The entire digestive system is a long tube running continuously from the mouth all the way to the anus—but it certainly isn’t a straight shot from beginning to end. It twists, it turns, and it folds back on itself over and over. Microscopically, even the folds have folds. These folds are useful for peristalsis; they allow the muscles to move, accordionlike, so they can push food through. However, the downside to this structure is that food, old stool, and bacteria can get trapped inside all of those folds. Bastis are one way to get these things moving out of the body. People may want to try an enema if they are constipated and have difficulty passing stool as a result of this buildup. An ayurvedic chlorophyll enema has a specific method behind it: First, the enema cleanses and nourishes with water mixed with chlorophyll or other herbs. Then, it’s always followed by an oil enema to relubricate the colon and help dissolve some of the lipophilic (fat-loving) toxins that won’t dissolve in water. This is done the next day or in the evening of the same day as the water enema. You should never do a water enema without getting an oil enema afterward because water alone strips away moisture and good bacteria. The bowel is moist and needs to stay lubricated with fats and mucus to hold the good bacteria. It’s not supposed to be squeaky clean. It’s also important to note that women should never do an enema during their menstrual cycle. If you do go the route of an enema, it’s important to find a practitioner whom you trust and who works in a clean facility since enema tools need to be sterile. The first time you get one will probably be the least comfortable since there is an initial detoxification reaction. Keep in mind that there are plenty of other ways to support healthy bowel movements, including eating more fiber, drinking lots of water, moving your body regularly, and taking a magnesium supplement. Chaudhary has participated in over 20 clinical research studies in the areas of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. She is the author of The Prime and Sound Medicine: How to Use the Ancient Science of Sound to Heal the Body and Mind. She holds her M.D. from Loma Linda University School Of Medicine.
