Colonic
An enema is the procedure of introducing liquids into the bowel via the anus. Enemas can be carried out for medical reasons, as part of alternative therapies, and also for erotic purposes, particluarly as part of BDSM activities. In earlier times, they were often known as clysters.
The three main usages of enemas are:
- (Mechanical) laxative effect; the patient expels excrements with the enema water in the toilet after administration. Enemas (known as clysters) were the primary method for alleviating stomach aches up to the 19th century in the Western world bourgeoisie and nobility. They may also be used for cleaning the lower bowel prior to a medical or surgical procedure. Enemas given for that purpose may consist only of plain water, or may contain some chemicals in solution (such as soap).
- The administration of substances into the bloodstream in a manner similar to that of suppositories. An enema may also be used for hydratation purposes. See also route of administration.
Enemas are nowadays administered mostly with bulb syringes for small quantities or fountain syringes (similar to douche bags, and often dual-usage) for larger quantities. In former times, they were administered using clyster syringes.
Non-medical usage
Except for a few specialist medical uses, enemas are no longer part of mainstream medical therapy.
In certain countries such as the United States, enema usage went well into the 20th century; it was thought a good idea to cleanse the bowel in case of fever; also, pregnant women were given enemas prior to labor so as to reduce the risk of feces being passed during contractions as well as inducing contractions. This latter usage has since been largely abandoned, in part because the health benefits are unclear, in part because women generally found the procedure unpleasant.
Enemas can be dangerous if administered incorrectly, so precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of the person being given the enema.
The paraphilia directed towards enemas is known as klismaphilia. Enemas are available as a service from many practitioners in the sex industry to cater to klismaphiliac desires, and may be used as part of BDSM activities.
A colonic is a large enema meant at cleansing the whole colon. It was in vogue for hygienic purposes at the beginning of the 20th century; see John Harvey Kellogg.
Ritual use
Ritual enemas were practiced by the Maya and many other Central American and South American Indian tribes; some tribes have continued the practice to the present day. Substances used in the enemas include alcohol, tobacco, peyote, and hallucinogenic drugs. While the precise nature of the substances used by the Maya are unknown except from pictures of pots bubbling liquids, it is presumed these contained alcohol or other drugs.
References and further reading
