Naturopathy : Enema

Also known as rectal irrigation, an enema involves the injection of fluid into the rectum. In nature cure treatment, only lukewarm water is used for cleaning the bowels. The patient is made to lie on his left side extending his left leg and bending the right leg slightly. The enema nozzle, lubricated with oil or vaseline, is inserted in the rectum. The enema can containing the lukewarm water is then slowly raised and water is allowed to enter into the rectum. Generally, one to two litres of water is injected. The patient may either lie down on his back or walk a little while retaining the water. After five to 10 minutes, the water can be ejected along with the accumulated morbid matter.

A warm water enema helps to clean the rectum of accumulated faecal matter. This is not only the safest system for cleaning the bowels, but also improves the peristaltic movement of the bowels and thereby relieves constipation. A cold water enema is helpful in inflammatory conditions of the colon, especially in cases of dysentery, diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, haemorrhoids and fever. A hot water enema is beneficial in relieving irritation due to inflammation of the rectum and painfull haemorrhoids. It also benefits women in leucorrhoea.

What you will Need?

What you will need:

• A comfortable spot that might allow for cleanup to occur.
• Your bed with a couple of bath towels might be good. A cold bathtub isn't all that great in the winter time, but might work in warmer times.
  
• An enema bag (a disposable one might be good for your first time or you might want to buy a reusable one because they are only a few dollars more) with a clamp or hemostat.
  
• A thermometer is nice
  
• Lubricant (KY Jelly or Astroglide are both good and are condom safe)
  Water (distilled water is no good though)
  A toilet nearby
  Someplace to hand the enema bag

Other Items we might suggest:

• Rubber Gloves
  
• Enema Solution (as you become more advanced).
  
• Candles might help you relax
  
• A partner can make it easier, especially one that is respectful and understanding.
  
• Some bleach to clean the enema bag after you are done.
  
• An evacuation plan (it is better to think of where and how you are going to evacuate beforehand)

What to Do?

What Position Should You Use:

You have a few choices as far as positions are concerned. There are some good candidates.

• The Left Side Position: Lie on your left side. Bend your right leg (upper leg) toward your chest. Keep your left leg straight. This position should be fairly comfortable while giving good access to your anus.

• Doggie style (knee chest) position: Get on your elbows and knees with your head down and you buttocks high in the air. You might even want to put your chest to the floor. This position should give your partner good access to your anus. This position may be familiar to anyone with experience in anal sex.

• On your back: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Your knees should be together while your feet are separate. This should result in you sitting a little bit knobby kneed. This should allow good access to your anus from below.

• Over The Knee: Some people like to receive an enema in an over the knee position. Lie across your partner's lap. This position might put too much pressure on your stomach so you might want to put your stomach between your partner's legs.

Note: It is possible to receive an enema on a toilet, however in this position the body is almost forced to expell. You will most likely have trouble holding an enema while seated.

How to Make The Enema

Temperature

Temperature is important when administering an enema. Many people report having a bad experience with their first enema. This might be related to the enema solution being too hot or too cold. Either of these conditions can cause a sort of cramping (sometimes called gripping). A good temperature to fill your enema bag to is about 102 degrees (give or take a couple). This temperature will feel right when inside your colon. Too hot and you can experience burning, too cold and you might have extra problems with cramping. A thermometer only costs a couple of bucks. In this case it is definitely worth it.

Solutions

For your first time, you might want to stick with water. As you become more experienced you might move onto castille soap, Oil, Phospho Soda or even Coffee. For now water should be just fine.

How Much

Many enema bags hold two quarts. This is quite a bit of water. Some folks treat enemas as a sort of contest and look for the largest enema bag they can find. Two quarts is plenty and a two quart enema bag is about as large as there is available on the market. If you or your partner cannot take all two quarts, do not worry. The enema companies aren't giving away any medals.

Tip, Clamp, and Lubricant

Install the hose, the clamp, and the tip onto the enema bag. Lubricate the tip so that it will insert easily. We recommend a water based lubricant because they are condom safe and this may come in handy later. If you need more lubrication and won't have any trouble with a lubricant that harms condoms, petroleum jelly (vaseline) will work better.

Inserting the Tube and Administering The Enema

For The Receiver

• Find a good position. Make sure you are comfortable and can relax. Be sure you can clean up if a problem is to occur. Make sure you or your partner have good access to your anus.
  
• Lubricate your anus. You might your partner to massage some lubricant inside your anus and rectum. This will help when the nozzle is inserted. You will want you anus to admit it so that you can relax.
  
• As the nozzle is inserted, relax as it passes your sphincter. You might want to take a couple of deep breaths as it passes.
  
• Relax, as your partner turns on the flow mentally picture yourself receiving it. A good partner will slow the flow if you experience any gripping. Many problems occur if you panic, try to relax, everything will be fine. If cramps come (and they probably will during your first enema) have your partner stop the flow, breath deep, and try massaging your stomach area.
  
• If you feel the need to evacuate, ask your partner to stop the flow. Relax, the desire will pass as your colon relaxes.
  
• You might feel your stomach expanding. Let it. Try to hold the enema for a few minutes.
  
• When it is time to evacuate, take yourself (with the tube still in place) to the lavatory. Wait until you are in a position to evacuate before you remove the tube.
  
• After you evacuate, take a deep breath and feel your lightness.

For The Giver

As the master of the enema you have a great deal of responsibility. The enema receiver is in a very embarrassing and delicate position. You should respect their wishes in everything that follows. The following tips should make the process go as smoothly as possible.

• Lubricate your partner's anus and rectul well. A finger works well for this purpose. One way to do this is to apply a liberal amount of lubricant to your finger and to the outside of your partner's anus. Next, press the tip of your finger into the center of your partners anus. Use about enough pressure to break an egg shell. Applying constant pressure for a second will allow the anus to receive your finger. Apply the lubricant liberally working it in and out.
• Assuming your partner reacts positively to anal stimulation, I'm sure they won't mind.
  
• To insert the nozzle, learn from your experience with your finger. You should know how much pressure will be required. The nozzle should slide right in.
  
• Hang the enema bag about 1 foot to 18 inches above the anus. Hanging the bag higher will produce more pressure and flow, lower will produce less pressure and flow.
• Dropping the bag below the anus can result in back-flow during the procedure. This can be kind of messy.
  
• Open the clamp slowly. Don't try to give the entire enema at once. Sometime it can take up to 15 minutes to administer.
  
• If the receiver has a full colon (hasn't recently deficated) they may not be able to receive as much as usual. If you want, they can evacuate and receive another.
  
• While filling your partner, watch for signs of cramping. If this occurs you should slow or stop the flow until your partner can relax.
  
• Remember to respect all of your partners wishes.
  
• You might want to massage your partners stomach to encourage further cleansing.
  
• When your partner wants to evacuate you will want to follow your agreed upon plan. You will probably have to carry the bag, try not to raise it to high as this increases the pressure.

Cleanup

Hopefully your first enema went well. Cleanup should be relatively easy. Here are a few tips to follow.

• A 10% bleach solution is good to use to sanitize your enema bag and tips. Rinse your hardware before and after you use the bleach solution.
  
• Some people like to sanitize their equipment with boiling water.
  
• Hang the bag to dry. This will retard mold growth.
  
• Don't use your enema bag for anything else and don't share it with your partner. Your enema bag should be a very personal item, for your use only.
  
• Clean any linens and such as you would items used for a baby. Bleach is good for sanitzation.