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


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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


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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?


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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?


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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.


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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.


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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.


18

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.


19

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?


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


21

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.


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.


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.


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?


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!


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

http://home.iae.nl/users/lightnet/health/messages/ginger.html

new nutritional healing series - bristol, manchester · 2019. 11. 28. · nutritional healing...

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