Fill an enema bag with approximately 2 quarts of filtered, or good quality water, (please do not use distilled water, unless directed by your health care professional). The water should be 101-103 degrees. For your colons' sake, DON'T GUESS at the water temperature. USE A THERMOMETER. Hang the enema bag 16" (yes, one foot, four inches), above the rectum or drape over raised knees, (if laying on your back). Some like the warmth of the bottle on their abdomen prior to and even during the procedure. Lubricate an enema tip generously with water soluble KY-Jelly (best not to use a petroleum product, unless you need heavy duty lubrication). I personally like to use either a modified douche tip. . . drilling an extra hole through the end, or a barium enema tip works great. The small bulb on the end helps avoid "fall out." Insert lubricated enema tip into the rectum and allow water to gently flow into the colon, (taking about 15 minutes for the complete fill). If "gripping" (pain) occurs, clamp off the water flow and wait for the sensation to quiet, before resuming.
A slow-fill will permit more warm water to enter the colon and stay there longer without discomfort. Colon spasms can be caused by a fast-fill, with the bag hung too high, or water temperature either too hot or too cool. A few degrees inside the colon does make a big difference.
Gentle counterclockwise abdominal massage moves water deeper into the colon, HOWEVER, THIS MAY CAUSE A NEED TO EVACUATE; if so release into the toilet. This is not a contest, so don't worry about getting enough water, or all the 2 quarts of water in at the same time. You can always start another fill.
This type of HOLDING enema, is useful to clean out approximately the last 16-18 inches of the colon and to hydrate the body. It can be done in: 1) in a knee-chest position with buttock in the air, 2) in left lateral side position or, 3) on the back with knees up and together, feet apart, (my preference). Sitting on the toilet while taking an enema can be uncomfortable because it may put too much pressure on the reflex to defecate. However, it is an option, especially for those not so agile at jumping up and getting to the toilet. Some don't mind the assistance of another to help with the mechanics of the procedure.
Cleanup should be minimal. Disposable latex gloves are nice to have on hand for this. Rinse the enema bag and tip with a 10% solution of bleach in case any backflow occurred. Some like to pour boiling water over the enema tip itself. Hang the bag to dry so no mold grows in it. Don't use it for douching and do NOT share your enema bag with your best friend, no matter how close you are.
While home enemas can and should be a regular part of personal health care, AN ENEMA IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A COLONIC IRRIGATION, WHICH WASHES THE ENTIRE FIVE AND A HALF FEET OF THE LARGE INTESTINE. The addition of various implants allows the colon irrigation to be used to nourish colon tissue, reduce fever, relieve tension, and diminish referred pain. Home enemas can often make fewer colonics more effective, whatever the aim.
Copyright Olivia Kappel 1996
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