How Does an Internal Bath Work?

Internal Baths

An internal bath is just another way of saying an enema, or colonic irrigation or even colon hydrotherapy. The idea behind it is that if waste collects and hardens in the colon, this possibly causes toxins to enter the bloodstream, though there has never been any scientific evidence to support this theory. If the theory were proved, it could explain why some people become ill. Other reasons that someone might choose to have an internal bath are constipation, or even as part of sexuality as evidenced by some in the BDSM community.

A Little History

The idea of internal baths, enemas and colonic irrigation has been around since the 17th century, and probably before that. In those days they called enemas clysters for the clyster syringe used. Internal baths were given for stomach ailments as well as other illnesses.
At that time, water was not the only thing used in colonics. In some cases, different herb mixtures were used to flush out the colon, depending on the person's health.

What Happens During an Internal Bath and A Few Key Differences

While both enemas and colonic irrigation are considered internal baths there are a few key differences. An enema will only flush out the lower colon, whereas in the case of colonic irrigation, the entire colon is flushed out.
In colonic irrigation a person goes to a health practitioner experienced in doing colonics. The practitioner puts a disposable speculum into the rectum that has a tube attached to it. This tube is then attached to the colon hydrotherapy unit.
Warm water is slowly sent into the colon. The water causes the muscles in the colon to contract, which is called peristalsis, and this pushes the feces out through the tube where it is then disposed of in a closed waste system. Neither the patient nor the practitioner can smell anything during the process.
A normal colonic session can last up to 45 minutes and at the end, the patient sits on the toilet to expel any left over water and feces.

There is some controversy among physicians as to whether colonics are really necessary, but many people swear by them.