It’s Only Natural
Chapter VllI
Colon Therapy
Therapies
that relate to the large intestine, or bowel (colon), have always been
the stepchildren of medicine. From the inception of medical treatment,
complaints related to colon activity have been prevalent. The use of cathartics
and laxatives dates from time immemorial and the enema in various forms
was described in humanity's very earliest therapeutic writings. Yet to
this day, very few doctors are anxious to do any constructive work on this
poor, maligned and misunderstood part of the body.
Medical advice and consensus constantly fluctuates on this subject. Some
physicians tell us that we are overly concerned about defecation (movement
of our bowels) and that if they move once a week this is sufficient. However,
others assure us that unless the bowels move at least three times a day
we are constipated and our body is being destroyed by constant absorption
of unremoved fecal material. Some practitioners are convinced that practically
all our colon problems come from wrong thinking and that if we stop worrying
the problems go away. But when they don't go away, still other physicians
tell us that the only practical therapy is to cut the colon out and then
bring the end of the small intestine out through a hole in the abdomen
(colostomy). After all these centuries of attention to this part of our
system, there should be some consensus, but this isn't the case. In fact,
more people are probably troubled by colon problems today than ever before
and it is to be wondered if our modern recommendations are any more efficacious
than those of our illustrious ancestors. We are attempting to present here
a thoughtful, rational program and therapy for these problems.
It is a rare person who doesn't have some difficulty with the colon at
some time in his life. If these problems are met and corrected early, they
will not assume the severe characteristics of the diseases that can afflict
the large bowel.
The organs of elimination, particularly those for the discharge of urine
and feces, have always been regarded as dirty or unclean and weren't to
be discussed in polite company. I have often thought that if fecal matter
had a delicate odor and a good commercial use, the colon and its attendant
difficulties might be viewed in an entirely different light. Our Creator
apparently was of a somewhat different opinion. Therefore, since it doesn't
seem possible to change the nature of the colon's product, we should attempt
to do the next best thing: change our view of this whole process of the
elimination of the body's solid waste.
There are many misconceptions about the nature of fecal matter and some
understanding of this substance is necessary to discover the best methods
of keeping the colon functioning normally. I find that most patients believe
that fecal matter is what remains of ingested food by the time it reaches
this portion of the gut. This is basically untrue. Only the parts of food
that because of their consistency or construction move through the digestive
tract unaffected by the digestive juices become a part of the fecal mass.
These substances consist almost entirely of various forms of undigestible
cellulose. Though readily handled by the digestive systems of the various
ruminating animals, cellulose is not broken down to an assimilable form
by the human digestive apparatus. Most of other food components are broken
down and absorbed in the small intestine. The normal feces consist mainly
of cellulose products that have passed through the system undigested and
bacteria that have been carried to the large intestine, which contains
a medium facilitating their growth and multiplication.
No known digestive enzymes are secreted in the large bowel. It is generally
held that even enzymes that may be carried from the small intestine are
usually exhausted by the time they reach the colon. There is, however,
some bacterial activity on undigested food in the large bowel. Some cellulose
components are acted on by the colon bacteria and are broken down into
their simpler parts. If the digestion has been relatively normal up to
this point and the bowel is properly functioning, the acid-forming colon
bacteria break down what is left of the food and relatively normal colon
physiologic processes occur. This action tends to produce stable peristaltic
movements of the bowel; there is very little gas formation and a healthy
condition of this area is assured. If bacteria other than the endemic colon
bacilli inhabit and multiply in the bowel, this happy picture can change
rapidly. Because the proper function of the colon depends on the bacterial
activity within its lumen (tubular cavity), this activity is discussed
here at length.
Fermentation and Putrefaction
Bacterial action on food in the large bowel may be divided into two types-fermentation and putrefaction. Fermentation is the action of bacteria on starches or carbohydrates. By this action, the gases methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide are produced. Also organic acids, such as butyric, acetic and lactic acid are formed. If the degree of fermentation is minor, there is little or no distress or knowledge by the individual of this process. On the other hand, if the circumstances are such that there is excessive fermentation, large amounts of gas are formed which may cause distention of the large bowel. This excessive gas formation causes either pain in the more severe cases or at least the passing of the objectionable gas. Where digestion is weak, or where the individual has a digestive idiosyncrasy, certain foods tend to cause more fermentation than others. The common offenders are the various types of beans, onions, peanuts, cabbage, cucumbers, and dried fruits.
The second type of bacterial breakdown occurring in the large bowel is
putrefaction. This is the bacterial disintegration of proteins resulting
in the formation of the gases hydrogen sulfide and ammonia and the so-called
aromatic substances skatole, indole, phenol and creosol. These substances
are responsible for most of the foul odor in flatulence. The basic fermentation
gases-methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide-are odorless. In general, offensive
bowel gas is due to putrefaction; that which is odorless, though perhaps
abundant, results from fermentation.
