The Benefits of Enemas
Dr. Wu recommends home water enemas as a supportive measure for anyone with colon cancer, and as a preventative measure. It is something he experienced from his time at the Anne Wigmore Natural Health Retreat in Puerto Rico, and something he recommends for his patients. Anne Wigmore actually had late-stage colon cancer and she used enemas to support her healing process.
While colonics done at clinics have gained popularity, Dr. Wu believes that self administered enemas are a safer option that provide the same benefits. Home water enemas and professional colonics (colon hydrotherapy) both serve the purpose of cleansing the lower bowel, but enemas offer several advantages in terms of safety, control, and effectiveness for personal use. Here’s why home water enemas can be even safer than colonics:
1. Safety & Control
Less Water Volume: Enemas typically use a much smaller amount of water (usually 1–2 quarts) compared to colonics, which can involve multiple gallons of water. Excessive water can potentially disrupt electrolyte balance, making colonics riskier.
Self-Regulated Pressure: With an enema, you can control the flow and pressure of water. Colonics, on the other hand, involve a continuous flow of water, often administered under pressure by a machine, which can sometimes cause discomfort, irritation, or even perforation if done improperly.
Avoiding Overhydration Risks: The large volume of water used in colonics can be absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially leading to electrolyte imbalances, whereas enemas provide a smaller, more controlled cleansing.
2. Reduced Risk of Infection & Contamination
Sterility & Cleanliness: Enemas are done at home using sterile, disposable equipment or thoroughly cleaned reusable kits. Colon hydrotherapy is performed with a machine that must be meticulously sanitized between clients—if hygiene protocols are not followed strictly, there’s a potential risk of cross-contamination.
No External Assistance Needed: Since enemas are self-administered, there is no risk of bacterial transmission from another person. Colonics, performed in clinics, require a practitioner, increasing exposure to external microbes.
3. Gentle & Targeted Cleansing
Focuses on the Rectum & Lower Colon: Enemas primarily cleanse the sigmoid colon and rectum, making them effective for relieving constipation and improving bowel movements without excessively flushing the entire large intestine.
Preserves Gut Flora: Since enemas only flush a limited area of the colon, they are less likely to disturb the gut microbiome compared to colonics, which wash out large amounts of beneficial bacteria along with waste.
4. Cost-Effective & Convenient
Affordable: A reusable enema kit or disposable enemas are inexpensive compared to colonic sessions, which can cost $80–$150 per treatment.
Done at Home: Enemas can be performed privately and conveniently at home, whereas colonics require travel, scheduling appointments, and trusting a practitioner with an invasive procedure.
5. Avoids Potential Risks of Colonics
No Risk of Perforation or Damage: High-pressure water used in colonic machines, if not carefully controlled, can overstretch or even damage the colon lining. Enemas, being lower in volume and pressure, are far gentler.
No Risk of Dependency: Frequent colonics may weaken the colon’s natural peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move stool), leading to dependency on artificial flushing. Enemas, used appropriately, do not pose this risk.
As an alternative or as a supplement to enemas, Dr. Wu also recommends fasting for 3-7 days once a year. This can be water fasting or juice fasting, according to comfort level. This gives your digestive system a break and can help to eliminate pathogens or parasites.
Note: Please use great caution when self administering enemas, and only do so when you have educated yourself on the proper method. There are many resources online to learn more about this and we encourage you to read widely and prepare in advance.
Disclaimer: All above articles are for reference only. If patients are interested, please consult a professional practitioner Traditional Chinese Medicine for a consultation.