How Does an Enema Work?

Most people want to know how to use enema. They may be concerned about the insertion of an OTC enema or Enema fleet nozzle, or have questions about how long it will take for the enema to work. Questions about how to use enema may involve disrupting healthy intestinal bacteria. You may also have concerns about whether an enema will disrupt the intestinal micro biome. If the individual has recently taken an antibiotic or chemotherapy, he or she may need to restore healthy bacteria in the large intestine.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the average human has trillions of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal micro biome. Although some bacteria will be released with the stool after an enema, it will not affect the bacteria safely nestled in the intestinal mucosal lining.

If your healthcare provider orders a home enema for constipation or to treat your condition, make sure to follow instructions exactly as they are given. He or she may recommend using a little petroleum jelly to lubricate the anus before inserting the enema nozzle. He or she may also recommend that you drink plenty of clear liquids for a period of time before taking an enema to assist with the process.

How Do Toxins Get Into My System?

Enemas, such as the well-known Bucket Enema System, treat constipation by introducing fluid into the intestines through the rectum. The liquid softens impacted stool, while the enema nozzle loosens the rectum. That combination will stimulate a large bowel movement allowing you to evacuate the contents of your bowels.

Every day, we’re bombarded with toxins: additives in the food we eat, pollution in the air we breathe, the water our bodies need to live, and also chemicals in the products we put on our bodies. The overabundance of common impurities that we all encounter can overwhelm our natural ability to detoxify. It no wonder that many of these toxins find their way into the liver, kidneys, intestines, and colon. Colon cleansing is a easy and simple way to flush your body and recharge your overall well-being, and cleansing the colon can boost your natural self-healing and detox mechanisms.

What’s The Best Position To Get Into?

There are three common enema positions:

• Left-side: This is reported to be one of the best positions for taking an enema. Lay down on your left side. Keep the left leg straight and bend the right knee towards the chest, knee resting on the floor. You may want to rest your head on a pillow or your left arm. You will have an easy reach to your rectum in this position with your right arm, making insertion and removal of the nozzle quite comfortable.
• On the back: Another common position. Lay on your back with your knees to the chest. Hands can rest on your knees. Again, you can place a pillow under your head so you’re comfortable. Some find it a bit difficult to reach around with the nozzle in this position. However, experimenting is the key to finding your preference.
• Buttocks up: Get onto all fours so your elbows and knees are touching the ground. Your head should hang low and your buttocks will stick up in the air. To make sure you’re comfortable; make sure there is enough cushioning under your knees and elbows. Some have reported this position more difficult to relax. The nozzle sometimes tends to slip out in this position – But again, experimenting with your go to position is the best way to find out how your body responds.

Whichever position you choose, make sure you can reach your anus easily. If you find you cannot reach your anus in any of the positions, you may have to get assistance with your enema.

Refrain from administering your enema sitting on the toilet or standing up. These positions don’t allow liquid to flow into the entire colon, where you’re fighting gravity to retain the solution.

What Type Of Enema Will My Doctor Prescribe?

With the variety of enema’s available on the market, it’s always good to understand the various types available. It’s also best to ask your doctor if you have questions about the best type of enema for you. Typically, your doctor will recommend one of the following types of enemas:

• Mineral oil: A mineral oil enema is considered a laxative and lubricant. This type of enema is often recommended when the user has constipation or if haemorrhoids are present.
• Saline solution: Salt water enemas are often recommended to relieve constipation. Do not mix your own saline solution enema with tap water. This is not hygienic.
• Bisacodyl: A bisacodyl enema is made with a laxative. This type of enema is frequently recommended to prepare for a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or as a remedy for constipation or impacted feces.

Your doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional may deliver the enema or he or she may recommend an enema to be done at home. In either case, you can always ask the professional how to administer the enema for peace of mind and understanding. One thing to note is avoid overuse of enemas. Ask your provider’s advice about the type and frequency of enema use in your situation.

Cleansing or Retention: 2 Separate But Powerful Tools

There are two types of home enemas:

1. The cleansing enema is retained for a short period of time until your natural peristaltic movement eliminates both the water and the loose fecal material. It is used to gently flush out the colon.
2. The retention enema is held in the body for longer. For example, the famous "coffee enema" is retained for approximately 15 minutes or can also be left in and absorbed. Coffee enemas are an example of short-term (15-minute) retention enemas. They were made popular by Max Gerson, who used them with cancer patients to open the bile ducts and increase bile flow, helping to rid the liver of impurities.A 2007 analysis observed six case studies of cancer patients who followed Gerson therapy, which included treatment with coffee enemas. Patients on the Gerson regimen showed some evidence of both physical and psychological support, though further research is needed.

Examples of cleansing enemas (added to water per enema kit instructions):

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Helps with viral conditions and to clear mucous from the body. Great if you suffer from nasal congestion or asthma. (2-3 tbsp. diluted in water.)
• Burdock Root - Helps to eliminate calcium deposits and purify blood.
• Catnip Tea - Relieves constipation and congestion and will bring down a high fever.
• Lemon Juice - Just what you need to clean the colon of fecal matter, balance its pH, and detoxify the system.

Examples of retention enemas (added to water per enema kit instructions):

• Coffee - A coffee solution (we mean a good organic breakfast blend, not decaf or instant) stimulates both the liver and the gallbladder to release toxins. (15 minutes only; please consult with your doctor if you have hypertension.)
• Minerals - This is one you will want to retain permanently. It helps rebuild the energy of the adrenals and the thyroid.
• Probiotic - Perfect for candidiasis and other yeast infections.
• Red Raspberry Leaf - High in iron, great for the eyes, and particularly helpful for women.

Each enema requires a slightly different method, but the results for each will be wonderful. When a smaller amount of liquid is retained permanently, we prefer to call this an implant. One cup of liquid with a probiotic, minerals, or something green with chlorophyll (like wheat grass) makes an excellent implant. You’ll quickly be on your way to a happier, healthier colon.

REFERENCES:

1. "Scientific Basis of Coffee Enemas." Gerson Institute.
2. Integr Cancer Ther. 2007 Mar;6(1):80-8.