lymph; then into blood which is carried to the liver for
cleaning, extracting toxins and excreting them into the small intestines via bile;
then into large colon and out of the body via the faeces. If the routes of
elimination: bowels, lungs, kidneys and skin are not open and well functioning,
toxicity can back up into blood or lymph from liver and cause acute symptoms, for
example, pain, headaches, spots, colds, swollen glands and irritability. Without the
techniques, detoxification can be an uncomfortable process. With techniques it
can become manageable, empowering, frequently inspiring and often brings
some emotional enlightenment along the way! This booklet will describe the types
of techniques available to support detoxification including their uses and contra-
indications. Additionally, it also provides instructions as to how the individual
techniques are best carried out. By the end of the booklet, you will be able to
understand what the naturopathic techniques are and why, when and how to use
them.
THE RANGE OF TECHNIQUES AVAILABLE
The types of techniques you will explore in this booklet are intended to support the
various organs of elimination during detoxification and it is important to
understand the intent behind using them; because our intent or ‘what we intend to create’ has a healing energy all of its’ own. Information is included on the following range of techniques:
Packing
Enemas
Douches
Hydrotherapy
Urine therapy
Skin brushing and rubs
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THE PURPOSE OF TECHNIQUES
The Naturopathic techniques each have specific and useful purposes, but they
can be used in tandem with each other like an orchestra, for example, it can be
useful to follow a castor oil pack with a water flush enema to ensure that the
toxicity shifted from liver cells into bile is then moved out of colon. In essence,
techniques are used for the following reasons;
To create freedom of movement throughout the body fluids, organs and
systems so that nutrient absorption and detoxification can occur easily
To aid detoxification making it more comfortable, manageable and
expeditious!
For emotional reassurance
To thin the lymph
To re-hydrate the body
To reach and treat the liver
To open the body’s routes of elimination, as follows:
Skin – excretes sweat, our largest route of elimination, said by the
Chinese to be the ‘third lung’ Bowels – excrete faeces, which should be 75% bile, light, fluffy and easy
to pass!
Lungs – excrete carbon dioxide and provide the blood with fresh oxygen
Kidneys – excrete urine and balance the blood via homeostasis
The techniques are enormously helpful in supporting these organs in the
never ending and tireless duties they perform!
In practice, I have found the techniques to be readily taken up by my patients
because they have an understanding of how the naturopathic techniques fit into
a whole integrated programme with the Nutrition and support the elimination that
takes place. The enemas, for example, actually improve muscle tone because
the bowel is no longer overstretched and crammed with waste and normal
efficient peristalsis can start to take place – indeed, Mae West apparently took a
water enema every day of her life during adulthood and attributed her youthful
looks and sparkling wit to this very practice!!!. Additionally, techniques such as
castor oil packing to liver and the coffee enemas improve liver function and
therefore bile flow and bowel function improves still further. Where there are any
contraindications to the techniques, they are clearly described alongside that
particular technique. If there are none stated then as far as we are aware there
are none. However, if you experience unusual symptoms following the use of a
technique, do seek the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
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PACKING
If you research Packing techniques you may come across a whole range from the
use of potatoes to cabbage. I am covering some of the key ones that I feel are
most useful. The basic concept of packing involves the soaking – usually of a wool
or cotton flannel cloth in a substance which will either draw toxicity out through
skin or be taken up through skin and encourage elimination to take place
internally. As a very general rule, when deciding which to use, think of castor oil for
a chronic condition and urine for an acute.
Castor oil packing
This is a technique recommended during the channelling of Edgar
Cayce, a psychic medium who, if given the name of a person and their
location, was able to say what disorder they were suffering from and
then channel recommendations for their healing. Castor oil packing
and other remedies suggested by Cayce have been well documented
in two books (see suggested reading) written by an American Doctor
called William A McGarey who holds the packing in especially great
esteem. Castor oil is made from the castor bean plant and its’ Latin name is the Palma Christi which translates to ‘the palm of the Christ’. On a philosophical note, castor oil is considered to be ‘white light’ which contains all the colours of the spectrum. This fits in very well with
healing on a vibrational level which offers light and colour to the body
resonating with chakra energy. Castor oil is just less than 5% Essential
fatty acids (4.2% Linoleic acid and 0.3% Linolenic acid) which will also
encourage electron/photon movement to start to take place. Cayce
stated once that castor oil affected tissues in a manner to bring the
spirit into closer communication with the material body.