Some degree of bacterial action in the lower bowel is beneficial since
the bacteria can split foods into the same products as those created by
the digestive enzymes. (1) They disintegrate the cellulose and thus liberate
the enclosed food for its proper digestion; (2) they may transform complex
proteins into simpler compounds; (3) they change fats into fatty acid and
glycerol; and (4) they change disaccharides to monosaccharides. However,
if this bacterial decomposition goes still further, the action becomes
wasteful and compounds (such as indole and skatole) may be formed that
are toxic when absorbed. Against this contingency the body has two lines
of defense: (1) the intestinal wall bars entrance of these compounds into
the bloodstream to a large extent and (2) the liver detoxifies the compounds.
All material absorbed from the intestine is carried to the liver by the
portal vein. The liver then exercises a selective action on the material
seeking entrance into the body. When putrefactive compounds arrive at the
liver, they are, to a great extent, taken out of the circulation and transformed
into less toxic substances. These are then put back into the circulation
and excreted by the kidneys. For example, indole absorbed from the intestine
unites, in the liver, with acid potassium sulfate to form a compound called
indican and as such it is excreted in the urine.
From the foregoing discussion, we can draw two important conclusions vital
to our thinking concerning the health of the colon. First, we should do
what we can to see that bacterial decomposition in the large bowel is regulated
and doesn't have an opportunity to go beyond its more useful stages. Second,
we can readily see the importance of a properly functioning liver in all
problems concerning the lower bowel.
In summarizing we can safely state that the large bowel is not a garbage
can. It is a functioning organ in which controlled bacterial actions occur
to properly complete the last stages of food breakdown. It is obvious that
much of the distress that commonly occurs in the colon is due to a malfunctioning
of this bacterial process and that any therapy designed to correct abnormalities
in this process would be most efficacious in improving the health of the
colon. Such therapies are usually designed to remove intruding bacteria
(those not needed for normal bowel functioning) that may inhabit the colon
and to replace them with the normal acid-forming bowel bacteria.
Water Absorption and Stool Formation
In addition
to offering the proper medium for bacterial food processing, another major
function of the colon is to absorb excess liquid from the mass of substance
that comes from the small intestine and to transport this mass to the rectum,
where it can be discharged (defecation) at regular intervals. Material
is moved along in the large bowel by mass peristalsis, which is generally
initiated by the entrance of food into the stomach or duodenum (the first
part of the small intestine). This is called the gastric colic reflex.
Powerful waves of peristalsis (rhythmic contraction of muscles) pass from
the cecum (blind pouch in which the colon begins) over the entire length
of the colon. In this manner the contents are gradually worked toward the
sigmoid flexure (s-shaped curve of colon above rectum) and rectum. This
peristalsis may occur two or three times a day, depending generally on
the patient's eating habits. Various emotions may inhibit this reflex in
some people and in other susceptible people the emotions may have a stimulatory
effect, as in the many forms of colitis.
The rectum is the lowest four to five inches of the large intestine and
the anus (opening that lies at the lowest end) is guarded by two muscles,
one called the internal sphincter and the other called the external sphincter
(fig. 10). The internal sphincter (circular muscle) is involuntary, that
is, not generally under the individual's control. The external sphincter
is voluntary and can function at the will of the individual unless some
damage to the spinal cord causes a loss of control. Surprisingly, the rectum
is normally empty until the bowels are ready to move. At this time, peristalsis
forces some of the fecal matter from the descending colon and sigmoid (portion
of the lower bowel just above the rectum) into the rectal area. Nerve endings
in the rectum are then stimulated by this distention and the desire to
defecate occurs.
When this reflex mechanism is inhibited for various reasons, constipation occurs. This stagnation most invariably occurs in the lower part of the bowel. Tuttle and Schottelius (in their text book of physiology) state that constipation is a disease of civilization and is most usually due to: (1) the failure to eat food leaving a sufficient residue (ballast) in the colon; (2) sedentary habits; (3) emotional states such as nervous tension, worry and anxiety that inhibit peristalsis and the relaxation of the anal sphincters; and ( 4 ) the failure to establish or maintain habitual regularity.
When I examine a patient rectally and can not palpate (touch) a fecal mass,
I know the rectal reflex is still functioning, at least partially, and
there is a good chance for a rapid cure. On the other hand, if, during
such an examination, a large fecal mass is found settled into the rectum
and the patient has no urge to defecate, I know that the normal rectal
reflex is all but gone and I must revitalize the nerve and muscle activity
of this patient before normal bowel functioning can be reestablished.
The normal stimulus for a bowel movement is distention of the rectal walls
by fecal bulk. This is best supplied by the indigestible cellulose of vegetable
foods. Therefore, a diet containing a proper amount of these foods is one
of the best preventatives of constipation. Such foods include practically
all fresh vegetables, all fruits except bananas and whole grain products,
such as bran, whole-wheat flour and oatmeal. These foods, by their stimulative
nature, tend to hasten or quicken peristalsis. This leaves the fecal material
somewhat more moist, making defecation easier.
