How to do an enema to cleanse the intestines at home

Although there are many types of enemas, some of which are designed to cleanse only the rectum, colon cleansing enemas must include enough fluid to reach further into the colon. To perform enemas at home, you will need an Esmarch Cup (a large rubber bag sold in pharmacies), which holds from 1 to 4 liters of liquid. In addition to this device, you will have a long tube and tip that can come in different sizes and shapes. Before starting an at-home enema, it is recommended that a person with certain health problems consult a doctor.

Purposes of cleansing

In the human intestines, there is usually an accumulation of feces that are harmful to the body. In a healthy person, they come out naturally. If there are pathologies in the body, part of the feces stagnates in the large intestine. As a result, a person develops an uncomfortable feeling and develops various diseases. In such situations, bowel cleansing is a necessity. In addition, cleansing the rectum allows you to get rid of parasitic infestations and toxins.

For preventive purposes, it is recommended to cleanse the intestines 1-2 times a year, for example, in early spring and autumn.

Enemas during pregnancy

Is it possible to carry out cleansing procedures for expectant mothers? The answer is definitely not possible. Most doctors are confident that an enema in this case is strictly contraindicated. Therefore, if you can get by with other ways to combat constipation characteristic of pregnancy, then it is better to use them.

Cleansing with an enema is a last resort and should be carried out under the supervision of a physician. Otherwise, the patient may develop uterine hypertonicity, which is a provoking factor for miscarriage or premature birth.

Indications for cleansing enema

It is necessary to carry out “intestinal cleansing” using an “enema” in the following situations:

With irregular bowel movements.
In case of fetid clayey odor from the mouth.
With frequent flatulence and increased gas formation.
When you have headaches.
For a cold or general weakness.
In case of poisoning.
With increased sweating.
In case of constant feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the peritoneum.
To normalize metabolic processes.

Very often, a cleansing enema is effective for hemorrhoids accompanied by constipation. It is prescribed before a diagnostic examination of the stomach or intestines, as well as before surgical operations.

People both young and old are allowed to cleanse the intestines with an enema. The main purpose of such cleansing is the removal of waste and toxins, fecal stones.

Enemas for colon cleansing

An enema is one of the oldest ways to cleanse the intestines. The main advantage of this method is that it is easy to use at home and helps to maximally cleanse the large intestine of waste products and microbes. Many nutritionists even advise, from time to time, to cleanse the body with an enema in order to lose weight and remove toxins from the body. The goal is to remove toxins, waste and fecal stones that cannot be naturally excreted from the body.

If, in order to lose weight, you decide to cleanse your body, then an enema is the most harmless remedy. When cleansing the intestines not for any medical procedures, it is best not to abuse laxatives, because they have a negative effect on the intestines, sometimes even with frequent use they can cause organ cancer.

Before you start cleansing your intestines, you should first decide on the choice of cleaning method. Before examining a proctologist, it would be best to administer a microenema that can efficiently, quickly and painlessly prepare for the examination. If you need a clean intestine for any medical procedures (colonoscopy, irrigoscopy, surgery), then the main means of cleansing all parts of the intestine will be a laxative. In these cases, an enema is used as an auxiliary procedure to help achieve the best results of cleansing the intestinal walls. If you suffer from constipation, need treatment for colitis, or would like to cleanse your intestines for some reason, then an enema will be the most harmless way in such measures. Helps the body naturally cleanse itself of toxins.

But, despite the fact that this method is one of the harmless ways to cleanse the intestines, it is still necessary to read the contraindications before using it. Doing enemas and microenemas when they are present is life-threatening.

Preparation for the procedure

Cleansing is a long process and must take place in several stages. First, you should normalize your diet. Then you can begin cleaning procedures. At the final stage, the intestinal microflora is restored.

In order for a cleansing enema performed at home to be effective, it is necessary to carefully prepare for it.

For 14 days before cleansing, you should exclude heavy, spicy and fatty foods, sweets, and smoked foods from your diet. We need to add more fresh vegetables and fruits to the menu. In addition, it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day. The day before the procedure, you should eat only light food.

