what is an enema?
If you’ve been around for a while or even randomly sat next to me on public transport, you’ve probably heard me talking about enemas.
Not everyone is as keen to talk about it as me, but I’d say if you don’t want to talk about it, it’s probably because you haven’t tried it.
Learning to use enemas safely and comfortably at home can be an amazing tool. They benefit in so many ways. Even just to help when you are feeling a bit off or eat something that leaves you feeling not quiet right.
I’ve used coffee enemas for years, originally to help reduce uncomfortable gut symptoms and candida overgrowth. Now, they are a part of my regular self care routine.
what is an enema?
An enema is a form of colon cleansing which involves inserting liquid via the rectum into the colon. Enemas help to clear waste from the lower part of the colon as well as help the body to detoxify.
why enemas?
Toxins are EVERYWHERE in our environment - in our food, water, homes, clothes, beauty products, fragrances, cleaning products, medications and so much more. They are even in the air we breath. Most councils spray harmful chemicals to kill weeds regularly, without warning - I used to see it all the time around Adelaide when I was a dog walker.
Toxins and heavy metals can be hard for our body to break down and eliminate. If they are not eliminated correctly, over time they can build up and cause all kinds of problems.
To avoid this happening we need to support our organs of elimination. In particularly our liver and our gut!
Thats where enemas come in. They can support our bodies innate ability to detoxify and MOVE THINGS OUT!
what do I need to preform an enema?
Enemas can be preformed safely from your home - you want a bathroom with a lock so you can relax and not have to worried about getting interrupted.
Firstly, you will need an enema kit. I like the Happy Bum Bag Enema Kits. They are made from medical grade materials and have TGA approval. They are also very easy to clean, store and travel with. You can purchase an enema kit here
You will also need filtered water.
how do I do an enema?
Firstly you’ll need to prepare your liquid. For a water enema bring 2 litres of filtered water to the boil and then allow it to cool to body temperature - you don’t want it too hot as it can burn your insides and too cold can be just as uncomfortable.
While this is happening set up the bathroom. You’ll want to be as close to the toilet as possible. Lay a towel down on the floor plus an extra towel or blanket to cover you if it’s cold. Set up your enema kit and grab half a teaspoon of coconut oil.
Once the water is cooled, close the clasp on your enema kit and pour the liquid in. Hang the enema bag on a towel rack, shower curtain rack or anywhere high that will allow gravity to do its thing. The higher the bag, the faster the water moves.
Lay down on the towel. You can lay on your back or side, whatever is most comfortable. I like to start on my left side, roll over to my back and then the right side. But do what works for you.
Place a small amount of coconut oil on the enema tip and insert it into your rectum, it only needs to go about 2 inches.
Once inserted, release the clamp and allow the water to follow in. You can slow the flow down by clamping or pinching the hose. Take in as much liquid as feels comfortable - don’t worry if it’s only a small amount. Everyone is different and there is no perfect amount. To stop, clamp the hose and remove the tip.
You can hold for up to 15 minutes or release straight away.
When you feel the urge, jump onto the toilet and release. It may take a bit of time so have a good book, a movie or just breath through it. The release may be liquid, formed stool, or a whole lot of gas. It can be different every time. Whatever happens, it’s all good!
If you can only take in a little of the liquid, you can lay back down after your release and try it all over again.
Once you are done, clean your kit and tip and put the towels in the wash.
You may want to stay around the house for at least an hour after as you may have a movement or release more liquid after. If you feel an urge, go to the toilet, it could be gas but it might not be!
To learn more about coffee enemas read here
how often can I do an enema?
This depends on your health goals and what symptoms you currently have. If you are constipated a daily enema may be beneficial for you to clear out waste while you work with a health care practitioner to determine the underlying problem.
If you use your bowels daily and feel completed after, you may only want to use enemas weekly or monthly to help promote detoxification.
fun fact:
Enemas were used in ancient Greece, Egypt and India. They used animal bladders to hold the liquid and cows’ horns or hollow bones to insert the liquid into the rectum.
They were also used in World War II before surgeries and to help with pain relief. Apparently, when they ran out of water they used coffee. When the patients reported benefits from using coffee they knew they were on to something and kept using it.
