Colon hydrotherapy is not the “hose up the butt” kind of proposition
most people think it is.
Shocked? Embarrassed? Those are common reactions to any
discussion of poop and health.
How about some answers to debunk the myths?
What is colon hydrotherapy? It’s Simple!
Colon hydrotherapy is also called colonic irrigation or may be referred to as ‘a
colonic’. The procedure is basic - water in and poop out! OK, so a few more details
might be helpful.
A gentle infusion of filtered and purified warm water into the large intestine
softens and loosens stool so that natural colonic function can eliminate it. Think of it
as water aerobics and a bath for the large intestine: water entering the colon gently
stretches the walls and stimulates nerve receptors that trigger it to ‘release’ the water
and loosened stool. Simple and natural.
What is the colon anyway? Why is it so important to my health?
The colon, or large intestine, is the last 5–5½ feet of the digestive tract...that
lo-o-ong, hollow tube that extends from mouth to anus. It is considered an organ of
elimination along with the kidneys and the skin. When the colon receives a digested
meal (food bolus) from the small intestine through the ileocecal valve, nearly all
digestion is complete. Its primary function is to compact waste products for
elimination from the body; however, numerous relationships with other body systems
make colon health an essential component of overall health.
The large intestine has an active
role in fluid and electrolyte balance by
responding to chemical signals from the
adrenal glands and kidneys to maintain
systemic hydration and regulate sodium,
potassium, and chloride. A large
concentration of lymph nodes surrounds
the large intestine to facilitate the removal
of toxins and lymphatic wastes. The liver
also depends on healthy colon function for
bile and waste elimination; there’s even a
direct line between them! More recently,
scientists have been studying the intricate
relationships between the gut and neurological function, sometimes referring to the
large intestine as ‘the abdominal brain’.
Healthy bacteria (probiotics) that populate the large intestine are the colonic
workhorses and serve multiple functions ~ immune support, inflammation reduction,
detoxification, and protection from pathogens (unhealthy bacteria and
microorganisms) just to name a few. They synthesize (make) Vitamin K and some of
the B vitamins, especially the vital B12. This is just the tip of the tip of the iceberg for
how important these critters are for the human body’s ecosystem.
The large intestine is arguably most notable for waste elimination and because
of social and cultural biases, most disregarded for the same. What it certainly
deserves is to be the most respected for its essential and intricate relationships with
all other systems.
Why don’t I know about colon hydrotherapy? Is it new?
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Water has been used to clean out and retonify the large intestine for thousands
of years, yes, literally. Enemas were described in the earliest known medical writings,
ancient Egyptian documents known as the Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 B.C.) and the Edwin
Smith Papyrus (c. 1600 B.C.). One could safely surmise that they were a way of life
long before, don’t you think?
Hippocrates, Pare, and Galen also advocated enema therapy in ancient Greece.
In preparation for their expedition in America, Lewis and Clark were instructed by a
physician in the use of enemas for fever and illness.
Enemas are commonplace throughout the history of many cultures and
societies, quite notably are King Louis XVI of France (1638-1715) and Dr. John H.
Kellogg of Battle Creek, Michigan in the early 1900s. Dr. Kellogg reported in 1917 in
the Journal of the American Medical Association to have successfully treated all but 20
of 40,000 patients for gastrointestinal disorders with colon hydrotherapy and no
surgery.
Colonic irrigation machines were commonplace in American hospitals and
physician offices in the 1920s and 1930s. By the 1970s, their use was relegated to
practitioners and believers who quietly continued the tradition in spite of controversy.
Until about 100 years ago, it was considered important to have at least one large,
healthy bowel movement per day.
The advent of modern surgery and pharmacology is considered to be the
turning point for the ‘elimination’ of bowel function as relevant for general health.
Today’s allopathic medical and nursing students are instructed that a few bowel
movements per week are normal and adequate and that the large intestine is “selfcleaning.” Some alternative medicine physicians give it due consideration and address
its function.
How can colon hydrotherapy help digestive health?
Improvement in gut health has a cascade of benefits throughout the body
when you consider the bigger picture mentioned previously. Let’s look at the large
intestine itself. The exercise provided through the ‘filling and releasing’ of water
improves the neural reflexes responsible for colon tone, or ‘strength.’ The removal of
waste buildup enables unrestricted muscular action which improves the efficiency of
elimination and facilitates the absorption of water and nutrients.
Mucus produced by the colon is intended to lubricate stool for easy passage,
yet stress, inflammation, or collected waste can cause overproduction and further
inflammation. A clean colonic environment is important to normalizing the balance of
mucus. Healthy bacteria thrive in the cleaner surroundings, thus restoring floral
homeostasis (balance) and the subsequent benefits they provide.
What happens during a colonic session?
An initial visit involves informed consent, a review of case history, and an
explanation of the equipment and procedure. Purified, warm water fills a tank about
two feet above a comfortable treatment table. The client wears a hospital gown to
preserve modesty and reclines in a supported position for the treatment.
A short tube, or speculum, is lubricated with organic coconut oil, or a waterbased lubricant, and then carefully inserted into the rectum via the anus. A water line
and a waste hose connect to the speculum to deliver water to the colon and provide
odor-free elimination directly to the sewer.