Castor oil packing is cleansing to the whole intestinal tract and by
nature of the closeness of the intestinal lumen to the blood and
lymphatic network – it also cleanses these vital body fluids. Castor oil’s fatty acid content is nearly ninety percent Ricinoleic acid which
produces catharsis or ‘a purging’ of the small intestines. It also enhances the elimination of toxic substances from the cells local to
where the castor oil is applied, most often the cells of the liver. Edgar
Cayce named at least thirty different physiological functions that were
improved by the topical application of the castor oil mostly by the use
of the packs – some examples of these can be found overleaf;
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Castor oil packing;-
Increases and balances eliminations
Stimulates the liver & gall bladder and reduces nausea
Dissolves and removes adhesions and lesions
Relieves pain
Releases colon impaction
Increases lymphatic circulation, thereby enhancing the
immune system
Improves intestinal assimilation
Reduces inflammation and flatulence
Increases relaxation
Coordinates liver-kidney function
Stimulates organs and glands
Liver Packs - To use a castor oil pack, you will need a wool or cotton
flannel cloth of about ten inches (25cm) width and twelve to fourteen
inches (30 – 35cm) length after it is folded. Launder the cloth and
rinse thoroughly to remove detergent traces. When dry, fold in two
(or four if big enough) and drizzle castor oil over the cloth. It needs to
be wet but not dripping with oil. Place the castor oil pack over the
liver – this is located on the right side, under the right breast and
underneath the right side of the ribcage. If you wish you can place
clear plastic over this to prevent leakage. Place a big old towel over
this and then a hot water bottle on top of that to warm the oil and
assist it to be taken up by the skin. Leave the pack on for a period of
one to one and a half hours while relaxing. Castor oil packing is very
reassuring and soothing. Psychologically, when castor oil packs are
used to pack the liver, from where we manifest our anger, we are also
supporting that emotion, and helping to release it from the body.
Often the pack can be secured around the body and can be slept in
overnight if desired. Ideally, a castor oil pack would be followed by a
water enema to ensure that what has been released by the process is
exited from the body. In situations of low energy, for example, M.E. it
may be appropriate to reduce the length of time spent packing at
first as it may create too much elimination. You could start by just
packing for 15 minutes and then increase by 15 minute intervals over
time. Use the pack on 30-40 occasions before discarding or
attempting to launder! Keep it in a plastic bag or container in the
fridge or in a cool dark place. The rancidity of castor oil is quite low,
so it does not go off easily.
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Castor oil packs are particularly useful for use on sore or inflamed
joints or the back (try gardening in a castor oil pack as a
preventative to backache), for pain in the gynaecological area
due to menstruation or during a bout of cystitis and also as ‘head packs’. Always pack the liver at the same time to support
elimination.
Head packs are useful in depression, ME as well as unblocking
mucous during a cold. To do a head pack, massage the oil into
the scalp and then tug the hair - first forwards and then backwards
to assist the oil in dropping through the pores. Wear an old woolly
hat or an old towel over the head and relax. Castor oil can be
warmed and dropped into the ear to assist a blocked ear.
Contraindications
Do not use the castor oil pack in pregnancy unless under the
guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Key Point Castor oil packing can be incorporated into a weekly programme in combination
with the water flush enemas. You might try packing for three consecutive evenings
in a week, taking a water flush the morning after each pack.
Urine packs
Urine packs assist elimination of sodium through the skin probably
by virtue of being high potassium (the kidneys excrete potassium in
favour of sodium) which will attract sodium to itself. Additionally,
the urea in urine is the most incredible and efficient moisturiser as it
increases the water binding capacity of the skin by opening skin
layers for hydrogen bonding (please refer to your chemistry
lectures to understand this process), which then attracts moisture
to dry skin cells. Urine can be applied to various skin disorders such
as eczema, psoriasis, athletes foot, ringworm etc. but also have
other useful and specific uses. A urine pack applied to the kidneys
can be supportive when you are feeling fearful or anxious or a
urinary condition such as cystitis. A urine pack applied to the lungs
will support grief and depression but is also useful for shifting lung
and bronchial congestion during colds and coughs. Urine packs
are supportive on an emotional level as well as physical, partly
because physical congestion contributes to the holding on to or
letting go of emotion but partly also because urine is your body
fluid, it matches your vibrational resonance perfectly. They say
that Urine therapy is ‘Isopathic’, which means that it treats ‘same with same’, as opposed to homeopathy which treats ‘like with like’ – urine is ‘your story’.
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Urine packs are useful for other acute situations like toothache or a
sore throat. Eye inflammations such as conjunctivitis can be
supported by fresh drops of urine into the eyes. Ear infections can
also be assisted by drops of fresh urine into the ears. Fresh urine is
literally that – very recently passed from the body! Urine starts to
age and concentrate as more time passes since it left the body
but if referring to old urine, I would usually think of 3 days old and
upwards!
If you want to try a urine pack then soak cotton flannel or gauze in
fresh or old urine that you have warmed by standing the container
in a sink or bowl of hot water. Place the pack over the affected
areas. Cover the urine pack with light clear plastic if desired and
then an old towel and secure in place. Try to keep the pack on as
long as possible, especially for severe conditions.
Ginger Packs
These can be used on the kidneys to warm them and assist their
function; the purpose of a ginger pack is to strongly increase blood
circulation and movement of body fluids at a place where stagnation
exists. The stagnation usually manifests itself in the form of pain,
inflammation, swelling or stiffness. They are useful for conditions such
as cystitis or kidney stones. Firstly, the strong continuous heat
penetrates further into the body assisting solid organs like the kidneys
by dilating blood vessels to activate the movement of stagnant fluids
helping to melt, soften or break up accumulated mucous, fatty and
mineral deposits. Secondly, ginger is used because it penetrates
easily into the body, helping to increase local blood circulation by
opening the blood vessels and dispersing stored fat and mucous.
