Tobacco Smoke Enemas (1750s-1810s) The tobacco enema was used to infuse tobacco smoke
into a patient's rectum for various medical purposes, primarily the resuscitation of drowning
victims. A rectal tube inserted into the anus was connected to a fumigator and bellows that
forced the smoke towards the rectum.

The warmth of the smoke was thought to promote respiration, but doubts about the credibility
of tobacco enemas led to the popular phrase "blowing' smoke up your ass".

It has been reintroduced in Washington, by the Obama Administration as an integral part of the
Affordable Health Care Program.