Detoxification and bowel cleansing exercises

The lightweight version of detoxification and bowel cleansing exercises that conform to the logic of physiological anatomy can indeed promote intestinal peristalsis and relieve the problems of flatulence and functional constipation after eating too much. However, it is not the "detoxification magic medicine" spread on the Internet. It can neither eliminate so-called "intestinal toxins" nor cure organic gastrointestinal problems. If done blindly, it may damage the gastrointestinal tract.

The first time I came into contact with this exercise was when I was working on a project the year before last. I sat for 12 hours every day and even forgot to drink water. My legs were numb after squatting for half an hour with constipation. I was given a 10-minute follow-up video by a colleague from the health party in the same group. I ran to the toilet after doing it for half an hour for the first time. I was shocked at the time. After I stepped on the pit, I realized that there are many ways to do it.

There is actually quite a lot of controversy about this exercise on the Internet. Both sides are right: one group is a traditional Chinese medicine health enthusiast. They believe that rubbing the abdomen along the meridians, warming the body, and twisting the posture can clear blockages and promote digestion. Many friends around me who like to eat raw and cold foods and often have flatulence find their stomachs feel much better after following the practice.； The other group are practitioners with a Western medicine background. They directly say that "detoxification" is an IQ tax. There is no concept of "intestinal toxins" in medicine. The so-called colon cleansing is to help the intestines discharge metabolic waste. Those who say that it can remove freckles, lose weight, and cure chronic diseases are all marketing gimmicks promoted by merchants. Some people also jumped out and said that they had stomachaches and acid reflux after doing it. Then they most likely chose the wrong version, either the movements were too vigorous, or the direction of rubbing the stomach was reversed.

Oh, yes, I have stepped into this trap before. I first found a video called "Clear 3 pounds of feces in 7 days". In the video, I shook my waist vigorously and patted my stomach throughout the whole process. I felt acid reflux and burning on the day after the video was done. Later, I asked my friends in the gastroenterology department and found out that the violent shaking movements are not suitable for people with gastroptosis and gastritis. Just like if you shake half a bottle of water too hard, it will spill out. If you shake the food in the stomach too hard, it will cause acid reflux and bloating.

I have tried five or six versions on my own, and the ones I usually do now are all movements that can be done standing up without laying down a yoga mat. There are no tricks. I do it every time I stand to digest after eating. It can be done in less than 10 minutes. For example, the action of rubbing the abdomen is not a random circle. It should follow the shape of the colon. Slowly push it up from the right lower abdomen to the ribs, then push it sideways to the left side, and finally push it down to the left lower abdomen. The force should be enough that you feel a little sore but not painful when you press it. If you have irritable bowel syndrome and your stomach hurts when you touch it, just skip this action and don't rub it hard. There is also a movement of gently turning your waist, just like you usually do to draw paper from behind. Turn left and right slowly, not too much. Don't swing your waist too hard. Don't hold your breath when turning. Just breathe normally. This movement relies on slight core squeezing to give the intestines some power. It is much safer than rubbing your belly hard.

To be honest, I never expected to "detoxify" by doing this exercise. After all, if I really get acne after eating too much spicy food, it would be better to apply an anti-acne cream after doing it ten times. Its biggest function is to act as a "gastric lubricant" for people who sit for a long time and eat too much. For example, if you eat big fish and meat during the New Year, your belly will be bloated like an inflated ball. If you do it for 10 minutes, you will most likely be able to digest it faster than if you are slumped on the sofa and scrolling through your phone. But if you have been constipated for more than a week, or you often have bloody stools or stomachaches, don’t do anything to save you. Go to the hospital for a checkup quickly without delay.

Oh, and there are a few people who absolutely cannot do it. I specifically asked the doctor: those who have just had abdominal surgery and are not recovering, those who are in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, and those who have peptic ulcers or intestinal adhesions, don’t join in the fun. The intestines and stomach are already fragile, and if you rub or twist them too hard, they are prone to problems.

Finally, I would like to say something. Nowadays, many health-preserving methods are easily praised as magical. You really don’t need to be too superstitious. Only the ones that suit you will work. Do it when you feel comfortable and stop when it hurts. It’s better than anything else.