Is it possible to do enemas for colitis?

Enemas with this diagnosis should be done in the absence of contraindications. Before doing the procedure, it would be better to consult a doctor. Regular ones are prohibited from being done on an ongoing basis.

For intestinal colitis, microenemas are often prescribed as one of the means of treating the disease. Typically, the volume of microenemas for colitis is about 30 ml. Microenemas for colitis should only be done under the supervision of a doctor. Typically therapy lasts about 6 weeks.

How to properly cleanse?

Therapeutic enemas to cleanse the intestines are recommended to be performed early in the morning.

You must use an Esmarch mug, not a pear. After all, the latter has a small volume and it will not be possible to completely cleanse the intestines in one procedure. Repeated cleansing will not be effective, since due to the irritated sphincter, the urge to empty the stomach will arise and the liquid will pour out.

The colon cleansing procedure is carried out taking into account the following recommendations:

The pre-prepared solution is poured into a container. For better insertion, the tip should be lubricated. Vegetable oil or baby cream will do.
An oilcloth is laid on the bed where the manipulation will be carried out.
It is necessary to release the air from the container.
The mug is suspended so that the hose is not tense, but takes a relaxed position.
The patient takes the necessary position.
The tip is inserted into the rectum with a slowly rotating motion.
After opening the tap, water begins to flow. If you experience a strong urge to defecate, you should reduce the pressure.
To alleviate the condition, it is allowed to stroke the stomach in a circular motion.
When all the liquid has been introduced, the anus is closed with a special plug to retain the water for at least 10 minutes.

When administering large doses, the person should kneel and lean on their elbows, raise their pelvis and lower their head. To administer small doses, you need to lie on your left side and press your legs to your stomach.

Recovery of the body after an enema

After several such cleansing procedures, the intestines will be weakened and it will take time to recover. After a course of enema treatment, it is useful to take decoctions of medicinal herbs for 10 days. Chamomile, mint and yarrow are very suitable for this. Decoctions are prepared according to the instructions that come with the herb package.

Every day after breakfast you should take activated carbon, 1 tablet for every 10 kg of weight. The tablets should be dissolved in a glass of mineral water without gas. For normal bowel function, it is useful to perform self-massage of the abdomen daily. Lightly stroke the abdominal area around the navel in a clockwise direction. An active lifestyle with daily walks in the fresh air is also encouraged during this period.

Solutions used

A cleansing enema is carried out using plain warm water or different solutions, which are selected depending on the purpose of cleansing:

for regular constipation, use solutions with garlic, soda or salt;
for hemorrhoids, it is recommended to use herbal infusions;
For weight loss, a saline enema is effectively used.

Oil enemas are effective for anal fissures and hemorrhoids.

Saline solution

This enema is characterized by slow absorption. It helps soften the stool. It is necessary to dissolve 2 teaspoons of salt in 1 liter of water.

Lemon juice solution

A lemon enema is intended to cleanse the intestines and normalize its internal environment. Water removes fecal stones, and citric acid prevents the formation of mold. To make a solution, add the juice of 1-2 lemons to 2 liters of liquid.

Beetroot solution

This remedy is characterized by a mild effect, so the solution is used to treat children. This enema is effective for chronic constipation, as well as dysbacteriosis. You will need 0.5 kg of raw beets, which should be peeled and finely chopped. Then the product is poured with a liter of boiling water and allowed to brew for half an hour. Afterwards, the product is filtered and left to cool.

Soda solution

To prepare the product, you need to bring 250 ml of water to a boil and cook over low heat, to which 1 teaspoon of soda is gradually added. The solution is removed from the heat when the liquid temperature reaches 40 degrees. Leave to cool.

This enema restores water balance and helps remove parasites. A cleansing enema with a soda solution also promotes weight loss.

Cleansing with coffee

To prepare, boil 2 liters of water, add 3 tbsp. spoons of natural coffee and continue boiling for another 3 minutes. After the expiration date, reduce the heat and cook the solution for another 12 minutes, and then strain and cool.

