Who should not take water enema?

I receive several emails regarding who should not take water enema. In this article, I will try to answer this question.

In Nature Cure, 2 types of enemas are used – warm water enema and medicinal water enema. You can understand only warm tap water is used in warm water enema. In medicinal water enemas, juices of some herbs or fruits are added in water, for example, lemon juice and honey are added if a person suffers from severe constipation.

Let us come to the main question. Who should not take water enema?

According to Nature Cure

According to Nature cure, a person with a healthy gut, who gets bowel movement daily and feel bowel is cleared properly should not take any type of enemas.

Therefore, if you have normal bowel action, you should not take an enema.

(Reference: Science of Natural Life by Dr. Rakesh Jindal, Chapter 10, Treatment by Water Element, Page No. 172).

Not for healthy people

It is still a very unnatural process getting enema in healthy people. Nature cure is not based on unnatural processes (if you understand the basic principle). You should drink warm water through the mouth. The mouth is the route of taking food and drinks. You should not take water enema unnecessarily unless you suffer from a disease.

According to Ayurveda

Ayurveda never recommends enemas in healthy people. Ayurveda goes further. This type of enemas is similar to Niruha Basti (decoction or medicinal water enemas).

Contraindications

Ayurveda provides the list of contraindications as below:

• Ascites.
• Asthma.
• Chest injuries.
• Children.
• Cough.
• Diabetes.
• Diarrhea with mucus.
• Emaciated body, underweight, malnutrition or excessive weakness.
• Immediately after taking food (up to 3-6 hours).
• Inflamed Anus.
• Piles.
• Pregnancy.
• Vomiting.

Reference: अनास्थप्यास्त्वतिस्निग्धः क्षतोरस्को भृशं कृशंः । आमातिसारी वमिमान् संशुद्धौदत्तनावनः ।। श्वासकासप्रसेकाशोहिध्माध्मानाल्पवहनयः । शूनपायुः कृताहारो बद्धच्छिद्रोदकोदरी ।। कुष्ठी च मधुमेही च मासान् सप्त च गर्भिणी। (अ. हृ. सू.. 19/4-5)

Therefore, if you have any of these health conditions, you should not take water enema.

Are there side effects of water enema?

Yes, there are a few side effects:

Dependency:

You may develop a dependency on water enema. You may not get a normal bowel movement until you get an enema. You may start feeling that your bowel is not properly cleared without an enema. You may not get a clear bowel movement without getting water enema. So, it can be addictive.

Constipation:

The regular and continuous use of warm water enema can cause dryness in the rectum, which ultimately increases Vata Dosha. So, it may lead to constipation. If it continues, you may suffer from Vata Diseases.

Interference with Absorption of Nutrients:

Regular water enemas or any type of enemas can affect the normal absorption of nutrients in the intestine and rectum, which may further lead to an imbalance of the required nutrients.

Final Verdict

• If you have normal bowel action, you should not take an enema.
• The enema should not be part of your routine.
• It should be only taken when advised by a naturopath or ayurvedic physician.
• Avoid it if you have any health condition in which enemas are contraindicated (as listed above).

Also Read: How to Take Water Enema