To make a ginger pack, grate about 4-5 ozs of fresh root ginger
(or use a good tablespoon of ginger powder if you do not have
fresh available) and if possible, place into a little muslin
cloth/bag or an old white cotton sock either of which you can
tie at the top, leaving room for the water to circulate through
the ginger. Place this into 1 litre of boiling water. Bring back to
the boil then turn to a simmer for about 15 minutes. When
prepared, soak the middle part of a cotton flannel cloth in the
ginger water so that you can wring it out with the dry ends and
apply it as hot as possible to the kidney area. Cover this with a
two or three towels and keep wrapped up warm.
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Refresh the pack in the hot ginger water at regular intervals
(approx every 5 minutes), or as soon as it no longer feels warming
to the area. It is important that it is applied to the body as warm as
can possibly be tolerated, but not so that you burn the skin! You
should keep applying fresh compresses until the flesh shows a
lasting deep red colour, this should take 20 to 30 minutes. It may
be helpful to be able to lie down and allow someone else to do
the packs for you. If you need to continue with treatment on days
following you should prepare fresh ginger water (however, old
ginger water may be used in a bath or footbath at night to help
sleep or perhaps for a revitalising body rub in the morning).
Contraindications
Do not use on babies or very old people
Do not use in pregnancy
Do not use with appendicitis or pneumonia
Do not use where there is high fever
Quick Test on Packing
What physiological effects does the castor oil have on the liver?
How would you support anxiety and fear using a pack?
What is the purpose of a ginger pack?
Naturopathic Techniques
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OTHER TECHNIQUES FOR DETOXIFICATION THROUGH SKIN
Skin brushing
Skin eliminates about 10% of our metabolic waste, which is why the
Chinese call it the third lung.
In order to understand why skin brushing is so helpful its useful to
understand a bit about the physiology of the skin. Sebum is an oily
secretion produced by sebacious glands, tiny ducts adjacent to hair
follicles. Sebum is secreted into the follicle, from which it spreads over
the hair and skin. The main role of sebum is to waterproof the skin and
hair. Sweat is a salty, watery solution produced by sweat glands,
numerous microscopic channels opening onto the skin surface. As
sebum and sweat mix up on the skin surface, they form a protective
layer often referred to as the acid mantle. Acid mantle has a particular
level of acidity characterized by pH from about 4 to 5.5.
It is this stale acid mantle that is particularly helped, as skin brushing
clears it, allowing fresh elimination to take place from the body and
ensuring that pores do not become blocked. The lymphatic system
does not have a pump like the blood has the heart so skin brushing
helps stimulate lymph to dump toxins through skin. It moves both lymph
and blood back to heart. Additionally, skin brushing encourages cell
renewal by sloughing off all the dead outer skin cells and improves
surface skin circulation. Dry skin brushing is said to be more cleansing
than using soap & water! Skin needs to breathe and Lindlahr (Natural
Therapeutics) suggests that skin brushing should be done with the
window open to allow this. As skin is extremely absorbent, like a large
sponge, care also needs to be taken in what is put on skin. For
example, anti-perspirants clog up the lymph under the arm, and allow
the introduction of heavy metals like aluminium into the body.
If you fancy incorporating skin brushing into your daily routine then you
will need a natural non-synthetic bristle brush. It is helpful if it has a long
detachable handle so you can reach your back! Always brush from
the feet and down from the neck towards the heart, not away from it.
Start at the soles of the feet, then brush in small strokes up the feet,
ankles, calves, thighs, buttocks. Then brush up the front and back of the
torso as far as the heart. Work up the hands and arms and then down
the neck, chest and upper back to the heart. Avoid brushing the face
as the skin is too sensitive and only brush gently over the breasts.
Task Dry skin brushing could be incorporated into a daily routine. It is lovely to follow up with your
normal shower and then finish with the hot/cold shower hydrotherapy technique mentioned
further on in the booklet. Both will stimulate movement of lymph and blood.
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Urine Rubs
Urine rubs are of generally beneficial as they open the skin as a route of
elimination, taking the pressure off liver and kidneys and encouraging
freedom of movement within the body fluids. If you are drinking urine,
the rubs should always be used in conjunction with that, although the
rubs can be done in isolation without drinking urine. Like the packs,
urine rubs are supportive in situations where there are skin conditions, as
they encourage all of the skin to be used for elimination rather than just
the area that is afflicted. Urine rubs are used to draw toxicity through
skin as well as tonifying it (due to the urea content). Once again, as
urine is high in potassium it probably has an effect on electro magnetic
energy – the rubs are certainly invigorating and relaxing. Usually, 3 - 10
day old urine would be used. Care should be taken if skin is sore or
damaged, in this instance, rub around the area with old urine but also
try packing that section with fresh urine.
To do a urine rub - You could stand your pot full of urine in a sink of hot
water to warm up whilst you skin brush. Stand/sit in the bath or shower
and rub the urine into the scalp, hair, face and neck. Next move down
to the feet, legs then body and arms. Rub the urine in until the skin is
dry. There will be a gradual absorption of urine nutrients through the
skin. You may find that as toxicity is drawn out, temporary rashes or
redness may occur.
Lymph Rub
Massage castor oil all over the body and then climb into a warm bath
for 20 minutes or so. The warm water encourages the castor oil to be
taken up through skin and will thin the lymph. This is a really beneficial
technique for helping to stimulate the lymphocytes in the body, and is
very relaxing too. In my experience, it is ideal for children when they
are overtired or a bit under the weather.
