An enema is a cleansing technique that helps in the removal of wastes and toxins from the body. The enema procedure has been practiced since ancient times and was used primarily as a means of providing pain relief and comfort to its users.
The standard enema makes use of water and is mainly administered for its colon cleansing benefits. Through the years, enema has evolved and is now being performed using various liquid solutions that address common conditions and even the most serious chronic ailments. Keep reading to learn more about enema; its benefits and the must-have enema products that you can use at home.
What is an enema?
An enema is an internal cleansing technique that involves the insertion of liquid rectally to expel toxins and wastes from the colon. Through centuries, the apparatus and tools used to facilitate an enema have changed, but the mechanism of action as well as benefits remain the same.
Water enema is being used for the following reasons:
- Stimulates the bowel for constipation relief
- Colon cleansing procedure that softens stool and expels them with other wastes
- A preparation for X-ray diagnostic procedure
- Used in the administration of certain medications
- Promotes overall bowel hygiene
The presence of water in the colon stimulates peristalsis or the contraction of the smooth muscles that line the intestinal tract. These contractions help move digested food items into the colon for faster elimination. In addition, the presence of water in the colon also softens stool, thereby making it easier to expel them through elimination.
To date, there are different types of liquids that are used for enema; all follow the same method of introduction to the colon but with added benefits to the body. Depending on the type of ingredients you use alongside your enema kit, you may also experience other added benefits such as expulsion of heavy metals, treat gut diseases, and even enhance immune system functioning.
One popular enema is that which makes use of organic coffee. Coffee enema is a procedure that aims to detoxify the liver. Unlike water enema that serves the purpose of colon cleansing, coffee enema focuses on getting rid of toxins in the liver, with colon cleansing as a secondary benefit.
Coffee enema was first introduced in the 1930s by renowned naturopath, Dr. Max Gerson as part of the Gerson Therapy for cancer patients. This alternative medicine therapy involves the consumption of high doses of raw fruits and vegetables, daily coffee enemas, and vitamins and minerals supplementation. Coffee enema serves as a daily cleansing routine which rids the system of cancer patients of toxins and wastes that are produced during traditional cancer protocols such as radiation and chemotherapy. Typically, patients are ordered to perform coffee enema every four hours or up to six times daily for optimal detoxification.
Healthy individuals may also use coffee enema for liver detox purposes. Coffee enema is a safe and effective cleansing technique that almost anybody in good health can include it as an alternative way to induce full-body detox.
Other benefits that can be derived from coffee enema are as follows:
- Improves overall tissue health
- Increases cell energy production
- Improves systemic blood circulation
- Stimulates the production of glutathione S-transferase, an enzyme that kills free radicals and flushes out toxins
- Enhances overall immune system functioning
- Speeds up cellular repair and regeneration
- Provides relief to common gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, indigestion, and diarrhoea
- Helps to resolve symptoms from skin inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne
- Increases energy levels
- Treats depression symptoms and mood swings
Unlike water enema which is a quick cleansing bath of the colon, coffee enema is a retention type enema. This means that the ingredients of coffee need to be absorbed in order for it to produce results. In order to accomplish this, the solution needs to be held in for at least 15 minutes. This gives enough time for caffeine and palmitates to reach the liver via the hepato-portal vein.
For beginners, holding in liquid in the colon is a generally uncomfortable experience. However, as you perform coffee enemas regularly, the level of difficulty in holding in the solution will become more tolerable altogether.
Other types of enema that are commonly used to treat a variety of ailments or to provide relief are the following:
- Salt water fleet enema
Fleet enemas are typically prescribed among individuals in preparation for a colonoscopy or for constipation relief. This cleansing solution is primarily made up of sodium phosphate or sodium chloride combined with water. This combination of ingredients helps in stimulating bowel movement a few minutes after the enema. Just like coffee enema, Fleet enema is a retention type enema. Users must hold in the solution for at least 12 minutes before they can evacuate the bowel.
- Barium enema
Barium enema is generally a clinical procedure that is being indicated for individuals who are about to undergo X-ray imaging diagnostic procedure. A barium enema helps doctors in assessing and evaluating the lower intestinal canal. It is not used to relieve discomfort or treat any ailments.
- Mineral oil enema
Mineral oil enemas are generally used to provide relief from chronic constipation. These ingerdients are also indicated for colon cleansing purposes. For those who are sensitive to Fleet enema or have experienced side effects from Fleet enema, mineral oil enema acts as a milder but equally effective substitute.
What are the equipment and things you need to administer an enema at home?
There are five basic equipment and ingredients that you will need when you perform an enema at home.
An enema kit consists of tools that you will need to administer an enema in a safe and proper manner.It consists of the following items:
- Container for the enema liquid; a silicone bag container or a stainless-steel bucket
- Medical grade silicone tubing
- Clamp
- Nozzle
You can purchase all these items separately but for convenience, these items can be purchased in a set. When buying an enema kit, make sure to remember the following pointers:
- If enema kit includes silicon bag container, make sure that the material is BPA-free, latex-free, and free from other harmful chemicals
- Make sure to purchase a reusable enema kit. It is impractical to purchase disposable enema kits especially if you plan on administering enema on a regular basis.
- Only purchase enema kits that feature 100% medical-grade silicone tubing. They are long lasting and are durable.
- Enema kits are inexpensive, so make sure to upgrade to one that features stainless-steel bucket. Enema buckets made from stainless steel are easier to clean, dry, and store for future use.
If you are preparing for a clear water enema, you will only need distilled water. Make sure to infuse room temperature water during an enema to avoid burns, systemic shock, and other complications during the procedure.
On the other hand, if you are preparing for a coffee enema, here are the things that you need:
- 1 tablespoon of organic coffee bean (mild to medium roast)
- 4 cups of filtered water
- Sauce pan
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Natural lubricant such as olive oil or coconut oil
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a coffee enema solution:
- If you are using organic whole beans, make sure to grind them first. If you do not have a grinder at home, have them grounded large to medium grind for better preparation results. Make sure to always ground-free coffee solution for enema.
- In a sauce pan, place water and bring to a boil. Once this is done place the coffee and let the coffee solution boil for 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Strain the coffee enema solution to ensure that no coffee grounds will be infused during the enema procedure. Let the solution cool down to room temperature before administration.
Tips on how to administer coffee enema successfully:
- The coffee enema liquid should neither be too hot nor too cold. Infusing hot enema solution can result in burns or perforation of the rectal canal. On the other hand, if you use enema liquid that is too cold, you may end up suffering from discomfort and abdominal cramping.
- As coffee enema is a retention type enema, we highly recommend for you try holding in the solution for at least 10 minutes. Work your way up to 15 minutes during future enema sessions.
- For more efficient procedure, lay on your right side. In this position, the coffee enema solution will travel easier and faster to the transverse colon located on the left side as well as the portal vein which is located on the right side of the abdominal region.
Now that you have a clear understanding of what an enema is, the different types of enemas, their benefits, and how it works, it?s now time for you to give it a try. Check out our affordable, superior quality enema products here or call us on 0414 064 491 for enquiries.
