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 COLON HYDROTHERAPY

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF COLON HYDROTHERAPY

Colon hydrotherapy is a method of cleansing the system by flushing the large intestine with various amounts and strengths of waters in differing temperatures.  Colonics and colonic irrigation also describe this procedure.  A rectally inserted tube is gently placed into the colon, and the flushing may be done solely with water or with combinations of herbs or enzymes.  A “high colonic” refers to the process of water entering the colon through one tube and exiting through another along with previously trapped waste.

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY MAY BE HELPFUL FOR

- Constipation  
- Frequent Headaches  
- Fatigue 
- Acne 
- Chronic Body Odor 
- Chronic Gas/Bloating 
- Diarrhea 
- Lowered Immune Function/Low Energy  
- Mental Confusion/Irritability 
- Sciatica/Low Back Pain 

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF COLON HYDROTHERAPY
Colonic irrigation is therapy whose use may be traced to ancient Egypt, China, India and Greece. The "Eber Papyrus," an Egyptian medical document found around 1500 B.C. reveals that colon cleansing with water and herbal concoctions was used by healers to aid their patients in recovering from a number of diseases. Additional archeological evidence indicates it was a treatment of choice for many prominent historical figures, including the Roman physician Galen and Greek physician Hippocrates. It was used to lower fevers as well as to remove bile, blood, and even undigested food from the bowel while treating various diseases. Early enemas were performed through immersion of the patients in rivers and the placements of hollow reeds in their rectums to serve as a cleansing mechanism.

The enema is a related procedure to colonic hydrotherapy. While colonics cleanse the entire five-foot length of the colon, enemas cleanse only a small section of the lower part of the colon.  

In early America, enemas were commonly used to stay healthy.

Dr. John Kellogg performed colonic therapy on over 40,000 patients at the beginning of the twentieth century.  He published in the 1917 Journal of the American Medical Association that in the vast majority of his cases he did not need to perform surgery to cure gastrointestinal disorders in his patients.

The popularity of colon therapy peaked in the U.S. between the '20s and '40s.  Such methods were frequently used in medical clinics and hospitals.  However, within the next 50 to 60 years the popularity of colonic irrigation declined due to the introduction of synthetic drugs and also in part to widespread unregulated use of the procedure.

As more advanced systems and technology has become available, the procedures have become increased in safety.  This combined with the growing interest in alternative therapies has increased the popularity of colonic hydrotherapy.

What is it based upon?
THEORY OF COLON HYDROTHERAPY
The cleansing action of colonic hydrotherapy is anecdotally credited with improving mental outlook, modulating the immune system and eliminating toxic substances. It is theorized that the natural bacteria and debris that remain in the colon may negatively affect immune functioning and thus may spur disorders in other parts of the body.

Colonics may be suggested for a variety of ailments resulting from trapped waste material in the large intestine.  This waste may overload and toxify the colon, causing increased proliferation of bacteria and fungi.

How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION OF COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY IS LIKE
Clients should refrain from eating two to thee hours prior to their session, and a typical appointment lasts 45 to 60 minutes.  A health history will most likely be taken to rule out any contraindications to the therapy.

Colonic hydrotherapy can be helpful to those suffering from incontinence if they are comfortable with the treatment.  It is contraindicated for those with conditions such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or tumors of the colon or rectum.

The introduction of water to the colon is usually quite gentle.  Even one session may be the equivalent of having many regular bowel movements. No chemicals or drugs are involved.  In a private treatment area, the client lays on their side on a custom treatment table covered in a robe or drape.  Many times, the client may also remain partially dressed. From the colon hydrotherapy instrument, a small disposable speculum in gently inserted into the rectum by the therapist. Through this, warm filtered water is passed into the colon.  As the treatment progresses, the client may lay on their side or back.

Modern hydrotherapy equipment utilizes multistage water purification systems, disposable tubes and speculums to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination.  Many have a system of "additives administration" and a lighted viewing chamber to for those so inclined to see the exiting material through a clear exit hose (or "obturator.")  These are closed systems so there is no odor.

A colonic hydrotherapy session consists of several fills and releases maybe including light abdominal massage techniques to dislodge old fecal material from the inner walls of the large intestine. The therapist may suggest breathing and relaxation techniques and some may stimulate reflex points elsewhere on the body. Water temperature and pressure are closely monitored at all times by the therapist. These may be varied to stimulate peristalsis (muscular contraction) in the colon, to help conditions where the organ has become sluggish.  Typically 25 – 35 gallons of water are transported in and out of the colon over the length of the session.  After the session, the therapist leaves the room so the client may visit the restroom to pass any additional water or stool, and to get dressed.  The client should then be able to go about their normal daily activities.  A number of colonic hydrotherapy appointments may be suggested to provide the greatest cleansing opportunity.

Who does it?
PRACTITIONER STATUS
The practice is currently regulated in some states of the United States. Practitioners may complete a certification process or belong to professional colonic hydrotherapy associations.