Flax oil (Linseed oil) rub
This is a lovely way to introduce EFA’s via the skin, and is particularly and specifically useful for babies. Mix a tablespoon of flax oil with a
tablespoon of hot water and massage into the body. It can also be
used by adults who have difficulty breaking down the linseed oil – rub
into the thin skin on the inner sides of the thighs and upper arms which
are adjacent to the lymph network in the body.
Quick Test on techniques using skin What does the acid mantle consist of?
What are the physiological effects of skin brushing?
What are the benefits of urine rubs?
Naturopathic Techniques
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DOUCHES A douche is an injection of fluid into the vagina, using a douche attachment on
an enema kit. The douche nozzle is longer than the anal nozzle and should be
inserted to a depth of 2 – 3 ins (7 – 8cms) depending on the individual. Douches
are useful in situations where the vagina or urinary system are inflamed, such as
thrush, cystitis or even skin conditions on the internal mucosa.
Contraindications
Douches are contra indicated in pregnancy.
Organic Cider Apple vinegar douche
Use 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of organic cider apple vinegar in
about 2 pints of warm body temperature water. Sit/lay in the bath,
stand in a shower or sit on a toilet to use the douche and once
inserted allow the fluid to flow in. Stay fairly still for 5 – 20 minutes to
allow for any small amounts of fluid to be held in the vagina, and then
release before leaving the bath. Cider apple vinegar can be used as
it will help to maintain the natural acid pH of the vagina.
Urine douche
This is soothing because of the high urea content and once again
because of its ability to attract acidity to itself. Use about ¾ to a pint
of fresh urine and make this up to 2 pints of water warmed to body
temperature. Sit/lay in the bath or stand in a shower or sit on a toilet
to use the douche and once inserted allow the fluid to flow in. Stay
fairly still for 5 – 20 minutes to allow for any small amounts of fluid to be
held in the vagina, and then release before leaving bath.
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ENEMAS
An enema is the introduction of a fluid, for example, water or coffee solution into
the large colon via a nozzle which is attached to an enema kit. The kit is simply a
receptacle that holds the fluid. There are several types of enema kit available,
here are a few examples:
Fountain douche enema kit - has a douche attachment as well as an anal
nozzle. Looks a bit like a rubber hot water bottle with a tube but no lid
Bucket kit - literally a small plastic container with a rubber tube leading off
and an easy to use valve attachment next to the anal nozzle
Plastic portable flat pack kit - this has a plastic tube and the same plastic
valve and nozzle as the bucket kit – handy for holidays
Up to 2 pints of enema fluid will be held in the lowest part of the colon, that is, the
sigmoid colon up to the sigmoid flexure. Colonic irrigation, by comparison, uses
about 5 gallons of fluid and will reach right around to the hepatic flexure. Enemas
are beneficial for a number of reasons;
They may be used for retaining supportive fluids in the bowel (for example,
linseed tea for hydration or chamomile tea for relaxation)
They flush waste out and encourage the body to use them as a major route
of elimination (70 -75% of waste should be eliminated through the colon)
They aid absorption, via the haemorrhoidal vein, which will carry substances
through the circulatory system, in order to reach and treat the liver
Some enemas will also indirectly support other organs, for example, a urine
enema is very supportive to the lungs.
Many types of enemas are possible to administer via the kits. Clean, filtered,
boiled water can be used, also aloe vera, herbal infusions, apple cider vinegar,
organic coffee, linseed oil, linseed tea, urine, Bach flower remedies and other
vibrational essences and in some cases dissolved supplements.
Water enemas
The simplest forms of enema to use are water enemas. They are a
great help to the detoxification of the body and can contribute to
rehydration. The bowel movements which they create encourage
the use of the colon as the major route of elimination. Use 1½ to 2
pints of body temperature clean water (test the temperature with
your elbow). Set up the enema bag so that the bottom of the bag
is about 2 - 3 feet above where you are going to lay. Lubricate the
anal area with a little oil or cream. Pour the water into the bag,
release a small amount of water to get rid of air bubbles. Make
yourself comfortable lying on your back, insert the nozzle into the
rectum and allow the water to flow in and retain for 3 to 10 minutes.
A water retention enema of ½ pint to a pint might be retained for
15 - 20 minutes to rehydrate. Always clean the nozzle thoroughly.
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Reflecting on the Five Elements when working with the colon, you
may notice the connection in Metal element between colon, lungs,
skin and mind, and a reduction in any sensations of pressure that may
have built up due to toxicity. For example, breathing may be deeper
and easier, skin clearer or your thinking may have greater clarity after
doing an enema because you have ‘treated’ the colon.
Variations on Water Enemas
Triple Flush - This is perfect for colds and for other mucousy conditions
where the lymph is congested and stuck. The sequence is to do three
water flushes one after the other – flush, release, flush, release, flush,
retain ten minutes, release. Repeat this sequence twice leaving 12
hours between each one, for example: Monday morning – triple flush,
Monday evening – triple flush, Tuesday morning – triple flush; or an
evening – morning – evening combination. This will thin the lymph
and body fluids via the huge network of lymph and blood that
surrounds the bowel and can make an acute situation far more
comfortable.
