Enema Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you are preparing to perform an enema for the first time then there must be a lot of questions popping into your head regarding the whole procedure. Some of the common questions which occur in the head of almost everyone before performing an enema for the first time are as follows:

·         How often you need to perform an enema?

This depends on the type of results you are trying to achieve. Some people dedicate their well-being to daily enemas. But for most people, a daily enema is a bit extreme. It is very important to use enemas in moderation and rely on daily enemas only in the case of severe illnesses.

Daily enemas may help with the treatment of many serious health conditions but do not rely on daily enemas for extended periods without the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. If taken every day, enemas may disturb the balance of your colon.

In order to maintain general health including colon health, an enema should be performed once a week to once a month depending on the requirement of your body. Enemas are best to be practiced in moderation and to start slowly.

·         Can regular enemas weaken your colon?

It is often said that the repeated use of large volume enemas which can weaken the colon. But in reality, it is the frequent use of small volume enemas used to trigger a bowel movement. This may lead to dependency and may even lead to swelling in the rectum and sigmoid areas of the colon. High volume enemas, in fact, fill the entire colon and strengthen and tone the colonic muscles, and with repeated use, the peristalsis movement will increase and the transit time of feces in the colon reduces.

·         Are enemas safe?

Enemas are safe to perform and offer excellent health benefits. It is very rare for a healthy adult to face any complications. When the enema kits are used properly within reasonable limits, there is no reason for you to face any problems. 

Do not perform an enema if:

·         If you are suffering from an undiagnosed abdominal pain.

·         Your rectum or colon is perforated or if you have tumors in there.

·         You have undergone a colon or rectum surgery.

·         You suffer from Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis or colitis.

·         You have a history of irregular heartbeat, heart attacks or renal failure.

·         You are more than seven months pregnant.

·         You suffer from a health condition which causes weakness.

Common Side Effects of Mineral Oil Enema

Regular bowel movement is an important part of a healthy living. Bowel disorders such as constipation, colitis, hemorrhoids, etc. are common in people whose daily diet comprises mainly of processed and junk food items. Enema helps with detoxifying the body by getting rid of the accumulated waste material which is a result of an unhealthy diet. An enema is not only a great fix for colon cleansing but it also helps with weight loss.

Mineral oil enemas slow down the rate at which the moisture is absorbed by the colon. Since the moisture content retained by the feces is increased, it becomes easier to evacuate the bowels. But with the amazing benefits, there are some side effects to it as well. 

Instructions to perform a mineral oil enema

The first thing that you need to perform a mineral oil enema is mineral oil. To perform mineral oil enema, you need a cup of castor oil and 5-6 cups of filtered water. Pour the oil and the water into a pot and stir for a minute. Put the pot on a stove and start heating the water and oil mixture gently. Keep the flame on low and heat until the temperature reaches 102-103 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the mixture has acquired the desired temperature, transfer the prepared enema solution to a 2-quart complete rubber enema bag kit or stainless steel enema kit and administer the enema as you normally would. 

Common Side Effects

The common side effects which may occur after performing a mineral oil enema are gas, bloating and diarrhea. Some people may also experience nausea and stomach cramps. Other not so common but severe side effects are allergic reactions which may include a rash or hives and difficulty in breathing. Swelling of lips, tongue or mouth and tightness in the chest are also signs of serious allergic reactions caused by mineral enema. Other side effects may include disturbed bowel movement for a few hours to follow after the enema procedure and dizziness. You may also feel weak with muscle cramps and pain in the muscles. Swelling, fainting and irritation are also some other possible side effects of mineral oil enema. Enemas if not performed properly may lead to severe complications such as damage to the rectal tissue or rectal tearing. This may sometimes cause internal bleeding which may worsen the situation even more by causing bacterial infections. 

To conclude it, mineral oil enema is a great way to detoxify the colon. However, an unsystematic use of mineral oil enema may cause more harm to your body than benefit. Thus it is a better option to consult your healthcare practitioner before performing the procedure.

ShopEnema - How to perform a water enema?

An enema is a procedure of introducing an enema solution into the colon through the rectum. The motive here is to stimulate the colon to empty the bowels or to soften the stool or both. The amount of liquid to be administered varies and depends on the type of enema solution to be administered.
Enemas can easily be performed at home in just a few simple steps. All you need is a 2-quart complete rubber enema bag kit or an enema can and few other enema supplies.

1. The first thing you need for a water enema or any enema for that matter is an enema bag or bucket. The most preferable is a stainless steel enema kit as it is easy to sterilize.
2. Now attach the enema hose to the enema bucket. Make sure that the pinch clamp is on the hose in a closed position.
3. Attach the enema nozzle on the other end of the hose. Now lubricate the enema nozzle with some olive oil or Vaseline for easy insertion. The enema bucket is now ready to be used.
4. Fill the enema bucket with lukewarm purified water or distilled water. The water should not be too hot to touch or you may burn yourself.
5. Now take your enema bag or bucket to the bathroom and open the pinch clamp slightly to release some of the liquid into the sink. This will help get rid of the air bubbles if any in the enema tube. You do not want any air bubbles to get into your colon.
6. Select an ideal spot and a suitable position in which you can comfortably lie down. If your bathroom is big enough or you have a bathtub, then use your bathroom for the procedure.
7. If you are performing it elsewhere, spread a towel on the floor followed by a disposable enema sheet. This allows an easier cleanup later in case of spills.
8. Keep the enema bucket or hang the enema bag at a high spot. This will ensure that the flow of the enema solution is strong enough.
9. Now find a position which is comfortable for you.
• You can either lie down on your left side with your right leg bent towards your chest. Place a rolled up towel under your head for support. This is the most comfortable position to try.
• You can also lie down on your back and bring your knees to your chest. This position is also fairly comfortable.
10. Insert the lubricated nozzle into your rectum up to 3 inches. Unlock the pinch clamp slowly and allow the water to flow in.
11. There is no need to take in the entire content. Administer only the amount you can take in and hold comfortably.
12. Once the enema is administered, close the enema clamp to stop the water from flowing into your rectum and then remove the nozzle.
13. Hold the liquid for 10-15 minutes before you evacuate it in the bathroom along with all the gunk. Massage your abdomen to get rid of all the solution.