Constipation is a condition that affects a lot of people all over the world. For most people, it can be treated using simple home remedies, like drinking a lot of water, using laxatives, or a slight change in the diet. However, in cases of chronic, long-standing constipation that does not respond to home remedies, colon cleansing is required, which helps to get rid of any drugs or toxins that may be present in the digestive tract. Thus, enema is used for giving a colon cleanse, which is the best and most reliable, lest a bit invasive, method of treating constipation. How Does an Enema Work? ➜ If you are fed up of chronic constipation, and looking for a constipation cure, then enema is the best option. The basic principle on which enemas work is that the solution that is passed into the bowel and intestines is slightly warm and saline in nature. ➜ This causes a shift in the concentration levels of the intestine due to which the process of osmosis starts. This process helps to pull out all the toxins and excrement from the body. ➜ It also results in an increase in the water levels of the excrement, thus, helping in making the stools relatively softer. This in turn gives a proper colon cleanse and makes the process of defecation a lot more painless. ➜ Some people even advise using milk and molasses in their enema, as the sugar content in molasses also aids in osmosis and acts as a natural stool softener. How to Use an Enema ➜ Most people are petrified by the words 'enema' and 'constipation'. They think that enema is an extremely invasive and painful method but this is far from the truth. In fact, it is an extremely effective and painless cure for treating infrequent bowel movements. For understanding how to use an enema, first let us see what an enema is made of. ➜ Most enemas that are available in the market consist of 3 main parts - a bag connected to a syringe with the help of a tube. The bag contains a solution that is used for flushing out the toxins present in the intestines. This liquid flows through the tube and enters the rectum through the syringe. The liquid used in the bag is most commonly warm water or warm saline water. Given below is a step-by-step guide on how to use an enema:

1. Firstly, the person needs to be lying down, preferably on his/her left side, with the right knee slightly bent.
2. Then, the syringe, that is to be inserted into the rectum, needs to be lubricated first and only then inserted into the rectum. If the person experiences pain on insertion, then he/she should wait for sometime or further lubricate the syringe and try again.
3. The bag holding the solution will be at a slightly higher level than the rectum and will be tilted. The person needs to wait till the solution enters his/her body, after which he/she can remove the enema.
4. The entire procedure will take a couple of minutes. The person should wait till the bag is completely empty and should not forcibly push the contents out in haste for a faster relief from constipation.
5. Furthermore, he/she should wait for a considerable amount of time before going to the bathroom, at least until he/she feels a very strong urge to go so that the enema can be more effective.

One of the main advantages of using an enema is nearly instant constipation relief. However, it should not be given very often, as it can eventually lead to passing of extremely watery stools, thus leading to diarrhea and dehydration, especially if very strong doses are given more than twice a day. The dose needs to be checked by a doctor before being administered, especially to children. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.