To prevent constipation, nothing should be allowed to interfere with the
all-important rectal reflex. When fecal matter reaches the sensitive part
of the rectum and the desire to defecate is initiated, every effort should
be made to fulfill this desire as promptly as possible. If this is not
done, the reflex will gradually lose its effectiveness and the fecal matter
will remain in the large bowel longer than it should. Since the colon,
by its nature, absorbs moisture, the longer the material remains, the more
water is absorbed, thus causing the fecal mass to become hard and dry,
making subsequent elimination more difficult and painful. When this overloading
of the lower colon continues over a long period, the muscles gradually
lose their tone and classic constipation occurs.
Such constipation can in turn lead to many other related conditions, not
the least of which is hemorrhoids (piles). The hemorrhoidal veins, which
drain the blood from the rectal area and adjacent parts, are not supplied
with valves as are many other veins. They are therefore subject to enlargement,
even to the point of breakage, which causes bleeding piles. Congestion
of these veins is often caused by the prolonged straining to defecate in
constipation. Constipation thus often leads to hemorrhoids and because
of the pain and difficulty in defecating, hemorrhoids tend to aggravate
the preexisting constipation.
Diseases of the Colon and Their Treatment
Some conditions
of the large bowel call for surgical treatment; some are of such a nature
that the lay person can do little to assist with either the diagnosis or
treatment. These diseases are not discussed here. In most early colon conditions
however, the patient can do much to help bring the therapy to a satisfactory
conclusion.
Chronic conditions that affect the large bowel can be divided into those
that produce constipation, congestion, and stagnation; and those that manifest
symptoms of over activity such as rumbling, frequent loose stools and frank
watery diarrhea. In the natural therapy used to correct these symptom patterns,
there are many similarities because in our methods we attempt to restore
normal bowel function, which in turn corrects the condition. Specific therapy
for each separate condition must also be used, of course; this is adjusted
to the needs of each patient.
Herbal Colonic Therapy
The most
useful specific treatment used in our Centers for problems of this nature
is the herbal colonic instillation. The so called "colonic" has
been used by the natural healing profession for many years and although
it can be useful I believe it must be used cautiously and with a full understanding
of its possible consequences. In my medical school days, the colonic room
was unceremoniously referred to as the "gut laundry." I always
had deep reservations about its general effectiveness, particularly in
the form in which it was administered at that time. In the type of apparatus
then used, gallons of warm water were made to circulate in the large bowel
in an attempt to remove retained and impacted fecal material. After even
a few such treatments, I noticed that many of my patients seemed to be
physically weakened, owing either to the somewhat abnormal sluicing of
these rather delicate membranes or to certain physiologic effects caused
by so much plain water in the large bowel. Sometimes this type of colonic
may prove useful for long-impacted fecal matter, though experience has
convinced me that continued use of such treatment can be detrimental in
all but the most robust subject.
While still in medical school, Dr. Henry Linke, a man trained in the Swedish
school of treatment, showed me a method that changed my opinions regarding
the colonic. Dr. Linke had developed a type of colonic irrigation that
seemed far superior to those normally used at that time.
The type of apparatus Dr. Linke developed was considerably different from that normally used in colonic irrigation (Fig. 11). The solution to be instilled is placed in a simple glass percolator kept two feet above the patient. A tube from the bottom of the percolator is attached to a special three-way valve. From this valve, one nipple is connected to the outlet drain while the other is connected to a rubber tube that is used to transfer the percolator contents into the patient. When the three-way valve is turned to operating position, the solution in the percolator passes through the rubber tube into the patient; when the valve is turned to the drain position , the solution, gas, and bowel matter will pass from the patient into the drainage system.
This simple technique was used exclusively at the Clymer Health Clinic for twenty years, in preference to those using more complicated equipment. When this method is properly utilized, it is possible to thoroughly cleanse the colon, although this isn't the major objective. This therapy is used most productively to instill various herbal solutions into the large bowel to aid in healing, detoxifying and in establishing normal muscular tone.
The herbs used in this treatment are in powdered form because we can then
instill the greatest amount of active herb with the least possible distress.
Were we to use teas, decoctions, or tinctures, the amount of active agent
we could use would be limited because of the lack of concentration in this
form. Powdered herbs do present one serious problem, however, which we
circumvent by the use of our simple system. Powdered herbs are very sticky
and inclined to block the small orifices and regulating mechanisms that
are an integral part of the more complex colonic machines. They pass
easily through the three-way valve, however. Thus, we find that our simple
apparatus is in this way superior to the most expensive and complicated
alternatives. Experience has so convinced me of the superiority of the
powdered herb instillation to other forms of direct colon treatment that
I have retained this rather uncomplicated equipment ever since my earliest
years of practice.
Our simple equipment also enables us to manually adjust the amount and
pressure of the solution as it enters the colon. By simply pinching the
rubber colon tube, at a position a few inches before it enters the anus,
the physician can regulate the inward flow from a few drops at a time all
the way to a full open tube, which enables a quart to enter the colon in
just a few seconds. This degree of regulation is absolutely essential to
managing the great variety of conditions for which we use this treatment.
Such delicate control it is not available in most commercial equipment.