This enema helps remove toxic substances, stimulate the adrenal glands, and improve liver function.

Garlic enema to cure parasitic infestation

To prepare the product, squeeze 1 clove of garlic through a garlic press into a glass of boiled water. Afterwards, the water is filtered and added to 1 liter of solution. Give cleansing enemas throughout the week.

In addition to the above mixtures, an oil solution, magnesia with salt, and chamomile are used for enema.

Staging process

The staging process differs depending on whether the person is an adult or

the child is given this device, what it is placed with, what volumes, what indications this person has. But since such small devices are most often placed on a child, the option of using one is being considered. Here's how it works in general:

The pear must be sterile. The smaller the baby, the more carefully the device is prepared. As an example, for newborn children it is recommended to boil for up to half an hour, if not more. For adults, shorten this time.
Vaseline oil or baby cream that is suitable for the child and does not cause a negative reaction is prepared.
Prepare water (or another enema solution), heated, as mentioned earlier, to approximately 30 degrees. The water must be boiled, nothing else.
The place where the procedure is performed is prepared. It is covered first with oilcloth, then with a clean diaper. The oilcloth is hung so that it rests on the basin.
The child is placed with his back to the person who will give him the enema. He turns on his side, his legs are bent at the knees and pulled up to his stomach.
All the air is squeezed out of the syringe, it is filled with water, and the tip is lubricated with previously prepared cream or Vaseline.
First, you need to press slightly on the rubber base so that the air comes out and the first drops of liquid appear. Then you should insert the tip 3-4 centimeters and slowly squeeze water out of the bulb.
The tip is removed extremely carefully, after which the baby’s buttocks are squeezed and held in this way for two minutes so that the maximum effect is achieved. Then he is allowed to go to the toilet.

Contraindications to the procedure

Enemas used to cleanse the intestines have a number of contraindications:

chronic diseases of the digestive organs;
hypertension;
pathologies of blood vessels and heart muscle;
postoperative period;
bleeding from the rectum.

A cleansing enema has a positive effect on a person’s health, however, frequent procedures can cause the following complications:

Dysbacteriosis.
Anal bleeding.
Failure of the bowel movement process.
Disturbance of intestinal microflora.

Before carrying out the cleansing procedure, you need to check whether there is an allergy to the selected solution. It is recommended to give enemas no more than once every 7 days.

Colon cleansing using an enema helps to get rid of discomfort in the abdominal cavity, as well as improve the health of the body and improve well-being.

Main contraindications for use

Inflammatory diseases of the colon;
Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract;
Haemorrhoids;
Tumors in the intestines;
Postoperative period on the gastrointestinal tract and organs of the digestive system.

There are many opinions about whether you should do an enema for hemorrhoids. In fact, if you have hemorrhoids, constipation is not desirable, but at the same time, an enema can touch cracks and cause irritation of the mucous membrane. It should not be carried out during the period of exacerbation of hemorrhoids, but during the period of remission, it will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Microclysters can gently and effectively empty the intestines; now proctologists are increasingly recommending their use for prolonged constipation.

What to replace it with?

You can replace enemas to cleanse the intestines with laxatives. However, they have a large number of contraindications and side effects. Their advantage is painless and convenient use.

Preparations for bowel cleansing instead of an enema:

Fortrans
Duphalac.
Magnesia.
Flit.
Metamucil.
Bisacodyl.
Lavacol.

The most popular drug is Fortrans. It can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription. It is with its help that the intestines are cleansed before surgery.

Duphalac and Magnesia receives good reviews .

Suppositories for colon cleansing instead of an enema:

Glycerin suppositories.
Bisacodyl suppositories.
Candles with senna.

Suppositories act more gently and cannot completely cleanse the intestines. They are advisable to use in case of short-term constipation to improve the bowel movement process.

Indications and benefits

The main task of an enema is to cleanse the intestinal tracts using water, natural compounds, and medications. At home, you usually need an Esmarch mug, which resembles a heating pad or an ordinary medical bulb. In the second case, we are usually talking about a cleansing enema for small children or douching of the rectal lumen of the intestine.