Gravity flow from the tank delivers water very gently through the small water
line. Because the speculum holds the anal canal open, the colon receives water easily
and then eliminates water and waste through natural muscular action, or peristalsis.
There is no need to ‘hold’ the water.....the body’s natural responses are honored.
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Water flow and temperature are monitored and regulated by the therapist with
careful attention to the client’s comfort and responses. During the treatment, the
therapist may massage the abdomen to help relax tense muscles or loosen built up
stool in the colon. The alternate filling and releasing continues for 45-60 minutes.
At the end of the colonic, the client is sent to the bathroom to eliminate any
remaining waste or water. After the session, the treatment is reviewed and a plan of
care is created with the client. A client update is done for all sessions that follow to
maintain an effective treatment plan.
Is colon hydrotherapy safe?
Yes. Sediment and carbon block filters remove minerals and contaminants
from the water which then passes by ultraviolet light for further purification. Gravity
flow ensures a low, gentle pressure for water infusion administered via the disposable
tubing and speculum. Careful maintenance of the tank and elimination pathways is
additional insurance. Colonics, unlike laxatives or improper enema use, are not habit
forming and often improve colon tone.
Does colon hydrotherapy hurt?
A colonic is not painful, and some clients don’t notice much sensation at all. At
times during the procedure, a feeling of fullness can occur, indicating that a ‘release’
of water, gas, or waste is about to happen. This feeling is very similar to that
experienced when having a bowel movement.
How many treatments are needed?
Colon hydrotherapy is a tool that can be used in conjunction with diet,
supplements, or other therapies. The number of treatments depends on client
conditions, treatment results, and overall wellness goals. Ideally, the therapist and
other healthcare providers work together with the client to develop a personalized
program.
It is important to know that a single colonic is not sufficient treatment for longstanding digestive or health issues. A series of 3-12 treatments may be
recommended initially, followed by a maintenance schedule if necessary, or desired.
Some clients benefit from, and some prefer, routine colon hydrotherapy
sessions at weekly, monthly, or quarterly intervals. A suggested schedule is 2 or 3
treatments seasonally – March, June, September, and December - with an additional 2
or 3 sessions after the holidays to start the New Year off on the right foot.
What does it feel like after the colonic?
Most clients are able to continue with daily routines or go back to work.
Responses vary and depend upon general, overall health and other client conditions.
The therapist can offer simple solutions for post treatment care and education.
Does colon therapy upset electrolyte balance?
A study was conducted that showed no significant effect on electrolyte balance.
It is commonplace to routinely offer an electrolyte replacement after the treatment.
Very Special Alternatives uses sole (so-lay’) therapy.
Do colonics kill all the beneficial bacteria?
No. As mentioned previously, the beneficial bacteria thrive and flourish in the
cleaner environment. Supplementation with a probiotic implant or oral probiotics can
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support the restoration of gut flora balance to maintain a healthy environment and
prevent overgrowth of harmful organisms.
Can colonics help? Can anyone receive colon hydrotherapy?
Colon therapists usually require a complete health history and informed
consent prior to treatment. This practice ensures the safety of the client and the
appropriate use of colonics to achieve healthy results. A consultation with the
therapist can answer questions.
This list includes some common reasons for clients to request colon hydrotherapy.
Acne
Addiction
Allergies
Asthma
Arthritis
Atonic colon
Backaches
Bad breath
Bloating
Body odor
Bowel training
Coated tongue
Constipation
Depression
Diagnostic prep
Diarrhea
Diverticulosis
Dysbiosis
Ear problems
Fatigue/Lethargy
Fever therapy
Flatulence
Food cravings
General health
Headaches
Hemorrhoids
Immune dysfunction
Indigestion
Irritable bowel
Irritability
Liver disease
Memory loss
pH balance
Sinusitis
Skin problems
Surgical prep
Weight challenges
Yeast overgrowth
Colonics are contraindicated for some conditions. This list is not all-inclusive.
Abdominal surgery, recent
Acute abdominal pain
Acute colitis
Cardiac disease, severe
Diverticulitis (inflamed diverticulosis)
GI bleeding, recent
Hemorrhoids, inflamed or bleeding
Hypertension, uncontrolled
Heart attack, recent
Physical debilitation
Pregnancy
Supporting Links
The Long Hollow Tube: A Primer on the Digestive System
http://www.westonaprice.org/digestive-disorders/primer-digestive-system
Probiotics: The Untold Truth
http://www.bluerockholistics.com/wp/gtnp.asp
Effects of Colon Irrigation on Serum Electrolytes
http://www.gpact.org/electrolytes.php .
The Abdominal Brain and Enteric Nervous System
http://www.meridianinstitute.com/ceu/ceu12abd.html
Want to know more about the history of colonics?
http://www.colonhealth.net/colon_hydrotherapy/ct_hstry.htm
http://www.doctorsreview.com/history/jul05-history/
Dr. Robert Rowen, MD
Cleaning Colon with Colonics Beneficial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHDhLYj5gBY
Dr. Victoria Bowmann
You Gotta Have Guts: The Natural Way to Enhance GI Health
http://www.myrealhealth.com/08.press/books.php
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