Half pint water retentions - These are supportive in instances where
actually drinking water makes the person nauseous, for example,
during pregnancy. Alternatively, they are useful when drinking water
might create so much movement, for example, when the body is in a
highly dehydrated state, that it might bring on the symptoms of
headache or migraine that you are trying to overcome.
The half pint retentions could be done three or four times a day.
Simply pop a half pint of blood temperature water into the enema kit,
let it run into the colon, then leave it there to be absorbed by the
body. The body absorbs twice as much rectally than it does when
taken orally.
Key Point It is helpful to do a water flush in order to clear the bowel before a
retention enema – this will make the fluid to be retained easier to hold.
Bach Flower Remedies and other vibrational essences
Any of the Bach Flower Remedies can be placed in a water retention
enema. For example, you might use Mimulus if you were struggling with
a known fear or Larch for a lack of confidence. Pop a couple of drops
into 1 ½ to 2 pints of body temperature water and retain for 15 – 20
minutes as above. These are very soothing and supportive.
Naturopathic Techniques
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Coffee Retention Enemas
For those of you who are a theorist amongst us, the science behind
coffee enemas is coming up, and those of you who are activists just
skip ahead a few paragraphs to the how-to-do section. The coffee
enema has a very specific purpose - to lower serum toxins. Coffee
enemas have an effect on the colon which can be observed with an
endoscope. The palmitic acid that coffee contains promotes the
activity of glutathione S-transferase and other ligands to levels which
are many times higher than normal activity. It is this enzyme group
that is responsible for the combining of free radicals which the gall
bladder then releases. (The robbing of electrons by free radicals can
disrupt normal cellular processes and cause cellular damage -
oxidative stress).
Enzyme systems in the liver and small intestine are responsible for the
conversion and neutralisation of the most common tissue toxins, poly-
amines, ammonia, toxin-bound nitrogen and free radicals all of which
can cause cell and membrane damage. These protective liver and
gut enzyme systems are probably aided enormously by coffee
enemas. Caffeine enemas cause dilation of the bile ducts, which
facilitates excretion of toxic cancer breakdown products by the liver
and dialysis of toxic products from blood across the colonic wall.
The introduction of 1 litre of coffee solution into the colon will dilute
portal blood and subsequently the bile. Theophylline and
Theobromine which are major constituents of coffee, dilate blood
vessels and counter inflammation of the gut. The palmitic acid in
coffee enhances glutathione S-transferase which is responsible for the
removal of many toxic radicals from serum. Because they are
retained for 15 minutes, and because all the blood in the body passes
through the liver every 3 minutes, coffee enemas are like a form of
dialysis of the blood across the gut wall.
How to do a coffee enema - Place one heaped dessertspoon of
organic ground coffee in a clean pan with a good half pint of filtered
water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for about ten minutes. Sieve
into a two pint jug and make up to two pints with filtered boiled
water. Depending on the amount the individual finds comfortable to
retain, it may be easier to start with a pint from that only. Wait until it
reaches body temperature before using. Coffee enemas are a
strong diuretic and cause a small loss of magnesium and potassium
which should be more than compensated for by the combination of
nutrition and supplements.
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You might add a teaspoon of potassium salts and or a magnesium
citrate capsule to your coffee enema to start with - a useful example
of how the nutrition and naturopathy need to work hand in hand. The
Gerson therapy, for example, recommends at least three vegetable
juices be taken for each coffee enema, but they are taking several of
each per day! Alternatively, you may feel the need for a coffee
enema if you are taking about 400mg of elemental magnesium each
day for six days of the week. Both the potassium and magnesium will
encourage the release of sodium from the cell, into lymph, into blood
and on up to liver and any liver congestion would show itself as an
inability to clean the blood which might manifest as irritability/anger,
itchiness, spottiness, boils, headache or migraine, insomnia,
joint/muscle pain or even a complete inability to plan. You will come
to know how you feel when you need a coffee enema.
Always have a water flush before a coffee enema, this will make it
easier to retain as the bowel is clearer. After following the usual steps
for a water enema, let the coffee flow in gradually and retain for 15 to
20 minutes. The coffee will be absorbed into the blood via the
haemorrhoidal veins on the right hand side of the rectum which
connect to the hepatic portal veins and carry blood to the liver. This
makes the bile ducts dilate and push out a quantity of toxic bile.
Each time you take a coffee enema you are overriding the liver,
enabling it to discharge toxicity and make your detoxification process
much more comfortable.
Please make sure you can rest briefly after a coffee enema as
occasionally people feel a little light headed. Occasionally, slight
nausea or tingling in the hands and feet may be experienced. Avoid
taking a coffee enema if you are very hungry or if it is close to
bedtime.
Contraindications
A coffee enema would be contra-indicated with diarrhea and
at first with ulcerative colitis.
Linseed tea enema
Place 2 tablespoons of linseeds in a pan with 1 litre of boiling water.
Bring back to the boil. Turn off, cover and then leave for 8 - 12 hours.
Bring to boil again and simmer for 1 hour. Strain the seeds out while hot.
To use in a retention enema – about ½ pint of tea in 1 ½ pints of warm
water, following a water flush. The purpose of a linseed tea enema is to
offer reassurance and a strong message of hydration and soothing via
the bowel itself, which pass that message on to the liver.
