black enema bag

What is an enema and how to do one?

Let’s talk about what an enema is and why you may want to do one.

What is an enema?

 An enema is a type of colon cleanse where a fluid is infused into the lower bowel by way of the rectum. And enema is a wonderful tool for general detoxification and can help relieve constipation.

Why would I want to do an enema?

The most common reason people do an enema is to help with constipation. Fluid is introduced into the lower part of the colon, cleansing out old waste and gas. Enemas help evacuate the lower half of the colon, helping stool move through faster and more easily. Enemas create downward motion in the body, helping waste move through.

There are also types of enemas that are more for detoxification, like a coffee enema. Coffee enemas are specifically done to help support the liver. You can read more about coffee enemas HERE.

Colonics are an alternative to home enemas. Read more about colonics HERE.

What equipment do I need?

There are many types of enema buckets and bags available. I do not recommend using a hot water bottle type enema bag from the drug store as they are often made from chemicals that can leach into your liquid. They are hard to clean and can harbor bacteria inside that you cannot see.

Glass enema buckets are my preferred enema bucket because they do not leach chemicals, are easy to clean, and I can see my enema solution through the glass. They are a bit more high-maintenance as they can break more easily.

Stainless steel enema buckets are a great choice. They are durable, easy to clean, and won’t leach chemicals. I prefer PureLife enema buckets as they are of the highest quality and made in the U.S. – not China.

My favorite non-toxic, glass or portable silicone enema bags are from Happy Bum Co. They are easy to use, easy to clean, and durable. You can check them out HERE. (use code: KATJA for 5% off)

What Type of Enema should I do?

A plain water enema is ideal for beginners. It is just 4 cups of clean, filtered warm water. A plain water enema is great for relieving constipation, bloating, and gas. To prepare a plain water enema, boil water and allow to cool to body temperature.

After you are comfortable with water enemas you can move on to other types, if you like.

How much liquid should I use?

An enema is usually around 4 cups of liquid, but most people do not start with this amount. Start with 2 cups of whatever liquid you are using and see how it goes. Once you are able to easily hold the 2 cups of liquid, you can increase to 4 cups. You may find that 3 cups of liquid is your preferred amount.

How long should I hold the enema?

The ideal time to hold a plain water enema is at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the water to hydrate the bowels and to soften any hard, dry stool. You may find that you are not able to hold the water in for more than a couple of minutes, and that’s totally ok. Practice makes perfect. The more you do enemas, the better your bowels will be at holding them.

The ideal time to hold a coffee enema is 12-15 minutes.

Newbie Tips

❤️ start low and slow…. enemas can be hard to hold at first for people. This is normal. Always start low and slow. Start with 2 cups of warm water and work up to 4 cups if you are able.

❤️ don’t forget the lube…. lubing the tip of your enema catheter will make insertion easier and more comfortable. I use coconut oil or ghee cuz that’s what I have at home.

❤️ don’t rush… allow yourself plenty of time and a quiet space to learn to do enemas. Listen to relaxing music, practice deep breathing, read your favorite book.

❤️ slow flow… let the liquid flow very slowly into your body. This allows your colon to adjust to the flow without cramping too much. Having the enema bucket too high above your body may also allow the liquid to flow in too fast. My enema buckets sits on the edge of the tub, which is about 15 inches high. This gives a nice slow, steady gravity flow.

❤️ don’t stress…. you don’t have to do it exactly as I’m instructing you. Find what works for you. Some folks don’t like lying on their side. That’s OK. On the back is fine. Some folks have a hard time holding it in for 10-15 minutes. Do 2 shorter water enemas in a row instead. It’s all just learning

How to do an enema at homE

STEP 1: MAKE YOUR ENEMA SOLUTION

Whether you are using plain water, saline water, or coffee, prepare your liquid for the enema.

To prepare a plain water enema, boil water and allow to cool to body temperature.

STEP 2: SET UP YOUR EQUIPMENT

The bathroom is the best place to do an enema. You’ll need a spot where the enema bucket can be placed above you – 12- 18 inches is ideal. Grab your enema bucket, tubing, lube for insertion, and a thick towel.

Place a thick towel on the bathroom floor or in the bathtub. Connect the tubing to the enema bucket and make sure the clamp is closed. Lube the tip of the tubing (the catheter tip.)

Again, make sure the clamp on your tubing is closed. Pour the liquid into your enema bucket/bag.

STEP 3: PRIME THE TUBING

Holding the tubing over the sink, unclamp your tubing briefly and let a bit of liquid run through before you begin so that you get all the air out of the tube.

Place the enema bucket on the edge of the bathtub, on a chair, stool or toilet next wherever you will be laying. NOTE: the enema bucket must be higher than your body in order for the liquid to flow.

STEP 4: GET INTO POSITION AND INSERT TUBING

The ideal position for starting an enema is laying on the the left side. Laying flat on your back works as well.

Once you are comfortable on your towel, take a deep breath and gently insert the enema tip into the rectum, about 3 inches in. Again, make sure there is adequate lube.

STEP 5: LET THE FLUID FLOW

Again, take a deep breath and relax your entire body. Open the clamp and allow the liquid to flow into you. Do this in intervals, closing and opening the clamp, allowing your body to adjust to the liquid flowing in. If you feel cramping, stop the flow and take deep breaths until it passes.

Once all of the liquid is inside of you, remove the enema tip and gently and slowly roll over onto your back. Breathe, relax, meditate, listen to your favorite podcast. Stay in whatever position feels best for YOU.

STEP 6: LET IT GO

Once you are ready to release, head to the toilet and let all the liquid out. Give yourself time for it all to come out. Keep breathing and relaxing your bowels.

STEP 7: CLEAN UP

Wash enema bucket, tubing, and tip with warm water and soap. I also use THIS to clean my enema equipment. It’s an EPA registered sanitizer and disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs with zero toxic chemicals.

2 thoughts on “What is an enema and how to do one?”

  1. Hello how do you trouble shoot the water moving up and down in the tube? It begins to flow down the tube but then goes in an up and down motion

    1. If the water is not flowing well in the tube, there may be air bubbles in the tube or the enema bucket may not be high enough. Be sure to fully prime the tube before insertion in order to completely fill the tube with liquid. Also make sure that the enema bucket is at east 12-18 inches higher than the insertion (your bum.) In order to get the liquid flowing, you can gently squeeze the tube a few tie to remove any air bubbles. Hope that helps.

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