Colon Hydrotherapy What is colon hydrotherapy?

By: Carla Roter

What is Colon Hydrotherapy? Colon hydrotherapy is a gentle mechanical process of infusing warm filtered water into the rectum with the goal of cleansing and balancing the entire large intestine. (Approximately 4-5 feet.) This procedure removes fecal matter and dilutes bacterial toxin concentration in the large intestine, as well as encourages restoration and rebacterialisation of the large intestine. This internal bath helps with the bowel and stool and gas. ~The Colon Therapy Health and Education Centre Colon cleansing (also known as colon therapy) encompasses a number of alternative medical therapies intended to remove feces and nonspecific toxins from the colon and intestinal tract. Colon cleansing may take the form of colon hydrotherapy (also called a colonic or colonic irrigation) or oral cleansing regimens such as dietary supplements. ~Wikipedia Colonic Irrigation, or colon hydrotherapy, has its roots in ancient Egypt, Greece and India and has been used in the Western world since the 1800s. Practitioners believe that toxins built up in the bowel may be responsible for many health problems and the goal is, therefore, to flush them from the colon. ~Natural Therapy Pages (http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au) Colon hydrotherapy is a safe effective method of removing waste from the large intestine, without the use of drugs. ~Colon Hydrotherapy Center, Australia (http://www.colonic.com.au/About/FAQ.aspx)

There are two types of colonic systems: 1. The first is an OPEN system which utilizes active gravity flow. 2. The second is a CLOSED system using passive gravity flow, or with a pressure of one to two PSI, which is gravity flow. Open systems are gaining in popularity; however, there are others on the market as well. There is an old fashioned closed system which is gravity based using

two tanks of water. As with the open system, there are many different types of closed systems that have a pressure gauge. For the most part, they are used at gravity flow, which is equal to 1-2 PSI. Safety: Colon hydrotherapy is a safe and effective treatment when performed by properly trained health professionals in a clinical environment that maintains proper standards for hygiene and sterilization. The new colon hydro therapy equipment out there has no chance of cross infection. Proper and safe colon hydrotherapy offers a high standard of practice. Hydrotherapy is delivered in a completely safe environment and in a way that is consistent with each patients bowel sensitivities. There is no risk of cross-contamination. Clients specific sensitivities are taken into account before each colonic treatment. For some clients this may mean a lighter treatment or even no treatment at all. All clients are followed up within a few weeks of treatment. Also, reports or care plans can be sent to other members of a clients medical team.

The future of colon therapy depends on credibility and standard of practice. Some benefits of colon hydrotherapy:

Can be used in place of harsh laxative treatments in preparation for endoscopic examinations, colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, and barium enemas. Can be used following chelation therapy. Can possibly benefit conditions such as colitis, mild-to-moderate hemorrhoids, food poisoning, food allergies, influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, arthritis, and immune system disorders. Can be used pre- and postoperatively for colon cleansing and treatment of drugand anesthetic-induced constipation, for example, during chemotherapy. Can help prevent and correct constipation and/or diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.

Can help to improve digestion and elimination, enhancing the absorption of nutrients, while minimizing the absorption of waste material. Can help to improve the tone of the colon. My entire treatment is done with isotonic solution.

Some clinical advantages:

Offers important information regarding digestive status. Provides optimal colon preparation for medical procedures such as colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, and barium enemas, facilitating a more accurate diagnostic study. Colon hydrotherapy following medical procedures can minimize patient discomfort resulting from residual opaque material on subsequent upper GI series or plain film studies. Would minimize the need for repeat studies, thus minimizing radiation exposure to the patient. Valuable in the preparation for bowel surgery, providing a more optimal surgical field. May decrease the risk of postoperative complications due to the presence of bacteria at the suture line. Colon hydrotherapy may be applied to all patients undergoing general or spinal anesthesia, as it would dramatically reduce the problems associated with bowel function following surgery. Has application in the bowel-training program for paraplegics and quadriplegics with neurogenic bowels. Detoxifies and cleanses the body.

The Colon Therapy Health and Education Centre http://www.colonhydrotherapy.ca