Perhaps the value of this therapy can best be demonstrated by going through
a usual colonic treatment as might be given by one of the specialists at
our Center. After disinfecting the equipment thoroughly, the percolator
is filled with our own well water heated to the specific temperature. This
temperature usually varies anywhere from body heat to 1l0° (100°
to 105° is the most common range). The specific powdered herbal mixture
is then prepared for the intended patient and mixed with water in a special
container to disperse the powders as completely as possible. The patient
is properly draped and made comfortable on the colonic table. The three-way
valve is then turned so that water passes through the colon tube. As soon
as water appears in the openings of the colon tube, the three-way valve
is turned back to stand-by. This procedure eliminates any gas or air that
might be trapped in the colon tube. The colon tube is lubricated and gently
inserted into the rectum, far enough for the side hole on the tube to adequately
clear the internal sphincter and other structures that might obstruct the
ready flow of liquid into and out of this tube. Once the tube is inserted,
the patient lies on his back with his knees bent and his feet flat on the
table. The herbs are now placed in the percolator and the physician turns
the three way valve, allowing the solution to enter the patient. When the
solution first fills the rectal area, the patient usually experiences a
desire to defecate. The valve is reversed and the fluid allowed to drain
until this feeling has passed. The physician then alternates between instilling
the solution and draining it, all the time using his free hand to massage
the bowel ahead of the ascending solution to help work the herbs into all
the small crevices of the colon. In the normal person, this is an easy
matter and the water passes freely with only a minor degree of spasm. In
most patients, it is a simple matter to instill the solution throughout
the entire large bowel. The patient with a normal colon usually requires
less than the full amount for a complete instillation. In certain diseases,
however, it may take several treatments before the ascending colon and
cecum are properly reached and treated.
Patient response during the treatment helps guide the physician in making
his final diagnosis. The information gained during the herbal colonic indicates
much about the pathologic condition of the colon. Therefore, find this
form of treatment not only a useful therapy, but also a great aid in diagnosis,
particularly when the problem does not yet show obvious pathologic signs
in X-rays or other orthodox methods of diagnosis.
Once the solution has become exhausted, the patient is allowed to drain,
the tube is removed, and the patient is sent to the adjoining lavatory,
remaining there long enough for the colon to empty.
Although this completes the normal treatment, there is a bit of technique
I discovered accidentally that may prove of interest to those familiar
with this type of therapy. In my early days, I operated my office without
an assistant and I had a patient to whom I had given three or four of these
colon therapies without reaching the cecum with healing solution. One day
while I was about half through with the treatment, my phone rang. I turned
the valve to drain and assured the patient that no water would be going
in her until I got back. The phone call was from a long winded patient.
Finally after 10 minutes, I was able to end the conversation and return
to my patient patient. She didn't seem any the worse for wear, so I again
started the solution to finish the therapy. As soon as I placed my hand
on her abdomen, I knew something had happened. Previously her abdomen had
always been hard and spastic; now it was soft and supple. I found that
the solution had worked its way into the cecum and my job had been done
for me while I was talking on the telephone. Further investigation substantiated
that for a difficult patient, a rest about half way through the colon treatment
is frequently beneficial. The desensitizing effect of the herbs, plus the
fact that the patient is better able to relax knowing that no one is around,
apparently enables the solution to move into the spastic areas, which were
resistant to more active treatment.
Herbal colon therapy is the cornerstone of much of our treatment for bowel
conditions in the same way that endonasal therapy is the cornerstone for
the treatment of ear, nose and throat diseases. Not all patients, however,
require or can tolerate herbal colon therapy; where it is indicated and
readily accepted, it is able to hasten improvement to such a degree that
it would be folly not to use it. In many spastic colon conditions, even
those of many years standing, relief is achieved in just one or two treatments
and apparent complete recovery can take place in a matter of weeks. It
is necessary, however, that these patients adhere to specific diets, take
nutrient elements that benefit their problem and are willing to help us
by establishing the proper mental and emotional outlook necessary for a
complete resolution of their difficulty.
Spastic Colitis
Spastic (mucous) colitis (now also known as irritable bowel syndrome, IBS). I have personally always been suspicious of conditions whose name is constantly being changed by the establishment. To me it indicates that they really know little of the true nature of the condition.) is, next to constipation, perhaps the most common colon disorder.
Opinions vary regarding its cause, but most physicians agree on a few points.
The effect of the emotions on the colon is generally accepted in spastic
colitis. This does not necessarily mean that the patient with this problem
is openly nervous or emotional. Very often he will seem to be a calm, quiet,
withdrawn person who almost never shows nervous tendencies. In this instance,
the feelings may be held in, only to manifest in a physical manner as spastic
colitis.
Many believe that improper food plays an important part in this condition
and certain vitamins, particularly those of the B family, can be beneficial
to the proper nervous functioning of the bowel and are frequently given
in this condition.
I personally have found that a hereditary influence also plays a strong
part in this form of colitis. Some people, no matter how careful they are
with their emotions or diet, seem to be readily affected by this disorder,
whereas others can eat atrociously and have severe emotional difficulties
but yet remain free from this condition.