Naturopathic Techniques
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As a floral symbol, flax has taken on the meaning, “I feel your kindness.” Linseed tea is very soothing and is rich in lignans
(phytochemicals) which are said to have anti cancer properties and
are beneficial for balancing hormone levels. There is a powerful lignan
within the hull called secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG). When the
hull is separated, the content of SDG becomes very concentrated. It
is the SDG lignan that seems to help balance oestrogen levels in the
body. Lignans not only have anti-cancer properties, they have anti-
viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
Linseed Oil enema
It is useful to take a water flush first to clear the bowel and aid retention
of the oil.
Mix 250 ml of linseed oil with 50ml to 250ml of warm water (depending on
your success with retention enemas) and bring this mixture to elbow
temperature by standing the jug of oil in a larger container of hot water
until it reaches the required temperature. Stir the oil/water mixture well
and pour into the enema bag and then lie flat on your back while it runs
into the bowel.
The best thing to do in my opinion is to lie flat for at least an hour (Lack of
gravity is your friend in these circumstances), although the oil is not
usually difficult to hold and can be very peaceful and relaxing as the
body experiences the photon/electron exchange that it encourages.
After an hour or so, or when you feel ready, release the oil, then follow in
the next 24 hours with a water flush or two, sooner if you have to go out
as the re-introduction of gravity can lead to an uncontrolled (and
inconvenient) release of the oil. Usually, the body is very happy to have
the oil and is not in such a great hurry to release it all at once.
The oil encourages liver membranes to open and is a useful medium for
the body to dump heavy metals into as well as being supportive in
circumstances where there is bowel inflammation. Due to the release it
promotes you may feel that you would need a coffee enema the day
after to help with the discharge of toxins.
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Linseed Oil Implants
After a water flush, use an enema bulb, to implant 15 – 60 mls of the
oil into the rectum. Ideally hold for at least 10 – 30 minutes but usually
overnight. The enema bulb looks a bit like a turkey baster – do keep
the bulb squeezed in while you remove it from the rectum or you will
find yourself picking up all the oil plus extras! This is an appropriate
way of introducing small amounts of linseed oil into the body when
there are indications that a congested liver cannot break it down
when taken orally. It is a way of bringing light and colour to the body
through the photon/electron movement promoted by the linseed oil
which is high in electrons – see Johanna Budwig’s work to understand this process.
Chamomile enemas
Chamomile is naturally anti inflammatory, anti spasmodic and anti
septic and is recommended for use in stress, or as a muscle relaxant,
with menstrual or abdominal cramps (due mainly to the electrolyte
imbalance). It is useful to precede or be added to a coffee enema if
there are intestinal spasms. It is also a useful enema to take at
bedtime as it can promote sleep. Add 1oz of chamomile flowers to a
pan of boiling water and boil for 5 minutes, then simmer for 10
minutes. Strain, cool and use at body temperature as a retention
enema for 5 to 20 minutes, after a water flush.
Choline Bitartrate Retention enema
Choline Bitartrate is a B vitamin supplement that is used in picture of
low energy with nausea. Taken in a retention enema it is extremely
supportive when there is nausea present as it will gently help to open
liver membranes and release congestion. It is also helpful during fasts
or during a liver tissue cleanse to encourage the detoxification that is
taking place. Take a water flush to clear the colon. Dissolve two flat
teaspoons of choline bitartrate powder in 1 ½ pints of body
temperature water. Retain this for 20 minutes.
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Magnesium citrate Retention enema
The magnesium retention enema has a very specific usefulness as
an excellent muscle relaxant. Stir one to two capsules into a jug of
body temperature water, (more will dissolve than would seem from
appearances) and retain for 15 – 20 minutes. This is a useful enema
to use for muscle aches and cramping, such as with M.E..
Additionally, it can be helpful where there is tension around the
occipital area in the neck. The same tension can also precede a
migraine. Indeed, it may be helpful to use a magnesium citrate
enema in the case of a migraine before a coffee enema.
Aloe Vera enema
This is a helpful retention enema to use in cases where there is
severe dehydration or a ‘mucousy’ picture or where there is some
inflammation of the bowel. Clear the colon with a water flush.
Using a ¼ pint of aloe vera, make this up to a 1 ½ pint of body
temperature fluid and take as a 20 minute retention enema.
Quick test on enemas and douches How would you do a water enema?
What are the physiological effects of a coffee enema?
Which enema would be useful in the case of nausea?
What is the purpose of a linseed tea enema?
What would help you to retain a retention enema?
Naturopathic Techniques
20
HYDROTHERAPY TECHNIQUES Hydrotherapy techniques are an activity that you may occasionally like to have
supervision, particularly the hot bath techniques. A Bavarian monk, Father
Sebastian Kneipp raised awareness of the therapeutic use of water in the 19th
century. There are now many dozens of methods of applying hydrotherapy,
including baths, saunas, douches, wraps, and packs. We will cover a selection of
these important techniques here.
The recuperative and healing properties of hydrotherapy are based on its
mechanical and or thermal effects. It uses the body's reaction to hot and cold
stimuli, to the prolonged application of heat, to pressure exerted by the water and
to the sensation it gives. The nerves carry impulses felt at the skin deeper into the
body, where they are used to stimulate the immune system, influence the
production of stress hormones, invigorate the circulation and digestion, encourage
blood flow, and lessen pain sensitivity.
