Make your own enema: You should keep this in mind

If you want to do an enema yourself, there are a few points you should pay attention to beforehand. In addition to the advantages, colonic irrigation using an enema also carries risks.

In healthy people, the intestines cleanse themselves and colonic irrigation is not absolutely necessary. However, an enema can prove helpful in some situations. The purpose of a colonic irrigation is to empty or cleanse the intestines.

You can have a colon cleanse performed by a healthcare professional, but it is also possible to do it yourself at home. However, you should pay attention to a few important points and inform yourself about the risks.

Make your own enema: These devices are available

An enema involves introducing fluid into the intestines through the anus to stimulate bowel movements and cleanse the intestines. There are various tools that differ in how they are handled. You can purchase the following enema devices in the pharmacy and online (for example at Shop Apotheke):

• Irrigator: An irrigator consists of a container for the enema fluid, a hose and a tube with a valve. This tube is inserted a few centimeters into the anus. Up to two liters can be introduced with an irrigator. This enema device is well suited for home use.

• Intestinal tube: The intestinal tube is an extension piece for the irrigator that is inserted up to 30 centimeters deep into the intestine. This so-called “high” enema works higher up in the digestive tract, but carries particular risks (see below).

• Mini enema: These enema devices are designed for single use only and hold between five and 500 milliliters. These mini enemas are usually used to introduce hypertonic solutions or liquids containing medication. As with the irrigator, the end piece is inserted only a few centimeters deep and thus stimulates the rectum.

• Enema syringe: An enema syringe either consists of a pear-shaped rubber bulb that holds up to 500 milliliters of liquid or is similar to a standard syringe (see picture). An enema tube is attached to it as an end piece, which is inserted a few centimeters into the anus.

Areas of application of the enema

An enema is primarily used to empty the intestines: the liquid introduced causes the intestines to empty quickly – usually within a few minutes. This is why the enema offers an effective remedy for acute constipation.

An enema can also be used to cleanse the intestines. In this context, it is often recommended in naturopathy to flush out old feces and prepare the intestines for upcoming intestinal cleansing. In addition, the enema is intended to flush out toxins, which is why colon cleansing is also said to help with headaches and colds and strengthen the immune system.

However, from a conventional medical perspective, such applications are controversial.

However, the enema is also used from time to time in conventional medicine, for example

• for stubborn constipation,
• with an increased potassium level,
• before delivery or
• to introduce medication through the anus.

Make your own enema: instructions

If you would like to do an enema yourself, you can use the following instructions as a guide:

Enema liquid:

• Liquid: An enema is usually carried out with water, preferably filtered or boiled beforehand. But enemas with chamomile or cumin tea or bentonite water (healing clay) are also common. Coffee enemas are sometimes also carried out, although their effect has not been scientifically proven.

• Temperature: In any case, it is important that the liquid is lukewarm (around 36-37 degrees). If it is too cold, cramps can occur. Liquid that is too hot can cause serious injury.

• Amount: The amount that can be absorbed varies depending on the condition of the intestines. Sometimes an unpleasant pressure occurs after just 200 milliliters. Then you should wait for the first bowel movement and, if necessary, do another enema.

Procedure:

1. Fill the irrigator container with the liquid. Check beforehand that it is not too hot or too cold.
2. Place the container or hang the bag in an elevated place, such as on a shelf.
3. Release air from the irrigator hose by turning on the faucet. Wait for water to come out. Then close the tap again.
4. Get into an entry position that is comfortable for you: either on all fours or lying on your side with your knees slightly bent.
5. Grease the end of the irrigator and your anus with a lubricant or vegetable oil.
6. Carefully push the intestinal tube a few centimeters into the anus so that the tap is still on the outside. You should do this carefully and not in a sudden manner.
7. Turn on the tap and let in as much water as feels comfortable to you.
8. Lie on your back and hold the water in your intestines for about five to twenty minutes while gently massaging your stomach in a clockwise direction. Sometimes it can also be helpful to move the body a little (for example with gentle yoga poses) to distribute the fluid in the intestines.
9. During the enema you feel the urge to go to the toilet. This often happens in spurts and is called a perstaltic spurt. You should go to the toilet and empty your bowels no later than the third peristaltic episode.
10. Repeat the process two to three times as needed.

Dangers and alternatives to the enema

As useful as an enema can be, it can pose enormous risks if handled incorrectly:

• Puncture or tear of the intestine: If you insert the irrigator tube incorrectly, you can damage the intestinal wall and sometimes even puncture it. This can lead to excessive rectal bleeding and, in worst cases, even death.

• Scalding: If the enema liquid is too hot, you can burn yourself internally, which can cause lasting damage to the intestines.

• Disturbance of electrolyte balance or intestinal flora

• Infection caused by unhygienic enema devices or fluid

That’s why you should definitely seek medical advice and professional guidance before doing an enema yourself. Otherwise, you should have the enema carried out by trained specialists.

You should also not perform an enema in the following cases:

• pregnancy
• chronic intestinal diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease)
• after colon surgery
• Bleeding in the digestive tract
• mechanical intestinal obstruction
• Colon cancer
• Vomiting without an established cause

In addition to the enema using an irrigator, there are also other alternatives to colon cleansing:

• Colon hydrotherapy (CHT): CHT is a professional colon cleansing. It is particularly effective, but also very expensive at around 60 to 80 euros per treatment.

• Laxatives: You can also use laxatives such as Glauber’s salt to empty the bowels.

• Castor oil: Castor oil also has a strong laxative effect. Used over two days, it can completely empty the intestines.

• Foods rich in fiber: If you have intestinal sluggishness and mild constipation, very high-fiber foods such as flax seeds or chia seeds can be enough to stimulate intestinal peristalsis.

Read more on Techzle\.com:

• Build up intestinal flora: This is how your intestines get fit again after antibiotic treatment
• Irritable bowel syndrome: irritable bowel syndrome, symptoms, which diet helps
• Stimulate digestion: These natural home remedies help

Revised by Lena Kirchner

** marked with ** or orange underlined Links to sources of supply are partly partner links: If you buy here, you are actively supporting Techzle\.com, because we then receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More info.