In practice, the herbal colon therapy has proved to be almost a specific
for spastic colitis. The irritation that accompanies this condition is
usually stopped by the first or second treatment and an almost complete
abatement of symptoms can be assured within a few weeks. We do of course,
treat these patients as a whole, and depending on the severity of the condition,
they are placed on specific corrective diets. Only in the most severe cases,
however, do we use the classic bland diet. Because we believe that the
consumption of too many refined and devitalized foods often aggravates
this condition, we stress the use of raw fresh vegetable juices, fruit
juices that can be accepted and other natural whole foods as rapidly as
the progress of the condition allows. We do not fanatically adhere to any
one dietary regimen, however, and each case is individualized. In the very
sensitive patient, we use our new nutritional analysis and advanced allergy
testing methods to ascertain a patient's sensitivity to various foods.
Then a specific diet is arranged that is correctly constituted for his
individual body chemistry .
All our spastic colitis patients are given supplemental nutritional agents
that have proven their value. These vary somewhat, depending on the actual
needs of the individual patient but a general idea of their nature can
be discussed. Most spastic colitis patients have an imbalance in the acid
alkaline makeup of the colon and products are given to help re-implant
the normal acid forming bacteria following removal of the foreign bacteria
by herbal colon therapy. Usually products such as acidophilus culture (either
liquid or tablets) and lactic acid yeast are used. Occasionally, in a difficult
case, the liquid culture may be instilled by the colon therapy apparatus
in place of the usual herbal medication. In this way, many patients have
been helped who were resistant to all previous therapies. There has been
of late much evidence to show that many of these implantation compounds
do not have active bacterial activity by the time the patient purchases
them. Therefore, we ask our patients to please consult with us before obtaining
such products so that we can supply you with a product that does what it
is supposed to do.
Various types of natural B complex are also used. We like to use high biological
low potency products since we find them far more beneficial in the long
run than the high potency low biological products usually available.
Most patients with a spastic colon require more concentrated nutrition
than others due to the fact that the food passes through them so rapidly
that it usually is not well absorbed. Their diet and supplementation must
take this fact into consideration. All such patients need to discuss these
items with their physician at our Centers.
Patients with spastic colitis and emotional difficulties are divided into
two groups-patients who may have had past emotional difficulties that are
now conquered and patients presently under an emotional stress that is
continuing without abatement.
The first group is usually easy to treat. Even though the previous emotional
stress may have had an important part in causing their colitis, these patients
respond very well to the standard therapy I have outlined. For example,
a woman may be saddled with a drunken husband. Her constant concern and
worry about him can readily help initiate spastic colitis. But if he dies,
or if she gets a divorce, she can continue her life without the previous
anxiety. Even without the stress, however, spastic colitis usually doesn't
automatically go away. It may improve, but it usually persists until the
physical components are corrected by therapy such as that described here.
Following such treatment, since there is now nothing to perpetuate the
condition, the improvement usually is permanent, unless the patient finds
herself again in a situation of great emotional turmoil.
For the second group of patients, however, the problem is much more difficult.
In these patients, it is usually necessary to institute supportive psychological
therapy along with the usual natural treatment measures. Such psychological
therapy must be individualized to the situation at hand. Usually, it is
directed in one of two paths-either we try to help the patient change the
situation causing the emotional stress or, if this is impractical, we aid
him in changing his outlook concerning the situation, so that while the
stress may not be removed, it can be prevented from causing psychological
injury.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative
colitis is sometimes mistaken for spastic colitis. Unfortunately, ulcerative
colitis is an entirely different condition. It doesn't respond well to
any known conservative therapy, including the herbal colonic. In fact,
I rarely use herbal colonic therapy in treating ulcerative colitis.
In ulcerative colitis, gaping ulcers occur throughout the large bowel.
Blood and pus from these ulcers may be detected in the stool. The condition
usually attacks those in their 20s or 30s, and it seems to be more common
in women than in men. Many theories have been advanced regarding its cause.
Some believe it is an allergic reaction; some, that it is perhaps due to
a hormonal imbalance. Many assert that it is purely psychological and some
in my own field are certain that it is a nutritionally oriented problem.
In my own experience, I have seen where all these factors could play some
part, but I can't say that any one specific factor consistently overpowers
the others in this somewhat dreaded disease.
Because of its inflammatory nature, it is frequently treated with cortisone
or other sterols. However, it isn't generally cured by this therapy and
many of these patients go on to have a colostomy in which all, or a portion,
of colon is removed.
At present, I still find ulcerative colitis enigmatic. Almost every case
has had characteristics different from all other cases I have treated.
I have seen patients I was not treating personally, but who were under
my observation, change from a well controlled to a very severe, desperate
situation within a matter of days and these patients may perish even though
the most heroic medical measures were used without avail.
On the other hand, many cases have progressed extremely well under natural
therapies. Some patients sent to us by other physicians to have their health
built up so that they could go through a colostomy were found on later
examination to be free of ulcers and the operation was unnecessary. I have
also seen these same patients, apparently because of emotional stress,
revert to their previous condition within an extremely short period.
