The Ancient Art of Enemas: Wisdom from Pharaohs to Modern Biohackers

Introduction

In this solo episode, Darin dives into a practice that has been both revered and misunderstood across history: the enema. From ancient Egypt and Mayan rituals to Ayurveda and modern biohacking, enemas have long been used as tools for cleansing, hydration, and targeted healing. Darin shares his own two-decade experience with enemas — from parasite cleanses to coffee enemas — and explores the science, history, and red flags you need to know. This is not medical advice, but an invitation to learn from ancient wisdom and consider how these practices might support your own healing journey.

 

 

What You’ll Learn

00:21 – Why enemas have been used for thousands of years, from Egypt to the Maya 01:33 – Parasite cleansing, hydration, and creating an environment for balance 02:38 – Pharaohs’ “shepherds of the king’s rectum” and enemas in ancient medical texts 03:20 – Ayurveda protocols for cleansing, oils, and elimination support 04:25 – The Maya’s ritual use of enemas, including psychoactive delivery 05:22 – Enemas as lifesaving hydration in medical history (Murphy’s Drip) 06:30 – FDA-approved microbiome enemas and rapid constipation relief 07:24 – Parasite cleanses, detox protocols, and Darin’s own experiences 08:38 – Why we all live with parasites and how enemas help restore balance 09:19 – Ancient wisdom vs. modern medicine: why we need both 10:19 – Coffee enemas, liver support, detox, and peristalsis stimulation 11:20 – Lights turning back on: Darin’s personal benefits from enemas 12:20 – Red flags: who should not do enemas (IBD, bleeding, surgeries, etc.) 13:47 – The importance of fiber, microbiome support, and daily practices 15:21 – Why Darin does two enemas a week and how they “turn the lights back on” 16:32 – Closing reflections: enemas as ancient tools for hydration, cleansing, and microbiome health

 

 

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

• Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off

• Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com.

 

 

Find More from Darin Olien:

• Instagram: @darinolien

• Podcast: SuperLife

• Website: https://superlife.com

• Book: Fatal Conveniences

 

 

Key Takeaway

“From the pharaohs to Ayurveda to modern biohacking, enemas have always been about accessing the body in powerful ways. Used with care and wisdom, they can reawaken ancient practices of cleansing, hydration, and healing.”

 

 

Bibliography & Sources

• Egypt / Antiquity: Hektoen Int’l on the Shepherd of the Rectum; overview of Egyptian proctology terms. Encyclopedia Pub

• Ayurveda (Basti): Classical reviews and practitioner summaries of Nirūha/Anuvāsana, indications, and protocols. IJRAPCalifornia College of Ayurveda

• Maya ritual enemas: Carod-Artal review (2015) and De Smet et al. on ritual enemas/psychoactives; museum/archaeological overviews with ceramic scenes. ScienceDirect+1

• Rectal rehydration / proctoclysis: Wilderness case report of successful rectal ORS in hemorrhagic shock; historical review of proctoclysis as standard therapy (late 19th–early 20th c.). SAGE JournalsPMC

• Constipation/impaction patient education: Cleveland Clinic guidance on when/how enemas are used. Cleveland Clinic

• Parasite obstruction (Ascaris): pediatric surgical series noting hypertonic saline enemas for colonic worm disentanglement; newer case discussions. Lippincott JournalsPMC

• Microbiome therapy (powerful modern rectal route): FDA approval docs and clinical literature for REBYOTA(enema) and FMT efficacy. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

• Risks & what to avoid: FDA safety communication on phosphate enemas; case report of coffee-enema proctocolitis; reviews cautioning routine “colon cleansing.” U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationPMC