Colon cleaning is a popular alternative medicine treatment. Conditions for which it is promoted range from acne to acid reflux to colon cancer. Some patients also seek out colon cleansing for general health benefits such as increased energy. You should exercise caution, however, when considering colon cleansing, because it is not well accepted in the mainstream medical community. Depending solely on it for treatment of a serious condition such as cancer could lead to extreme harm.
History
Cleansing procedures, usually involving laxatives or enemas, were already popular by the 19th century, according to the American Cancer Society. The concept gained additional traction in the United States starting in the 1920s as irrigation machines became available in doctors' offices and other medical settings. And in recent decades, colon therapy has gotten an additional boost with the growth of alternative and complementary medicine in general. But what some consider a new age treatment is actually ancient. The ancient Egyptians, according to the cancer society, had enemas and other processes for purging the colon.
Process
Colon cleansing involves using plastic tubing to inject as much as 20 gallons of liquid into the large intestine, according to the American Cancer Society. Agents used in colon cleansing include water, enzymes and herbal solutions. A colon therapist or colonic hygienist uses a machine or a gravity-driven pump to administer the treatment, inserting the tube into the rectum and colon. Once the colon is full, the therapist massages the abdominal area to help dislodge waste. The waste and fluid exit the body through a second tube. The average session takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Rationale
The idea behind colon cleansing is to remove waste that proponents believe accumulates along the walls of the colon, according to the American Cancer Society. They claim that this "detoxification" can help the body to heal itself more efficiently. The buildup of toxins, they say, can lead to a range of conditions, including allergies, arthritis and asthma.
Warning
Colon cleansing for detoxification is not founded on sound science, according to the American Cancer Society. Available evidence does not suggest that toxins actually build up on intestinal walls. Furthermore, colon cleansing may pose risks, including contamination from equipment, perforation of intestinal walls, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Tips
If you decide to try colon cleansing, you can take steps to decrease the chance of harm. Discuss your plans with your primary health care provider, making note in particular of any health problems you have or medications you are taking, advises Dr. Michael Picco, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist. Obtain and share with your doctor a list of the ingredients to be used in your colon-cleansing treatment. And, because of the fluid loss associated with colon cleansing, drink plenty of water during the procedure.
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