In summary, while there is no specific cure I know of, frequently considerable
help can be offered ulcerative colitis patients through natural methods.
This help must at times be given in conjunction with the sterols and other
orthodox medication, though in many instances it can be used in place of
such medication. I treat each patient as an individual and not as a disease,
for I have yet to see two patients respond exactly alike. Herbal colonic
irrigation doesn't seem to be practical in most of these patients, and
it can possibly do harm during certain stages of the disease. In almost
every instance, all efforts must be made to reduce to a minimum the degree
of physical and emotional stress under which these patients live. When
all these factors are watched carefully, we have good results in treating
ulcerative colitis at our Healing Research Center. These patients, however,
must be watched much more closely than the general run of patient.
Many of these patients respond to pulsed electro-magnetic therapy (Magnatherm)
and to manual reduction of the abdominal tension. Recently we have been
using the new Low Level Laser Therapy on these patients and the early results
are promising.
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Another
troublesome condition of the large bowel is diverticulosis. A diverticulum
is a small pocket (invagination) occurring along the surface of the bowel.
Some patients may have two or three of these diverticula; some will have
nearly a hundred covering the whole surface of the bowel. If these little
pockets become inflamed or infected, they can cause considerable distress.
This condition is then called diverticulitis (the "itis" indicating
that the diverticula are inflamed).
The frequency of diverticulosis seems to be growing. It occurs generally
in the middle-aged to elderly patient and while certainly not on the order
of ulcerative colitis, it is generally more troublesome than simple spastic
colon. For years, medical authorities disagreed about the cause of diverticulosis.
However in recent years, more credence has been given the theory that it
is caused by foods that are too soft and mushy, therefore do not produce
sufficient stimulation of the colon walls to induce proper colon muscle
tone. From this a weakness occurs in the walls and a blow out or distention
of the weak wall occurs, producing the pocket or diverticulum.
We in the natural therapeutic field received this information from the
medical authorities with rather mixed feelings, for although it does substantiate
a hypothesis we have expounded for many years, no credit has ever been
given us for our early work in this condition.
Unfortunately, once a patient has diverticulosis, he must be careful about
his diet. Once the pockets develop, it is possible for certain stimulative
foods to irritate them to the point of inflammation, producing diverticulitis.
Both diverticulitis and diverticulosis, if not too far advanced, respond
well to herbal colon therapy and its allied natural therapeutic measures.
The pain and irritation that often accompany these disorders usually abate
rapidly with the herbal instillations. After a few treatments, it is generally
possible to place the patient on a slightly modified basic maintenance
diet. In this way, we can usually prevent further diverticula from forming
by strengthening the bowel wall.
Diverticulosis usually doesn't have a particular emotional component, although
it is certainly possible that a patient may have both diverticulosis and
a spastic colon at the same time- in which case the two treatments can
be combined. However, most uncomplicated diverticulosis cases respond well
without psychological therapy.
The nutritional therapy is quite important and it is essential that the
patient is well-supplied with the elements that help rebuild and sustain
the tone of the smooth muscle fibers.
Because an actual pathologic change occurs in diverticulosis, it is not
often possible to speak of a definitive cure. Most of our patients are
brought to a state in which they are comfortable and symptom-free. To maintain
them in this condition, we implement certain maintenance measures, consisting
of corrective diet and specific nutrient supplements on their part, and
of the occasional use of herbal colon therapy on ours. Most patients so
maintained have little trouble with their diverticulosis and they live
entirely normal lives.
Intestinal Flu
This disease, which afflicts us all at one time or another, responds well to herbal therapy. After a bout with intestinal flu, the colon is often left denuded of its normal bacteria. If we are unlucky, gas-forming or putrefying bacteria take their place. In these instances, the cramp-like pains so common in acute stomach flu don't leave entirely, or the diarrhea may persist even after the fever and aches have left. In some patients, this situation may persist for weeks and even months after the original infection. An herbal colonic usually brings almost instant relief for these patients. At times only one such treatment is required, and rarely are more than two necessary.
Intestinal Problems Due to Antibiotics
A state
similar to that found in flu may occur in patients treated with oral antibiotics.
Most broad-spectrum antibiotics tend to sterilize the colon rapidly and
the bowel may then become inhabited by harmful bacteria.
My first contact with herbal colon therapy, and Dr. Linke, arose from this
situation, when one of our fellow medical school students was recovering
from lobar pneumonia treated by broad-spectrum antibiotics. A few days
after he was discharged from the hospital, he began to have severe abdominal
cramps. His teachers were not sure what to do with him, but Dr. Linke gave
him a series of three herbal colonic irrigations and acidophilus bacillus
capsules by mouth for bacterial reimplantation. The cramps began to abate
after the first treatment and by the time the third was finished the student
had fully recovered.
It is possible for a person to take oral antibiotics without this problem
occurring, but it happens often enough to be mentioned here. With the present
universal use of oral antibiotics, this condition is undoubtedly one we
must consider whenever unexplained bowel pains occur.