The mug itself has a long hose up to 1.5 m, a plastic or rubber tip of about 10 cm, and a control tap to control the flow of water and prevent air accumulation in the abdominal region.

Taking into account the peculiarities of the anatomy of the intestinal sections, fecal stones and stagnant foci are usually formed at folds or ornate transitions from one section to another. Pathological deposits begin to fester, complicate the function of the digestive system, disrupt metabolic processes, and contribute to internal intoxication of the body. The main symptoms indicating a clogged intestine and the need for cleaning are the following:

unstable stool;
alternating constipation with diarrhea;
increased gas formation;
the appearance of pimples, acne, oily skin;
frequent headaches;
decreased immunity, frequent exacerbations of chronic diseases;
depression, weakness;
overweight.

The benefits and harms of enema cleansing always border. So, the undoubted advantages are obvious, but in case of excess, it can cause significant harm to health.

Cleansing is required in case of poisoning, chronic intoxication, for example, due to renal or liver failure. An enema allows you to prepare the intestines for surgery or a diagnostic procedure. Against the background of an adequate course of cleansing, stool normalizes, overall well-being improves, and the microflora of the stomach and intestines is restored.

Note! During the enema procedure, water penetrates almost all parts of the intestine, covering its most distant parts. Coming out naturally, feces, waste, bacteria, parasites and toxic compounds are simultaneously evacuated along with water.

Rules and technique

The technique is not so difficult, but if you have not previously had experience with an enema, then it is better to resort to the help of a very close person. You can study the method of correct insertion and posture in some medical sources, contact the local nurse of any treatment room in the clinic. The manipulation is carried out according to the following algorithm:

a tip, Vaseline or rectal gel are pre-prepared, Esmarch’s mug is placed on a hook or tripod;
the tip is lubricated with gel and inserted into the anus 3-5 cm;
then you should carefully take a suitable position: knee-elbow or on your side;
After a convenient location, open the tap and gradually introduce liquid.

After administration, you should lie down for a few minutes and walk around. It will be better if the composition stays inside the intestines for about 15 minutes. At the first urge to defecate, you should empty your bowels; you cannot tolerate it.

Water should be supplied very limitedly, and your own condition should be monitored throughout the entire procedure. If severe pain is felt, the procedure is completed.

Basic Rules

During the enema procedure, the following rules should be followed:

For one cleansing you will need up to 2 liters of water;
the optimal enema temperature is 25 degrees (too cold will spasm the intestines, and hot will promote the absorption of toxins into the blood);
the best time to spend it is in the morning around 7 o’clock and in the evening around 10 o’clock;
mandatory sterilization of enema parts.

Important! The total duration of the course is 6-8 procedures. It is unacceptable to do an enema every time you have difficulty defecating. Excessive intake usually leads to severe dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and an imbalance of intestinal microflora.

Medications for colon cleansing

Not only an enema can cleanse the intestines, but also laxatives. Doctors do not recommend systematically taking laxatives, as they can be addictive.

Important! Any medication must be prescribed by a doctor, since self-medication can be harmful.

Laxatives should not be used for:

hemorrhoids;
inflammatory diseases or tumors of the colon;
heart failure;
pregnancy;
acute pancreatitis;
uterine bleeding;
elevated temperature.

Main contraindications

It is prohibited to use a laxative when:

acute pain in the abdominal area;
bleeding;
serious gastrointestinal pathologies;
intestinal obstruction.

If you use laxatives for a long time, serious health problems may arise, which manifest themselves in the form of:

lowering blood pressure;
intestinal colic;
flatulence.

Enema analogues

There are several types of laxative medications, namely:

Osmotic saline. “Fortrans”, “Lavacol” are those products that increase the volume of feces by absorbing liquid. "Metamucil" - the drug envelops and softens stool.
Glycerin suppositories are the best drug that softens stool. Prescribed for both children and adults.

