The enema can also mean introduction of any substances into the bloodstream via the anus. People with severe nausea are sometimes given an enema containing anti-nausea medication. Instead of the liquid form of the cleansing enema, this type of substance introduction is usually in the form of a suppository. People with high fevers and nausea may benefit from suppositories containing acetaminophen that can quickly bring down a fever because it reaches the blood stream more quickly. Suppository medications are commonly used in the UK, but are not quite as popular in the US.

An enema can be performed at home. People with bowel impaction or severe constipation might be told to use one. They are often available for purchase at local drug stores. Most people, unless constipation is exceptionally severe, prefer to benefit from using laxatives instead, which also result in clearing the bowel and colon through a much less uncomfortable procedure.

Some enemas still contain mineral oil, and this is not preferred by most people. Mineral oil may cause leakage of the bowel, which cannot be controlled, for up to a day after the enema is administered. The water-based enema is considered just as effective and it is easier to control bowel movements after the enema is given.

Certain medical tests may require the use of an enema. An enema may be standard procedure prior to a colonoscopy, since fecal matter can obscure the test. Also, some tests are performed using a barium enema. An enema containing barium, a radioactive substance, can help visualize the gastrointestinal tract and any possible problems. The barium enema is usually given right before x-rays of the intestines are taken.

It used to be quite common for pregnant women going into labor, or who were past their due date to have an enema. This was thought to provoke greater labor pains and speed labor. It was also thought more sanitary, since fecal matter would not be passed during strong contractions. This is seldom performed now, and was a source of discomfort to many women for numerous years. If any fecal matter is passed during labor and delivery it is simply quickly cleaned up.

An enema with warm water (from one liter to one and a half liters) should be taken daily when you are on a diet of fruits or are fasting. If you do not take an enema, there is no benefit to be derived from fasting or living on fruits alone. Such enema can help when constipation is very severe or when you are starting the naturopathic treatment.

The following points should be kept in mind while taking an enema:

1. The following points should be kept in mind while taking an enema: Lie down on a hard bed; the foot of the bed must be four inches higher than the head. Of course, you can take the enema while lying on the floor, but in that case your buttocks should be higher than the rest of your body in order to facilitate the introduction of the liquid through the rectum.
2. The vessel containing the hot water for the enema should be suspended from a mail at a height of three feet from the body. The nozzle should be introduced in the rectum to allow the water to go in.
3. If you raise your knees, it would facilitate the introduction of the enema into the rectum.
4. Check that the nozzle is not blocked in that process some of the liquid should be allowed to run off. That will also ensure that there is no air trapped in the tube, which may penetrate the intestine with the enema.
5. Let the water go into the rectum retain it for two to three minutes before you visit the toilet.
6. Do not strain at the stools after an enema. Straining will not help clean the bowls as they should be cleaned.

In the case of ordinary costiveness a strengthening enema is advised. For that about 250 ml. Of cold water should be introduced into the intestines and retained for five to ten minutes cold water enervated the intestines and gives it tone. Such an enema can be taken daily and even twice in the day if one feels like it. But it should be taken the last thing at night before retiring. It will not harm you even if you take it for months on end. Whether the enema water is small in quantity or not, you must let the water come out on its own. Do not strain, nor be in a hurry. In the beginning you might have to spend up to half an hour in the lavatory after you have taken the enema

TREATMENT