Constipation
To the
uninitiated it might seem that the most obvious reason for the herbal colonic
treatment would be for correcting constipation. Although used for constipation,
herbal colonic therapy is much more specific in mucous colitis, diverticulosis,
various forms of idiopathic diarrheas and other conditions in which the
bowel is irritated or overly sensitive. At best, colon irrigation (enema)
is only a temporary cure for constipation. To be of lasting help in constipation,
the treatment must always be directed toward establishing normal bowel
function. To this end, it is important that we try to stimulate the mass
peristaltic wave if this has been diminished. It is also particularly important
that we correct any malfunctioning of the rectal reflex, which alone institutes
the mechanism and the desire for defecation. To do this, in the early stages
of treatment herbal colonic therapy is useful. Once we free the rectum
of impacted material, it is possible for the herbs to rebuild the natural
tone of the rectal muscles and to reestablish the integrity of the sensitive
sensory nerve endings that have so long been dulled. The practitioner who
uses this treatment must always keep in mind that it is his purpose to
rebuild and stimulate the natural functioning of the body, not to do the
work the body should do for itself.
In our colon work, we use a tube of small diameter instead of the large
tubes used with most commercial colonic machines. We don't attempt to bring
the fecal matter out through the tube, as is done with most of these machines.
We only try to stimulate the normal nerve-muscle mechanism so that when
the urge to defecate comes to our patient, we can stop the treatment and
send him into the adjoining bathroom, thereby producing a constructive
habit pattern for the weakened bowel.
For our treatment of constipation, I we use special four pad sine-wave
machine that alternates the current from one pad to the next in a circular
fashion. These pads are placed on the patient's abdomen in such a way that
they simulate normal peristaltic wave. The circular activity of this muscle
contractility has proven a great aid in initiating the normal reflex defecatory
mechanism of the colon. We have also found this machine (the Myoflex) to
be very helpful even in cases of visceroptosis (prolapse of the abdominal
organs) a common condition in older patients.
Although authorities accept that such sine-wave stimulation affects the
abdominal skeletal muscles, they may not agree that it can affect the slower
smooth muscles of the colon itself. I really don't know if it works on
the smooth muscles or not, but I do know that it works. We have patients
come from great distances to obtain its therapeutic effects and some of
our constipation patients desire and need no other treatment. I'm sure
someday some bright researcher will discover a reflex center in the skeletal
muscles that affects certain centers in the smooth muscles and that by
controlling one, the other is affected. Then I may have a real answer to
why my sine-wave machine alleviates constipation. If we wait until that
time to use this treatment, however, many of our patients would suffer
unnecessarily from constipation.
Many authorities believe that the first cause of constipation is failure
to eat food leaving a sufficient residue in the colon. I also find this
a problem that must be corrected if there is to be any lasting help in
most constipation cases. Unfortunately, constipation often occurs in the
elderly, who frequently have dental problems and find it difficult to chew
raw cellulose foods adequately. We place these patients on a bulk substance
such as psyllium seed or karaya gum compound. Both work effectively, although
they differ in consistency. The psyllium seed is tough and stringy and
will eventually pull anything through the bowel. Unfortunately, it can
be more irritating than the karaya gum in certain spastic conditions. Karaya
gum produces a soft gelatinous type of bulk that, though not as effective
in many instances as psyllium seed, is not as irritative and it is preferred
in certain cases. One of the great advantages of prescribing a bulk substance
is that a certain amount of water must be taken for the bulk to function
properly and this water intake may have just as beneficial an effect on
the constipation as the bulk substance does.
Laxatives
In the
beginning treatment of most chronic constipation, it is necessary that
the patient be kept on some type of stimulant until normal or near normal
reflex actions can be instituted. Products in this category are generally
called laxatives and they were one of the first medications used by man.
Unfortunately, most lay persons are confused about these agents.
The most common error I find concerns the use of the word "herbal"
or "natural." Often a patient will tell me, "Oh, I'm taking
a natural laxative." Their assumption is that if it's natural, it
can't be harmful or habit-forming. This is not true. The most used laxatives
the world over are natural and herbal and still they can be habit-forming
and harmful if misused. One laxative that was used in ancient Egypt is
the Aloe plant; it's still used today. If used in small amounts, it's not
likely to cause any harm, but it is still basically an irritant; if its
use is prolonged, it is habit-forming and tends to weaken the normal reflex
mechanisms of the large bowel. Senna is used in some of the best-selling
laxatives, but it too is a stimulant and can in time produce the same adverse
effect. The only herbal remedy I know that works exclusively on the large
bowel is Cascara Sagrada; although it is a stimulant, its effects are more
controlled than the others. Cascara is probably the most practical laxative
in most cases that can't be controlled without stimulants.
The various salts and physiologic laxatives-such as the fleet enemas, disodium
phosphates and the various other mineral laxatives-all have their place,
but they must be used carefully. Those high in sodium should not be used
in patients with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In our own Centers, we use several laxatives. In the beginning of our therapy,
we give the laxative with the weakest possible action that will be effective
in a specific patient. We therefore have laxatives that range from the
gentlest nudge to pure dynamite. A selection of laxatives is kept on hand
because in many patients the laxative action of a compound is exhausted
shortly. Laxatives must therefore be changed frequently to keep the bowels
functioning until normal activity can be restored by our usual therapeutic
measures.
