What Is Colon Therapy?
Colon therapy is the process of cleansing and flushing out the colon, or large intestine. Also called colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy, the treatment is similar to an enema but more extensive. Whereas an enema (which you can do yourself) bathes only the lower portion of the colon, colonic irrigation (which must be done by a trained practitioner) attempts to clean the entire--roughly five-foot--length.
Therapies to cleanse the colon have been around for thousands of years. The earliest recorded versions have been traced to physicians of ancient Egypt, who used devices similar to those employed for modern-day enemas. To improve one's well-being in 17th-century France it was fashionable to "enjoy" as many as three or four enemas a day.
Irrigation of the entire colon only came into prominence during the late 19th century, when Russian microbiologist Ilya Ilich Mechnikov first described the concept of "autointoxication." He argued that the body could actually poison itself as the toxins from fecal matter were absorbed through the lining of the large intestine and into the bloodstream.
In the United States, this theory was espoused by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (founder of the breakfast cereal company), who frequently lectured about autointoxication at his huge natural medicine clinic in Battle Creek, Michigan. In an article enticingly entitled "Should the Colon Be Sacrificed or May It Be Reformed?" which appeared in the 1917 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, Kellogg reported his success in using colon therapy (along with diet and exercise) to prevent surgery in all but 20 of the 40,000 gastrointestinal patients he had treated at his "sanitarium."
How Does It Work?
As part of the digestive tract, the colon aids in digestion and the elimination of waste products. When the colon is packed with accumulated, hardened feces due to a poor diet, constipation, or some other gastrointestinal problem, waste can build up. This buildup can result in stagnation and decay of the fecal material in the colon. This decay, in turn, produces a whole host of bacteria and other "toxins" that can be absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in myriad illnesses--from a simple cold to life-threatening coronary artery disease. Diets which are low in fiber and high in red meat and other fatty foods, are a major cause of this problem.
Today, sterile and safe colon therapy machines are available to address the toxic build-up in the colon and to help reduce the re-absorption and circulation of toxins in the body. These highly technical machines are pressurized and work with gravity allowing specific amounts of purified water to flow into the colon. Often, the water temperature is controlled in order to exercise and train the large intestine musculature to learn to empty effectively on its own.
What You Can Expect?
During colonic irrigation, you will lie on your side or back. The therapist will insert a soft, disposable plastic tube into your rectum, which will remain in place during the entire session. First, the therapist gently pumps a measured amount of body-temperature, filtered water into your colon. Herbs or acidophilus may also be introduced to the in-flowing water to help strengthen the environment of the colon. Then, the therapist may gently massage your abdomen to help release the impacted fecal material from the intestinal walls. Finally, the pump is reversed, and the water is gently vacuumed back through the same tube and into a closed waste system. There is no mess or foul odor.
The process is repeated many times during the session, which lasts about an hour. Approximately 20 gallons of water will be used, but unlike an enema, the therapy does not require any "race to the toilet" afterward, since most of the water is removed by the end of the session.
After colon therapy people may feel lighter and more energized, relief from bloating, and regular bowel movements. There is evidence to suggest that colon therapy may be useful for a number of ailments including indigestion, gas, headaches, joint problems, allergies, asthma, skin problems, and even toxicity from drugs, alcohol, and smoking. It is best to take restorative electrolyte solution following a colon therapy session.
Word of Caution
- For the number of suggested treatments please see our Naturopathic physicians.
- Colon therapy is not recommended if you have blood in your stool, severe hemorrhoids, Crohn's disease, congestive heart failure, severe anemia, abdominal hernia, heart disease, high blood pressure, amoebic dysentery, gastrointestinal cancer, tumors of the large intestine or rectum, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or recent colon surgery (less than three months).
- Colon therapy is not recommended if you pregnant; it may induce labor.
|