Generally, heat quiets and soothes the body as the blood flow and lymph come
to the periphery organs which slow down the activity of internal organs. Cold, by
contrast, stimulates and invigorates, increasing internal activity because it pushes
blood and the lymph that is carried with it deep within. When you submerge
yourself in a bath, a pool, or a whirlpool, you experience a kind of weightlessness
because your body is relieved from the constant pull of gravity. It has a massage-
like feeling as the water gently kneads your body. Water, in motion, stimulates
touch receptors on the skin, boosting blood circulation and releasing tight muscles.
Hot and Cold showers
Hot and cold showers are of general use in starting to create
movement in lymph and blood. The contrast between hot and
cold water increases capillary circulation through body tissues,
promotes detoxification, and strengthens the immune system. This
helps bring nutrients, oxygen and immune cells to damaged and
stressed tissues and carries away metabolic waste, inflammatory
by-products and other toxic substances. Hot and cold showers also
strengthen the immune system by increasing the number of white
blood cells.
Skin brush and take your normal shower then switch to cold for 30
seconds. Alternate the temperature back to hot for a minute and
then cold for 30 seconds again and repeat this cycle once more.
Taken on its own the pattern would be: Warm 1 minute; Cold 30
seconds and repeat this 3 times. The heat brings blood to the
body carrying lymph along with it
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Epsom Salts baths
Epsom Salts are made of the mineral magnesium sulphate. When
magnesium sulphate is absorbed through the skin, such as in a
bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system,
reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, and is a natural emollient &
exfoliator. Hot water draws toxins out of the body to the skin’s surface, and while the water cools it pulls toxins from the skin,
Epsom Salts increases this detoxification by causing you to sweat.
Contraindications
Epsom Salts baths are contra-indicated if you have heart
trouble, high blood pressure, or are diabetic or pregnant.
Dissolve a kilogram of Epsom Salts in a warm bath, lay back and
relax for 20 minutes. Cool down at the end by turning on the cold
tap to lower the water temperature and stay in for a few minutes
until you feel that you are cold. Get out of the bath and go
straight to bed in cotton nightwear or a cotton sheet so that you
can sweat. You may experience raised heart rate along with the
sweating which is why the above contra-indications are
mentioned. You may like to get up later and clean off in a warm
shower and it is important to keep plenty of water on hand that
you can sip as required.
Hot tubs
The body protects itself from viruses, bacteria, and other harmful
substances through the use of numerous defense systems. One of
these is fever. Fever raises the body's temperature above normal
in an attempt to destroy invading organisms and sweat impurities
out of the system. Fever is a highly effective and natural process
for curing disease and restoring health, and has been recognized
as such for thousands of years. Hot tubbing is a way of deliberately
mimicking fever in order to utilize this natural healing process.
Additionally, it will thin the lymph surrounding the cells and help to
melt the cholesterol in cell membranes making it easier for toxicity
to leave the cell.
A state of hyperthermia exists when the body temperature rises
above its normal level of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. An increase in
body temperature causes many physiological responses to occur
in the body. Hyperthermia takes advantage of the fact that many
invading organisms tolerate a narrower temperature range than
body tissues and are therefore more susceptible to increases in
temperature (they may die from overheating before harm is done
to human tissue). Examples are viruses such as HIV (human
immunodeficiency virus), or the microorganisms and bacteria that
cause syphilis and gonorrhea.
Naturopathic Techniques
22
Hyperthermia stimulates the immune system by increasing the
production of antibodies and interferon (a protein substance
produced by virus-invading cells that prevents reproduction of the
virus). Hot tubbing may not be able to kill every invading organism,
but they can reduce their numbers to a level the immune system
can handle. Hot tubs are also a useful technique in detoxification
therapy because they release toxins stored in fat cells.
Contraindications
Hot tubs are contra-indicated if you have heart trouble, high
blood pressure, or are diabetic or pregnant.
Soak in as hot a bath as you can bear. Keep the head cool with a
wet wrapped towel or cold flannels. Keep track of your
temperature as you start and endeavour to raise it to 102 degrees
Fahrenheit. It may be that your body temperature is below 98.6
degrees to start with so if it raises a degree or so that is a good
start. Try to bear five minutes at the raised temperature and then
use the same technique as before to lower body temperature by
turning on the cold tap and laying back in the bath until you have
cooled down. Alternatively, get out of the bath, dry off quickly
and climb into a bed lined with a damp cotton sheet which has
been run under a cold water tap and well spun or wrung with a
second sheet as an outer dry lining (Sleeping bag sheets are quite
useful for this). Prepare to sweat! You may like to get up later and
clean off in a warm shower and once again, have water nearby to
keep up your hydration. The heat of the hot tub opens out blood
capillaries and thins lymph, and the cold to follow then drives the
blood and lymph circulation back deep into the organs. The
natural latent heat of the body then warms itself back up again
bringing toxicity out from the organs deep within, to be released
through skin.
Urine Bath
This is another way of drawing toxicity out through skin, less athletic
than the rubs but do not underestimate the draw it can have
nonetheless! Collect a day’s urine in a bucket, empty it into a warm bath and lay back for a soak for 20-30 minutes. Cool down
with a cool shower or by introducing cold water into the bath.
