Colon hydrotherapy is also known as a colonic or colonic irrigation, and is performed in many naturopathic clinics as a way of removing wastes from the body. Colon hydrotherapy is an elective treatment that has its share of detractors, and is not endorsed by most of the medical community. Consult your regular physician if you plan to have a colon hydrotherapy treatment.
Reason for Treatment
Colon hydrotherapy is typically sought out to help treat constipation or excessive flatulence. People who have trouble with regular bowel movements wish to have their colons cleaned out to ease discomfort. Patients wishing to detoxify themselves also schedule colon hydrotherapy treatments.
The Process
The colon hydrotherapy procedure consists of inserting a sterile, disposable speculum into your rectum. Water is then sent into your colon through a hose to loosen the waste inside. This will create an evacuation reflex causing your colon to empty through normal peristaltic action. This flushing of water into the colon may be performed several times during a session.
Claims
The claims of colon therapists and clinics say that colon hydrotherapy will help detoxify your body, balance and cleanse your colon and soften and loosen waste inside your colon. Colon hydrotherapy is marketed as a drug-free way to remove waste and a way to tone and exercise the muscles in and around the colon, and increase the absorption of nutrients.
Possible Risks
According to the Creighton University Medical Center, some possible risks of colon hydrotherapy include gastrointestinal perforation, abdominal hernia, infection, electrolyte imbalances and water intoxication. Some less severe side effects are nausea and vomiting.
Considerations
Before you agree to a colon hydrotherapy treatment, ensure the therapist is licensed and that sterile equipment will be used in the procedure.
