An enema is the procedure of introducing fluids into the rectum and colon through the anus. This is usually done for medical or hygiene purposes, or as part of alternative or traditional therapies.
Beyond that the procedure is similar in all cases, there are many types of enema. Some belong to the pharmaceutical industry and others are completely natural and can be done at home.
You must not think that this is a modern invention. Enemas have been performed in traditional and alternative medicine for centuries, with multiple uses.
What are the functions of the enema?
Enemas are specifically useful and important for three therapeutic reasons, where they are a better option than any other method.
relieve constipation
By stimulating bowel movement, enemas are helpful in relieving constipation. Especially in particularly severe cases and if the person cannot defecate on their own, the enema is used to extract the intestinal content.
Clean the rectum and colon
This can be useful in many ways. The enema is used to prepare the rectum and colon for procedures such as childbirth or colonoscopy. It is also used to keep the area sanitized during anal intercourse.
Administer medications, fluids, and/or nutrients
Certain contents necessary for the body may require administration rectally, through an aqueous solution. For this, the enema is used, a name that is also given to the utensil used to carry out this procedure.
types of enemas
In general, there are three types of enema: micro enemas, evacuating or cleansing enemas, and natural enemas.
micro enema
This is the easiest type of enema to use. It has a very low risk because the amount of solution administered is very small: between 5 and 10 ml.
It can be self-administered without too many inconveniences and it is advisable to try this type of enema before moving on to a more sophisticated one. Its main function is to cleanse the lower part of the colon, without going too far.
Simple constipation can be resolved with this type of enema, for example.
Evacuating or cleansing enemas
It is administered in order to empty the rectum and colon of feces. They act, first, by stimulating peristalsis through irritation of the colon and rectum and volume distention.
This enema is one of the most used. It is a commercial preparation that cannot be made at home. The amount to introduce in an adult is 250 cc and 80 cc in a child.
Natural or homemade enemas
Unlike the previous ones, natural or homemade enemas are possible to perform at home, they are cheap and, above all, they do not have chemical elements of any kind. Then, they can be applied having the corresponding instruments.
Make homemade enemas
According to the need of the person, one or the other will be more recommended. These are the ones that are used most often.
coffee enema
The coffee enema is one of the most used at home, since it has enormous benefits. It allows a much deeper cleaning than other types of enema, and there are even those who claim that using it frequently can prevent and cure cancer.
This type of enema is basically a coffee infusion. The only thing to keep in mind is that the coffee must be organic. Otherwise, there is a risk that the body will absorb the chemicals present in it.
To prepare it, boil a liter of mineral water and, once it reaches the boiling point, add two to three tablespoons of coffee. Then, let the coffee simmer for 10 to 15 minutes and allow it to cool to room temperature.
It should be applied and retained for a maximum of 10 minutes.
salt water enema
This is one of the gentler types of enema, and is ideal for trying out this type of rectal cleansing. It is very easy to prepare and gives good results.
To prepare it, heat two liters of distilled water to a temperature between 37 and 40 ºC (98 and 104 ºF).
Next, you’ll need to dissolve two teaspoons (10 ml) of pure sea salt in the water. Stir until fully integrated.
Then it’s time to apply the enema. The ideal is to retain the liquid as long as possible, but never more than 40 minutes.
Variation: If you want to prepare a stronger salt water enema, you can use 60 ml (four tablespoons) of Epsom salts, which contain large amounts of magnesium, which helps cleanse the colon much deeper.
In this case, you should not retain the liquid for more than 20 minutes.
lemon juice enema
The lemon juice enema is excellent for removing excess stool from the colon, making it one of the best homemade recipes if you are looking for a deep cleanse. But in addition, lemon helps balance the pH levels in the colon, which is in turn very healthy.
This enema can be used up to once a week, which is recommended if you suffer from chronic constipation. However, it is essential to note that the acidity of lemon juice can irritate the inner walls of the intestines.
Therefore, if you are going to use it more or less regularly, it is very important that you always pay close attention to how you feel. If you discover burning or cramping, it is preferable to stop using it and consult a health specialist. Also, this enema is not recommended for people with an overly sensitive digestive tract.
The ingredients you need to prepare it are:
♦ 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (the juice of about three lemons).
♦ 2 liters of hot filtered water.
Heat two liters of distilled water, it should be just warm. Squeeze the juice from the lemons and strain it so that there are no traces of pulp.
Then, mix with the water until it is completely integrated.
Apply all of the solution and hold it for 10-15 minutes, or as long as you can without cramping and other sharp pain. The acidity of this enema can cause discomfort; in that case, evacuate. Ideally, you should hold it for at least 5 minutes, but the main thing is that it is comfortable for you.
garlic enema
This type of enema is especially useful when it is intestinal worms, bacteria, parasites, and fungal infections that need to be treated. This is because of the antiseptic properties of garlic.
In addition, it helps eliminate excess mucus in the liver and intestines.
To make it you only need water and two cloves of garlic.
First, you must crush the garlic cloves and boil them in a saucepan (not aluminum), with half a liter of water. Once the water reaches the boiling point, let it simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
Once that time has passed, let the preparation cool down. When it reaches between 35 and 40°C, strain the water to remove any remaining garlic. Use a very fine strainer: to make the enema you only have to keep the clean liquid.
Finally, add warm distilled water to the garlic water. You must complete a liter of preparation. Remember that at the time of applying it, the enema should not exceed 37°C.
Apply the enema in the usual way and retain it for a period between a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 20.
Final considerations
As you have seen, there are many types of enema that you can use to cleanse the rectum and colon. All of them can help you lead a much healthier life.
However, it is important to keep in mind that applying enemas without supervision can cause health problems, and misapplication can lead to serious injuries. Therefore, it is best that you always consult a health specialist before starting to use these methods.
Remember that not all people are the same, so not everyone reacts the same to the application of an enema. If you’re going to try it, pay close attention to how you feel. If you have discomfort or think you have not applied it correctly, evacuate immediately. And before any doubtful symptom after its application, consult a doctor.
Have you ever used any of these enemas? What has been your experience?
Important: It should be clarified that Bioguía does not give medical advice or prescribe the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical or mental problems without the advice of a doctor, either directly or indirectly. In the case of applying any information on this site for this purpose, Bioguía does not assume responsibility for these acts. The site is intended only to provide information of a general nature to aid in the pursuit of personal growth and development.
Sources:
Nursing Buenos Aires
Constipation
I.O. Nurse
wikiHow