Internal Cleansing With Enemas

Enemas are a very common treatment. The cleaning of waste from within the body with an occasional washing is one of the most healthful yet least expensive, proven therapies in the modern medicine chest. They are used for many conditions such as constipation, diarrhea, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, painful menstruation, headaches, depression, toxicity, colds, parasitic infections, flu, sore throats, PMS, fever, dehydration, allergies, Candida, preparation for childbirth, and to stimulate the immune system to maximize health.

Knowledge and understanding of the body is important in giving an enema. First of all, the colon, or large intestine is about 5 to 6 feet in length. Wrapped all around inside of that is 22 feet of small intestine. All in all, the distance from the mouth to the anus is approximately 30 feet! Also, the diameter of a healthy colon is about two inches. There is no sensation of cold, heat, burning or cutting in the colon. About the only thing it responds to is stretching, such as with gas pains. Therefore, some simple precautions should be taken.

Sanitary Standards

The colon is much less defended by the immune system from invading microbes and parasites. Therefore, practice the highest standards of cleanliness. NEVER share your enema equipment with another person. ALWAYS clean enema bags, tubing, and nozzles with hydrogen peroxide, or a Clorox solution (1 tbsp. Clorox to one gallon of purified water) after each use, and rinse with purified water before use.

Contraindications

Persons with colon disease or other serious health problems such as congestive heart failure, kidney failure, acute liver disease, or colon cancer should not take an enema without the expressed consent of a physician. The colon absorbs a great deal of water introduced via the enema. This may put excessive stress on diseased organs already compromised in their ability to filter out fluids. Also, cancerous masses can rupture and bleed easily or spontaneously.

Be aware that electrolyte (salt) imbalances can occur from excessive enemas. Excessive electrolyte imbalance can lead to heart failure. Colons can rupture from too much water injected or excessive pressure, or punctures from improper insertion of nozzles or enema tubes.

All that being said, remember that the enema is a very common home treatment, and given simple precautions, is less dangerous than most over-the-counter non-prescription drugs.

Positions

Positions for taking an enema can vary with each individual’s needs. Here are the three most common positions used.

Sims’ Position
Lying on the left side, with right knee at about 90 degree angle, and left knee slightly bent.

POSITIVE: Less pressure on the abdomen.

NEGATIVE: Water remains mostly in the lower length of the colon (sigmoid and descending)

Knee-Chest Position
Body supported by the knees and the shoulders with chest nearly touching the floor.

POSITIVE: Gravity allows water to flow further along to the transverse colon and flexures. Allows air or gas to float up for ease of expulsion.

NEGATIVE: Not a comfortable position for an extended length of time.

Lying on the Back
Pillows under the head, knees raised or flat.

POSITIVE: The most comfortable position, allows you to massage the abdomen, water can reach the entire length of the colon.

NEGATIVE: Some pressure on the abdomen (can be relieved with gentle massage and by turning on either side).

Capacity

Everyone has their own individual capacity, and it will change from one enema session to the next. However, the average amount of water one can usually comfortably retain is two quarts. This will vary depending on the amount of gas and waste in the colon. The most important thing to remember is never attempt to take in more water than is comfortable to retain. Initially, it may be difficult to retain the water for more than five minutes at a time. Later on, you will be able to work up to ten or fifteen minutes retention time.

Preparation and Procedures

Prepare the area where you will receive the enema — either bed or bathroom floor, or bathtub. Spread blankets or towels and a pillow or two for your head for comfort and warmth and cover with a vinyl sheet or large plastic garbage bag. Also, a blanket or extra large towel can be used to cover yourself. Keeping warm and comfortable is your first priority.

Prepare a pitcher with warm purified water Attach tubing to enema bag. Attach tip to tubing. (The larger tip will allow for filling without having to hold it in the rectum while lying on the back). Release valve on tubing over sink to release any trapped air.

Hang enema bag no higher than two feet above the rectum. Hanging it higher causes the fluid to flow out with too much pressure. Lubricate several inches of the tip.

Attempt to have a bowel movement and empty the bladder before the enema. A full bladder or colon makes taking an enema difficult and/or hard to fill.

Insert tip about two inches or so into the rectum in the direction toward the belly button. Do not use force; if there is any resistance, change the direction and re-insert. While in the Sims position, release the water very slowly into the rectum in this position, or roll onto the back position.

Attempt to take in as much fluid as tolerable and retain it for about five minutes. Gently massage the abdomen; rotate from back to left side and back, and onto right side and back throughout the process. Sit on the toilet and expel the enema and repeat the process until you have finished the first bag of water. Refill bag with pitcher of warm water and repeat the process, attempting to take in and retain more fluid for up to fifteen minutes. Repeat the process with the last pitcher of fluid, or use implant solutions.

Never try to forcibly hold in the enema. Expel the enema at any time you wish to do so. Nothing in this entire process should involve force or strain. This entire process should take approximately one half-hour per bag of water, or an hour and a half for a full three-bag session.

Changing positions can sometimes take the pressure off the urge to expel by moving the fluid around the entire length of the colon. You will be able to experiment with this as you become more comfortable with taking enemas.

Always thoroughly cleanse your equipment after each use and hang to dry before putting away.