An enema is a procedure used to clear the bowels and the colon of excess waste materials.  With an enema, you force liquids into the anus and then to the bowel and the colon.  This force will provoke the bowel to release all feces.

An enema can safely treat constipation and promote digestive health.

An enema is used to remove feces when a person is constipated or impacted or to remove feces prior to a surgical procedure.  For example, sometimes a pregnant woman will be given an enema to empty their bowels before childbirth.

There are numerous kinds of enemas, most of which can be performed at home.  These can be purchased in a ready-made solution or you can make your own solution.

The easiest way to perform an enema is using a water mixture.  The amount of fluid will be determined by age.  For example, an adult will use 750 to 1,000 ccs of water.

To make an enema, you can use purified water.  This should be water that is around 105 degrees, a little warmer than body temperature.  You can also use a soap mixture, which would be water mixed with a soap mixture.  This soap can be any mild bath soap.  You may also at salt to the solution, which helps with the transfer of the water smoothly out of the colon.

To perform an enema at home, you will need to purchase necessary materials.  These can usually be purchased in a drug store and may be sold as a kit with a solution.  Most importantly if you are performing this procedure at home, make sure you have a clean environment.

When the enema is administered, you will be lying on the left side, which places the lower portion of bowel below the rectum and facilitates infusion of fluid.  Using a lubricant, you will insert a nozzle into your rectum that will allow you to release the liquids.  The solution will flush through your colon releasing the excess waste.  You should allow enough time to complete this procedure, as after the solution enters your system, you will need to make frequent trips to the bathroom to ensure all waste is removed.

Enemas were used often in the past.  Now it is not necessarily a recommended treatment.  A physician would likely place you on medications, use supplements or revise your diet before using an enema.  However, if you find this route is the best route to completely cleanse your colon, you may also want to consider a colonic.

A colonic differs from an enema in many ways.  First a colonic is able to cleanse the entire colon, whereas the enema cleans the lower portion.  With a colonic, the feces are removed almost automatically through tubing; an enema simply moves the feces and requires you to have a bowel movement to remove the excess.  And finally, a colonic requires a trained professional, where an enema can be performed at home by you.

As with all medications and procedures, you should consult your physician before performing an enema.  You should ensure that an enema is safe for you and for your conditions.