What is an Enema

An enema is a procedure, which entails administering water and other substances at low pressure into the rectum

Enemas can be traced back to ancient times when people implemented enema treatments in the rivers, by using hollow reeds to induce water to flow into the rectum. This cleansing ritual was used in primitive tribes from the Amazon.
African and Asian priests and shamans practiced this magical-medical colon cleansing method. This therapeutic treatments with enemas were also an important part of the Taoist training regimen.

Ritual enemas were practiced in Mayan Ceremonials, and many other Central and South American Indian tribes. In fact some surviving tribes continue the traditional colon cleansing practice to this day.

Hippocrates and Galen, the founding fathers of Western medicine, described, practiced
and prescribed the use of enemas as colon therapy.

In the UK and Europe, enemas were a common practice to control fevers, colds, upset stomachs (along many other problems and diseases). The popularity of colon cleansing treatments were remarkable in the early decades of the 20th century when colon irrigation apparatus were commonly seen throughout the 1920's and 30's, enemas were regularly used as a standard practice among most physicians and implemented as common treatments in most hospitals.

It was not until the 50's with the advances of modern medicine and the introduction of antibiotics, that the use of colon and enema therapy started gradually to decrease.


What type of Enema is used?

The type of Enema used for your treatment is called a Retention enema. It means injecting a solution into the rectum and holding for a specific period of time. An implant or retention enema generally uses only enough liquid, to fill the rectum and possibly the sigmoid colon. These enemas can be anything from 500ml to 1 litre of water, blended with a solution: some people will be able to hold the full litre while others will only be half, depending upon the size of the sigmoid colon and rectum and other factors.

The treatment

I do not recommend Enemas alone, if there is a long standing constipation issue, as it will not have a deep enough effect. I would strongly recommend that you try a colonic irrigation instead. If you have a daily bowel movement and you want to boost up hydration or enhance your gut's health, then we can discuss which enema would be most appropriate for you to have from the range I offer.

If you decide to have an enema alone, no colonic hydrotherapy will be added to the procedure. Otherwise, I will proceed with the usual Colonic Hydrotherapy treatment for 20 minutes before administering the chosen enema. You will be able to relax from a few minutes to 1/2 hour while the enema gets to work! The enema is administered at a temperature between 34 to 39 degre Celsius.

For more details on the treatment procedure, please click here in order to read about the closed system

Click here for prices on enemas



If you need anymore information, please, email or call me on 0207 247 7742 within the hours of 9.30am to 8pm Monday to Saturday,
I will be happy to answer any enquiries you might have.

Your therapist at 4 Balance and Health, Edwige Cabanetos


Therapies offered at 4 Balance and Health are not substitutes for traditional medical care by your GP, they are complementary therapies that may be used in conjunction with conventional medicine. Should you be aware of any reasons why these therapies are contra-indicated to you or you have a serious health problem, please consult your GP prior to their use.