How to Clean the Colon With an Enema Bag

Enema bags may be used to provide effective and economical colon cleansing from within the home. Performing a colon cleansing enema in the home requires the use of an enema solution, and multiple physical positions for administration. Enema bags are less invasive than colonic irrigation and more gentle on the body.

Things You'll Need

• Enema bag
• Enema solution
• Filtered water
• Soap (optional)
• Epsom salts (optional)

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Instructions

Preparation

• 1

  Heat 2 qt. of filtered water on the stove to a 103 degrees F. If you are using other additives such as soap or Epsom salts in the enema solution, add them to the water after the water has been heated.

• 2

  Clamp the enema tubing shut. Add the enema solution to the bag. Shake the enema bag gently to ensure the solution has been mixed thoroughly.

• 3

  Choose the area where you will be administering the enema. Hang the enema bag in the area so that the enema nozzle attached to the end of the tubing is between 1.5 feet and 2 feet above the rectum. Placing the tubing lower ensures the enema solution flows into the rectum slowly, is easy to retain, and provides an effective cleansing of the colon and rectum.

• 4

  Place a towel under the person receiving the enema in the event that there is fecal leakage or leakage of the enema solution.

• 5

  Place a pillow under the receiver's head to allow them to be able to rest the head comfortably during the enema.

Administration

• 6

  Utilize three positions for administering the enema: The knee chest position, the left side position and the on back position. Begin in the knee chest position. Insert the enema administration nozzle into the rectum. Release the clamp to begin the flow of the enema solution. You will fill the solution beginning to fill the rectum. Massage the abdomen counter clockwise to help the solution flow through the colon and the rectum. Clamp the enema tubing after one minute.

• 7

  Move to the right side position. Release the clamp to resume the flow of the enema solution for 1 1/2 minutes. Continue the counterclockwise abdominal massage. Clamp the tubing.

• 8

  Remove the nozzle from the rectum. Move to the on back position with the knees bent and feet resting comfortably on a flat surface. Insert the nozzle. Begin the flow. Listen for a clicking sound as the last of the enema solution flows from the enema bag. Wait one minute after hearing the clicking sound before removing the enema nozzle from the rectum.

• 9

  Return to the knee chest position to retain the enema. To achieve the best colon cleansing results from the enema, you should try to retain the enema for a minimum of 10 minutes before expelling. Use light counterclockwise abdominal massages and short deep breaths to cope with cramping, which may occur during the retention of the enema.

• 10

  After 10 minutes move to the toilet, or get on a bedpan to expel the enema. You may need assistance to walk to the toilet, or you may be able to make it on your own. Use your best judgment and consider the possibility there may be an embarrassing accident.