Safe and effective product

"Fortrans" is a popular laxative drug that is recommended for use for constipation. Produced in the form of a loose mixture. The composition contains macrogol - this substance increases pressure in the intestinal area and retains water molecules. Most often, the drug is prescribed to cleanse the intestines (preparation for surgery). Heart failure, intestinal obstruction, tumors, age under 14 years are the main contraindications to the use of the drug. The dosage is determined by the doctor.

Popular methods

Quite often, doctors recommend that patients drink castor oil to cleanse the intestines, since it has a laxative effect and does not provoke the development of side effects. It is recommended to drink the oil with water, as it has an unpleasant taste.
Glycerol. Glycerin softens fecal matter. It is allowed to use this remedy for hemorrhoids and anal fissure, during pregnancy.

Note to the patient

Doctors do not recommend self-medicating and cleansing the intestines without first consulting a specialist - this can provoke the development of health problems. It is not recommended to use an enema systematically, since the natural intestinal microflora may be disrupted. Under such conditions, dysbacteriosis will occur. If constipation occurs systematically, then you need to balance your diet - eat small and little meals. It is recommended to drink more fluid. To prevent the development of health problems, you should consult your doctor. The doctor will determine an individual treatment regimen.

Useful

When cleansing the digestive tract, it is not enough to just cleanse the intestines; you need to take choleretic drugs and cleanse the stomach. On the day of the procedure, it is better to be at home so that the urge to defecate does not find you in the wrong place.
Cleansing procedures will not bring effect if you do not exercise physical activity, which prevents stagnation in the body. It is not necessary to go for complex workouts; it is enough to perform a complex of physical therapy or take walks.
In parallel with a set of cleansing measures, introduce healthy foods into your diet: eliminate fatty, smoked and rich foods, and eat more fruits and vegetables. It is also important to maintain a drinking regime.
During the cleansing course, it is recommended to take a complex of vitamins, macro- and microelements. Remember that the main factor in healing the body is a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, and cleansing with enemas is just an additional means.

Have you used enemas to cleanse the intestines in your practice? Share your recipes for enema compositions and the subtleties of the procedure technique.

Patient reviews

Ksenia: “I decided to do a course of cleansing enemas for hemorrhoids. I used saline solution. I installed it for a week. During this time, I developed dysbiosis and had to stop cleaning.”

Denis: “I believe that the use of enemas since the advent of Fortrans is inappropriate. Before the colonoscopy, the doctor recommended this drug, and I was satisfied. Affordable cost, convenient use and good results.”

Edward: “Cleansing the intestines is impossible without the use of enemas. No medical product can cleanse as well as a solution with water or a decoction of herbs. I did it before surgery to remove internal hemorrhoids.”

Varieties

Such devices can be classified into different categories.

Structure: non-removable or with a replaceable tip. It can be plastic (hard) or rubber (soft). For particularly deep penetration, an extended version is used.
Material: rubber, PVC, silicone, plastic.
Purpose: for enema (type B), for washing and suction of liquids (type A), for irrigation of the vagina (irrigation types BI).
Volume. Pear-shaped enema can be of different capacities. Minimum – 27-30 ml, maximum – 750 ml. Labeling for this feature depends on the manufacturer. As a rule, each volume has its own number. For example, a syringe with a capacity of 40±7 ml is B No. 3.

Preparatory stage

Before carrying out the cleansing procedure, it is recommended to follow a gentle diet. Diet will enhance the therapeutic effect of an enema.

The advantage of a cleansing enema is the lack of specific preparation with a similar execution scheme. The main preparatory activities are:

following a diet for 3-4 days before the start of the treatment course;
an active lifestyle to increase intestinal motility;
drink plenty of fluids before and after cleansing procedures;
Consult a doctor for contraindications and the need to follow special instructions.

The diet usually includes light vegetable salads seasoned with oil, cereals, and soups in meat-free broth. You can learn more about preparing a super salad for cleansing the intestines in the article “Pastel Salad for cleansing the intestines.” When cooking meat, it is better to eat it in the form of minced meat, twisted several times (steam cutlets, meatballs with rice). It is important to exclude aggressive foods, fatty, salty, seasonings and spices. During preparation, the cleansing will take place without harm to the body.