Naturopathic Techniques
23
Sitz baths
These are baths of five to six inches in depth which are used to
treat conditions affecting hips, abdomen and legs such as arthritic
pain, digestive problems like constipation, cystitis,
prostate/menstrual problems or poor circulation. The focus is to
use the hot and cold water to stimulate movement of blood and
lymph and therefore move and stagnation and toxicity from the
pelvic area. In an acute situation you may need to repeat this
technique at intervals through the day.
Fill the bath with enough warm water to cover the hips & pelvis.
You will need a basin or baby bath sitting in the end of the bath full
of cold water or a wet cold towel that you can wrap around
yourself. Sit in the warm water for five minutes and then alternate
to the cold for a minute. Repeat this routine three times.
Contraindications
Sitz baths should be avoided where there are circulatory
disorders such as embolism, pulmonary thrombosis and
varicose veins
Foot Baths
When there is no or little energy available in the patient for a hot
tub, there is no support or supervision available for the person or it
would be difficult to predict the response or amount of movement
a hot tub would create, a foot bath would probably be more
appropriate. Put a dessertspoon of mustard in a bowl of water
that is as hot as you can stand comfortably and sit with the feet in
the bowl for 10 to 20 minutes.
Cold Packs or Wraps
Old linen tea towels or sheeting, cotton muslin and old soft towels
are useful for these techniques. They involve soaking folded strips
of linen in cold tap temperature water and then wrapping the
folded strip around a part of the body. The coolness of the pack
will draw blood flow to that area and away from an area of
inflammation. The wet linen needs to be covered with a couple of
layers of folded toweling to help the body warm the pack.
Naturopathic Techniques
24
Throat packs
These are useful for sore throats or inflammation of the tonsils,
glands or throat. You will need to fold a piece of thin linen or
muslin into a strip the width of the neck. Soak in cold water and
then wring out well. Wrap the wet pack around the throat and
neck between two to six times. Cover the wet layer with a dry
toweling layer which you could then hold in place with a small
wool scarf. Refresh the wet layer each time it becomes warm. A
pack used on the throat will cool the circulation in general
because of the large arteries in the neck that supply the head and
brain.
Leg Packs
These are very useful in the case of fever, headaches or pains in
the head such as earache, as they will draw blood away from the
head. They are also indicated for local inflammation in the leg, for
example, due to rheumatism. Make up two folded linen or cotton
packs to fit from below the knees to above the ankles. Rinse this in
cold water and wring out well. Wrap each of the calves in a pack
firmly and cover this with secure wrappings of toweling. Cover the
person and keep them warm. Where there is fever, it may be
necessary to use clean materials each time you refresh the pack.
Cold socks or cold water paddling
This technique is a useful one in cases of insomnia or ‘busy brain’ at bedtime. This can also be useful during the menopause to help
with night sweats and hot flushes. You can fill the bath with a few
inches of cold water and then paddle up and down in it until your
feet feel thoroughly cold. Dry feet off quickly and go to bed.
Alternatively, you might rinse a pair of cotton socks out in cold
water, wring them out thoroughly and put them on. Put a dry pair
of socks on over the top of the wet socks and toddle off to bed in
them. In both instances, the coolness of the feet will encourage
blood circulation down from head and brain which is conducive to
sleep.
Quick Test on Hydrotherapy techniques What are the contraindications to the hot tubs and Epsom Salt baths?
What are the physiological effects of hot and cold showers?
What situations would Sitz baths be useful for?
Naturopathic Techniques
25
CONCLUSION This booklet is simply a guide to the techniques, it cannot beat the experience of
you going away, trying them for yourself and seeing how they feel to you.
Obviously, if you have a chronic condition it may be advisable for you to work with
a qualified practitioner, as this booklet can only put the techniques into a general
context – it is not written for a specific individual. Give yourself the flexibility to play
with what is right for you, for example, you may only be able to work with 1 pint
water flushes at first or hold them for a minute. Make the techniques practical and
useable for yourself, they should not be an extra stress so create enough time so
that they are enjoyable! Once again, they are meant to be a support and part of
an ongoing programme to maintain the greater freedom of movement that flows
from making Nutritional changes. They can also be used to nurture the body’s response to natural events like the Full and New Moons, Equinoxes, Solstices and
Eclipses. Have Fun!
Naturopathic Techniques
26
RECOMMENDED READING Remember, this lecture was designed to introduce you to the area of study and as with your previous lectures it is now up to you to research and study it further until you have a full and complete understanding of the topic. You are bound to find plenty of research and debate - so please begin your study with the reading below and expand your investigations to look at all aspects of the issue.
Books
Author Title Pages
William a McGarey MD The Oil That Heals P.26 – P.27 P.56 – P.66
William a McGarey MD The Edgar Cayce Remedies P.46 – P.54
Martha M Christy Your Own Perfect Medicine P.185 – P.193
Henry Lindlahr MD Natural Therapeutics Vol. 2 P.87 – P.93
Dr Keith Souter Not Just A Room With A Bath P.20 – P.44
Robert Gray Colon Health Handbook
Norman W Walker Colon Health P.1 – P.17
Websites
http://home.iae.nl/users/lightnet/health/messages/ginger.html - Interesting section
on Compresses, Plasters and Packs