The colon walls are an acid medium and this state helps support and in
turn is sustained by the acid-forming colon bacillus. In constipation,
the bowel frequently becomes alkaline and putrefaction or fermentation
organisms predominate. This alkaline state may inhibit the normal colon
movements. Many cases of mild constipation can be cured completely by the
use of measures to change the bowel "soil" and implant acidophilus
or lactic acid organisms. Even chronic conditions are helped by these measures,
although much more must usually be done for a thorough cure.
The early chiropractors and men like Albert Abrams, with his spondylotherapy,
treated constipation by stimulating the spinal nerve centers. These methods
are still used at our Centers. These methods are quite useful in treating
severely chronic constipation. These chronic cases require all the tricks
of natural therapy to encourage the bowel back to reasonable activity.
In some constipation cases, we find that carefully applied rectal dilatation,
in which the tissues around the coccyx and ganglion impar are gently stretched
and freed from spasm, often is the difference between success and failure.
As in all such nerve rebuilding, the patient must be taught to respond
whenever the urge to defecate is felt. The way to build a weakened nerve
reflex is to respond to it as rapidly as possible whenever it manifests.
If the patient attempts to defecate whenever he feels the desire, it will
aid greatly in rebuilding this important reflex. On the other hand, if
he attempts to wait until the reflex is stronger, the reflex will probably
never gain the necessary strength.
Exercise is also of great importance in treating constipation. The best
exercise usually is walking. Walking at a good arm swinging pace productively
stimulates more organs of the body than almost any other exercise. It is
particularly useful for the digestive system, especially the liver and
gallbladder. It is difficult for a case of constipation to really become
entrenched unless the liver is sluggish. The liver, via the gallbladder,
puts into the alimentary canal substances that are natural laxatives. If
through the absorption of toxic substances or dietary habits that cause
liver congestion these substances are not adequately produced, constipation
can result. Natural remedies are useful in establishing the normal function
of the liver. Please speak to your Center physician if you are interested
in liver cleansing.
In summary, I offer these thoughts: Constipation can be corrected and the
earlier the treatment is begun, the quicker and the more thorough the cure
can be. The worst action you can take for constipation is to accept it;
once you accept constipation, the disorder will become entrenched. However,
just keeping the bowels moving by the use of laxatives is not treating
constipation. It is simply a resignation to it. The bowels should function
without such stimulation. Read again what I have said in this section.
If constipation is your problem, don't give up. Tell us about it and together
we will correct it.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids
is a most disagreeable condition that is often treated by surgery. Recovery
from such surgery can be extremely painful; even then, the condition may
return later. Many cases of hemorrhoids, if caught in the early stages,
can be treated successfully by natural means. At our healing Centers, we
first treat hemorrhoids by correcting the constipation that so often causes
them. At the same time, we analyze liver function and, if needed, take
measures to decongest this organ. Besides the remedies given to the patient
to correct constipation and to decongest the liver, specific remedies are
useful for hemorrhagic venous engorgement. The herbs collinsonia and hamamelis
have proven most efficacious over the years; rutin, vitamin C, and vitamin
E are also of great use.
In milder cases, the most successful local treatment has been garlic inserted
into the rectum each night. To do this properly, a clove of garlic is separated
from the bulb, and small scratches are made in its surface with a razor
blade or paring knife. The clove is then inserted into the rectum just
before bedtime, as far as it can be pushed by the index finger. It will
pass out with the stool the next morning. At first there may be some burning
when the garlic is inserted. However, this sensation soon disappears and
after its use for only a few nights the burning ceases. The hemorrhoids
are usually much improved in short order.
Another useful local treatment, though not quite as convenient as garlic,
is to insert a small amount of unpasteurized honey into the rectum each
night. This isn't too difficult if the honey is warmed slightly to thin
it, sucked up into a baby syringe, and then injected into the rectum. In
many cases, the alternate use of honey one night and garlic the next proves
the most beneficial. Some patients like to dip the garlic in the honey
and then insert this into the rectum, thus effectively combining the two
treatments.
Diet is very important in hemorrhoids, because the two basic causes of
hemorrhoids are liver congestion and constipation. Both problems tend to
be caused by a diet that is too rich, soft and complicated by the use of
alcoholic beverages. Those who would be free of their hemorrhoids should
choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, fish, cottage cheese and nonfat
milk products such as yogurt. They should stay away from red meats for
awhile, alcoholic beverages, particularly wines, fatty foods and foods
high in refined sugars. The whole-grain cereals can be useful in overcoming
hemorrhoids, because they help correct constipation.
Bowel conditions plague many of us. We at the Healing Research Centers
have devoted many years of effort and research toward curing these cantankerous
diseases. This experience has proven to us time and again that natural
methods produce the best cures. If you are troubled with a bowel disorder,
I encourage you to give natural therapy a fair trial.