A home enema is an all-natural, safe, and effective method of cleansing the colon, which is gaining preference over traditional constipation treatment such as suppositories and laxatives. An enema is a gentle colon cleansing system that loosens impacted stool which is then eliminated via the rectum.
In a home enema, the last portion of the digestive tract is flushed and cleansed. The effect of laxative is rather unpredictable. In the case of constipation, treatment with laxative has no certain timeframe of when it will work. ?On the other hand an enema delivers immediate results. You can perform an enema whenever you feel like doing it. The results are almost immediate when you choose to perform a home enema to treat constipation and other gastrointestinal issues.
The word enema is not the most pleasant word in the dictionary. However, an enema when performed properly, does not cause any discomfort to the user. To ensure comfort and efficiency, simple guidelines and principles are to be followed.
What is the Equipment Needed to Conduct an Enema at Home
- Enema bag or bucket
Both the items can be purchased from wellness shops or you can check out available models here. Ideally, you need a hot water bottle or a fountain syringe if you opt for self-administration.
An enema bag is perfect for self-administration since you can seal the bag once you have filled it. It is also less prone to spills when the solution is stored in an enema bag.
A stainless steel enema bucket is relatively more expensive than an enema bag. Its main selling point is that it is easier to use if you are to administer the enema to another person. Furthermore, enema buckets are easier to clean and store.
For those who travel often and would like to carry their enema kit with them, a folding enema bag is recommended.
For first time enema users, you may want to use disposable enema bags instead.
- Enema tube
For home enema, we recommend purchasing the Davol colon tube. This is a flexible tubing system made from rubber. The tube is 18 to 30 inches long and easily attaches to the enema tip. For home enema use, we recommend that you use tube Fr. #26 and Fr. #30 that are standard sizes for enema purposes. If you are going to administer an enema in children or young adults, a tube with Fr.#18 diameter is recommended.
- Castile soap
This mild soap is the traditional soap used in cleansing enemas at hospitals. It is gentle but strong enough to be used for chronic cases of constipation.
- Lubricant
It is important to lubricate the tip of the rubber tubing before inserting it into the colon. Ample lubrication will prevent rectal perforation and facilitate easy entry of the tube. You can use KY Jelly for lubrication or an oil based lubricant such as olive oil or coconut oil.
- Shower curtain pole
If you are going to perform an enema on yourself, it?s best to find a place to hang the enema bag on. Ideally, the bag or bucket should be suspended 18 to 24 inches above the ground. It is also recommended that you perform the enema in a bathroom.
Enema bags come with S hooks which make it easier to place them on shower curtain rods or the towel rack.
- Towel or rug
To be comfortable during the procedure, use a bath towel or a rug and place it at the bottom of your posterior region. This will also reduce mess as any leakage will be easily absorbed by the towel or rug.
Ideally, you need to lie down on your side when administering the solution.
How to Prepare the Home Enema Solution
- The water or liquid solution to be used during the enema should be at room temperature. If you are performing a tap water enema, fill the bag or bucket with warm water. Ideally, you should use distilled or purified water for the enema. If you are about to perform soapsuds enema, make sure to use castile soap liquid solution or any other mild soap. Never attempt to use dishwashing soap or detergent liquid for cleansing enemas.
- Lubricate the nozzle with your preferred lubricant.
- Open the clamp for a few moments before closing. This step will allow ample volumes of the water or enema solution to flow inside and release excess air from the tubing. Minimising air or eliminating air from the tubing will reduce cramping.
- To ensure comfort, it is best to lubricate a large portion of your anal area with lubricant. You may also want to lubricate the interior portion of the anus. It is important to apply lubrication inside the anal sphincter to facilitate easy entry of the tube. In addition, ample lubrication also protects the sensitive skin surrounding the rectal region.
- Hang the enema bag or bucket on the hook. Lie down on your left side. You may also assume the Sim’s position or keep your legs straight whilst keeping the right knee flexed. Your left hand will be controlling the amount of water or solution that will flow into the rectum.
- Insert the tube two to four inches into the rectum. From this point, gently twist the tube in a back and forth motion for easier and faster insertion of the tubing.
- Once the tubing has successfully reached the colon, you may open the valve. The liquid enema solution will be released and start to flow.
- Feel free to regulate the flow of water or enema solution with the help of the valve system. Make sure to take slow, deep breaths during this step.
- As your colon gets filled with more liquid, you will experience a feeling of fullness. Bear in mind that this is a normal reaction to enema. Slow down the flow if needed to maintain comfort.
- Once the bag is empty, close the valve and gently remove the tube from the colon. Make sure you keep still and retain the position for 15 minutes. For cleansing enemas, the holding time will be shorter, but for those who suffer from constipation the retention should last between 5 and 15 minutes.
- Once you feel the urge to defecate, you can then go to the toilet to eliminate the softened stool and other toxins. Repeat the procedure two to three times or until the liquid coming out of the colon becomes clear.
- If you perform a soapsuds enema, you will need to finish it off with water enema to flush out the soapsuds from the colon.
Tips on How to Care for an Enema Kit
- Clean your enema kit thoroughly. Take out any traces of lubricant from the tube with a dry tissue or towel. Wash the tube with warm water.
- It is important to clean the bag and bucket as intestinal reflux may have transported some colon contents to the bag or bucket. Hang the bucket or bag to dry.
- Place your home enema kit in a dry and cool place. Just make sure to dry all equipment well before placing them in storage.
Tips on How to Perform an Enema Efficiently
- Always assume the Sim’s position when performing an enema yourself. You cannot perform a proper enema if you are seated on the toilet. If you want to make sure all contents of the colon are expelled instantly, follow the recommended enema position.
- The water or liquid solution should be at room temperature before administration. An enema solution that is too cold can result in shock whilst hot enema solutions can burn and eventually cause damage to the lining of the rectum and colon.
- Do not place the bag or bucket too high from the ground. The higher the placement of the bag or bucket, the higher the pressure. Remember that when it comes to heights, you don’t want it hanging over 60 cms above your buttocks. Slowing down the flow and movement of water or enema solution into the rectum lessens discomfort during the procedure.
- Make sure to have the right volume of water during an enema.
- Hold the water or enema solution inside the colon for as long as you can. If you want the best detox and colon cleansing results, make sure to retain your liquid enema solution for the required duration.
Now that you understand the basics of how to properly do a home enema, it’s time for to purchase your very own kit here! If you have further questions about home enema or if you wish to place an order, call us now at 0414 064 491 Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm (Please call or email during these hours, if outside these hours please email us.)
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Abby Gellert
I’ve been taking daily home enemas in the morning with a little Castile soap and guess what – no more constipation!