For drinking, it is recommended to give preference to rose hips, natural jelly, green tea with any composition, and fresh water without gas. It is important to understand that a one-time enema course will not lead to the expected results if you continue bad habits, drinking alcohol, and eating unhealthy foods. You can learn about the rules for cleansing quickly and safely with regular oatmeal in the article “Oatmeal Scrub for the Intestines.”

The purpose of cleansing is not only cleansing, but also healing the body with a long-term effect.

How to give an enema to a child

Modern pediatricians agree that a child should be given an enema only as a last resort.
Even constipation is not a mandatory indication. With this, it is better to give the child a glycerin suppository. It is convenient and as safe as possible. So, an enema is a forced event. Remember that the younger the child is, the more often you should refuse an enema. In infants, the intestines are very delicate and can be easily injured even by the tip of an enema. Therefore, you need to use a small rubber bulb with a rubber tip. In addition, the baby will definitely not be able to consciously hold liquid inside. This means that the solution will be in the intestines less than necessary to obtain the maximum effect.

It is especially undesirable to give a child a cleansing enema. With it, you need to introduce a large volume of liquid into the intestines. At the same time, all beneficial bacteria are quickly washed out of the intestines. In a child, this can lead to the development of dysbiosis. Therefore, it is very important that parents do not self-medicate their child. The baby should be given an enema strictly according to the doctor’s instructions. And don’t think that this is a harmless simple procedure.

If the doctor nevertheless recommended giving the child an enema, this can be easily done at home. An enema is given to children in order to:

In case of persistent constipation, remove feces from the intestines. This is done only when other methods have been tried and did not bring results. If constipation occurs, it is better to give the child a glycerin suppository (for children).
Detoxify the body in case of poisoning, infection, acetone syndrome.
If in case of intestinal inflammation it is necessary to locally deliver medicines to it.

The sequence of enema for a child will be as follows:

It is necessary to prepare the injected solution. Remember that its temperature should remain between 35-37 degrees. It is unacceptable to introduce too warm or cold solution. The warm one is immediately absorbed by the intestines. Most often, for children's enema, simple boiled water, a weak infusion of chamomile, or water with the addition of a small amount of soda or salt are used. Oil and glycerin are also sometimes used. The composition of such an enema must be agreed with your doctor.
If there is pain or cramping, you can use a warmer, but not hot, solution. But most often the temperature of the solution will be the same as body temperature.
It is important to correctly calculate the volume of the enema. It will directly depend on the age of the baby. Children under 6 months. 60-70 ml is enough, from 6 months. up to one year - 120 ml, from one to two years - up to 200 ml, from 5 to 9 years - up to 320 ml, from 10 years - about half a liter or more.
You need to prepare all the necessary attributes. For children, it is not the Eismarch mug that is used, but a special rubber bulb. It must be selected according to the volume of liquid that can be administered to the baby. Only for enemas of children after 13 years of age can the Eismarch mug be used. It is important to choose the tip of the correct diameter and length.
Next, we begin the procedure. Before using it, you need to wash your hands as thoroughly as possible with soap. All instruments must be washed. The pear must be boiled before the procedure. Next, you need to fill it with the prepared solution and put on the tip. The bulb must be filled completely. It is important that there is no air left in it. The child should lie on the mat on his left side. The legs need to be bent and pulled towards the stomach. Next, lubricate the tip with oil or Vaseline and insert it into the anus. The insertion depth is up to 5 cm. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to apply force or make sudden movements. Once the tip is inserted, gently press down on the bulb. The liquid will begin to penetrate the intestines. When the liquid is inside, you need to smoothly remove the tip.
It is important to ensure that the child is in a state of complete rest. It's best if he lies down. After half an hour, you need to put him on the potty if this is a cleansing enema. And in the case of a therapeutic enema, movement is not prohibited.
After the procedure, you need to rinse the bulb and tip with warm water. They can then be used again. But before use, the bulb and tip should be boiled.

We have selected the most complete recommendations on how to give various types of enemas. Read them several times to make sure you don't miss important details. If possible, try to give an enema only if it is really necessary.