WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COLONICS
Colon hydrotherapy, also called colon cleansing, colon irrigation, and colonic for short, is a procedure done to flush out colon waste using water. It’s significant to mention that the colon hydrotherapy we’re talking about in this article shouldn’t be confused with enemas done at the hospital or emergency rooms, which at times are utilised to treat severe constipation. Instead, what we’re referring to is an internationally recognised form of alternative therapy to assist with healing of the gut, and general health.
HOW DOES COLON HYDROTHERAPY WORK? WHAT DOES A PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT OF COLON HYDROTHERAPY INVOLVE?
During a colon hydrotherapy session, the therapist inserts a flexible tube into the rectum while you lie on your side on a table. (This is often a self-managed process). A copious amount of water is used to flush the colon through the tube. The amount of water can be as much as 60 litres (around 16 gallons). Other substances like coffee, probiotics or herbs may be flushed through the colon. At this point, the hydrotherapist may massage your abdomen to stimulate the mechanical movement of your large intestine. The water and other substances are then removed or evacuated through the colon, similar to bowel movement. The entire procedure lasts approximately 45 minutes.
There are two types of colon hydrotherapy you should be aware of: open system and closed system. The table below highlights their differences.
| Open System Colon Hydrotherapy | Closed System Colon Hydrotherapy | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| The newer type of colonic | The old way of doing colonics | ||
| Water is introduced through natural gravity. | Yes | No | |
| The flow of water is controlled by a pressure gauge and control valve. | No | Yes | |
| The person strains or pushes naturally, like when they have a bowel movement. | Yes | No | |
| The person has a bowel movement in an open space. | Yes | No Bowel movement is directly into a contained waste speculum. | |
| Hydrotherapist conducts the treatment and is present throughout the procedure. | Yes | Yes | |
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Note: For more details on the differences between the two, ask a qualified colon hydrotherapist.
THE THEORY AND BELIEF BEHIND COLON HYDROTHERAPY
The main driving force pushing the practice of colon hydrotherapy is autointoxication. It’s the state by which extended exposure to harmful or toxic substances in faecal matter is believed to negatively affect not just the digestive system but your overall health, especially your immune system. Removing these harmful substances through colon hydrotherapy can positively benefit the good microorganisms residing in your colon, leading to better overall health.
Practitioners also believe that colon cleansing can treat various physical problems, not necessarily a specific medical condition or disease. This is because of their belief that the lining of the large intestine can absorb therapeutic substances better than taking them by mouth.
POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF COLON HYDROTHERAPY
The health claims of colon hydrotherapists (or practitioners of colon irrigation) and companies that produce colon cleansing products may be considered non-specific and far-ranging. Nonetheless, some people undergo or try colon hydrotherapy and swear on its benefits. Below are some of them:
- Normalises bowel function.
- Treatment of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A 2016 pilot research study claimed that colon hydrotherapy effectively addressed the symptoms of IBS like stomach pain or cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. More long-term studies are needed, though, to determine the full efficacy of these claims.
- Detoxification. It has long been believed that colon irrigation can help your large intestine and body relieve itself of toxins.
- Weight loss. Okay, this benefit may be temporary, but practitioners and their clients claim they lose a certain amount of weight (a few pounds) after a few procedures. This is primarily secondary to the evacuation of faecal matter and the loss of water.
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Other medical conditions and problems that benefit from colon hydrotherapy according to people* who have tried it include:
- Halitosis or bad breath
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Psoriasis and eczema; improvement in skin
- problemsMood
*According to these people, colon hydrotherapy alleviates the symptoms and provides relief. It doesn’t cure the disease.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Hey, it’s a free world. If you decide to try colon cleansing, make sure to take note of these safety precautions:
- If you have a medical condition (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disease), consult your doctor first before trying out colon hydrotherapy.
- Colon hydrotherapy doesn’t replace your body’s need for regular screening for colon cancer with your doctor. You have to visit your doctor regularly for physical examination and colonoscopy. Your doctor will decide the frequency of your visits
- At the time of writing, there are no established and well-documented scientific benefits of colon hydrotherapy. There are also risks involved, especially when the procedure is done under unhygienic conditions by unqualified personnel.
- Electrolyte imbalance in the large intestine
- Perforations or tears in the colon
- Dehydration
- Infection from dirty or contaminated instruments and facilities
- Do your own research and pick a colon hydrotherapist who has a good track record, is reputable, and is safe. Make sure the hydrotherapist wears proper protective gear and uses new and disposable equipment. Practitioners certified and licensed by the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapy are more likely to give you the best and safest treatment possible with less discomfort.
- Ask for a detailed list of any herbs or substances in any colon-cleansing products the practitioner may prescribe. Check with your primary health care provider if the ingredients are suitable for you.
The risks of colon hydrotherapy include:
What is a “normal” bowel movement? How many times is normal?
All this talk about colon hydrotherapy and poop should remind us what a normal bowel movement and a healthy colon are supposed to be. As a rule of thumb, anywhere between three times a day to three times a week may be a regular bowel movement for a person. So, don’t use the frequency of bowel movement as the sole indicator for bowel health.
Sometimes, the change (abrupt or gradual) in frequency and the consistency of the stools are more reliable markers of bowel health. Just remember that there are many variations from one person to another. Get the complete picture first before labelling someone as having abnormal bowel movements. Many factors affect the frequency and consistency of your poop, like diet, types of activities, age, and certain digestive diseases. A healthy colon is the presence of normal bowel movements and the absence of illness.
It is important that you seek your doctor's advice before trying colon hydrotherapy, especially if you have an existing medical condition. In addition, more rigorous scientific studies are needed to verify its benefits. Finally, check that your colon hydrotherapist and colon care facility are affiliated with a National association, or the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT).
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