Colon Hydrotherapy - Know It All

Introduction:

Colonic irrigation is a treatment that uses copious enemas of water or other medication to wash out the contents of the large bowel. It is also known as colon hydrotherapy, colonic hydrotherapy, or simply "colonic." A cleansing enema involves introducing liquid into the colon and holding it there for five to fifteen minutes. During a colonic, the fluid is introduced into the colon, then flushed out, and the process is repeated until the colon has been cleared completely.

What Is Colon Hydrotherapy?

Colon cleansing is usually performed before medical procedures such as a colonoscopy. Some alternative medicine practitioners, however, offer colon cleansing for other reasons, such as detoxification. Large volumes of water, up to 16 gallons (approximately 60 liters), as well as maybe additional items like herbs or coffee, are flushed down the colon during a colon cleanse. A tube that is placed into the rectum is used to do this. Smaller amounts of water are sometimes used and left in the colon for a short time before removal. According to proponents of colon cleansing, toxins from the gastrointestinal tract can cause several health problems, such as arthritis (inflammation of the joints) and high blood pressure. They believe colon purification benefits health by removing toxins, increasing energy, and strengthening the immune system. There is, however, no evidence that colon cleansing has these effects or is even beneficial.

What Are the Types of Colon Hydrotherapy?

Colon hydrotherapy is classified into two systems; they are as follows:

1) Open system.

2) Closed system.

1) Open System:

• The patient is positioned on a molded fiberglass table in an open system that reflects like a recliner.

• A pencil-sized disposable rectal tube has been attached to one end of the form-fitted table.

• After instructing the patient on gently inserting the tube, the therapist exits the room, giving the patient complete privacy.

• When the patient is ready, the therapist returns and starts a gentle, continuous supply of warmth pressure; water is forced through the rectal tube and into the colon.

• When the patient feels full, they simply push out, and the rectal tube moves to one side of the rectum, allowing the softened matter to flow out.

• Then it flows into a drain at the basin's bottom and past a three-inch clear viewing tube.

• An odor exhaust system maintains the room odor-free at all times. During the first session, the therapist remains in the room and instructs, but private time can be provided during subsequent sessions.

• This system is very gentle and is usually the better option for patients with bowel surgery or any type of bowel disease.

• The open system is considered more comfortable and private than the closed one.

2) Closed System:

• In a closed system, the patient lies on a table similar to a massage table, and the equipment is usually fitted into a cabinet attached to a nearby wall.

• The therapist then inserts a cannula into the patient's rectum and connects one end of a disposable pipe to the cannula while the other is connected to the equipment.

• A high-pressure flow of warm water is then supplied into the colon through the attached pipe.

• When the colon is full and the pressure reaches a maximum value, the therapist manually drains it through the same pipe.

• The colon's water pressure and temperature must be monitored.

• To avoid the outflow or perforation, the therapist requires constant attention.

• This method is usually the better option for patients with spinal injuries or other illnesses that cause loss of abdominal muscle control.

What Is the Procedure for Colon Hydrotherapy?

The colon hydrotherapy procedure is described in detail below:

• A rectal enema is used for flushing the large intestine with temperature-controlled water throughout a colon hydrotherapy session.

• The patient is comfortably positioned on his back on an operating table in a separate room, with a therapist on hand at all times.

• A plastic tube introduces fresh, filtered water into the colon.

• This water detaches dried deposits of fungal colonies that often form in the colon over time and can impair its natural function.

• Approximately 30 to 40 liters of water are passed through the colon during the entire treatment. This is done over several cycles in a single sitting.

• The therapist can direct the water to problem areas during therapy by gently massaging the abdominal region.

• The treatment is based on fluid evacuation, a natural reflex of the intestinal tract that occurs automatically.

• Therapists use an ultra-modern closed system to ensure a safe, clean, and odor-free treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy?

The benefits of colon therapy are as follows:

• It cleans, tones, reshapes, and exercises the colon.

• It increases fecal transit time.

• It balances the microbiota and microbiome.

• It increases nutrient absorption through the colon wall.

• It reduces the number of enterotoxins that re-enter the body.

• It reduces the risk of colon cancer.

• It increases circulation.

• It improves the peristalsis process.

• It helps get rid of constipation.

• It enhances the skin's complexion.

• It removes the waste materials and reduces the toxic load.

• It improves the emotional state.

• It improves muscle contraction by flushing diverticulum pockets.

• It helps in weight loss.

What Are the Side Effects of Colon Hydrotherapy?

The side effects of colon therapy are as follows:

• It leads to mild muscle cramps.

• It causes pain in the abdomen.

• It causes nausea.

• It causes perineal discomfort.

What Are the Precautions to Be Followed During Colon Hydrotherapy?

Colon hydrotherapy should be avoided under the following conditions:

• Avoid colon hydrotherapy if one has diverticulitis (which occurs when small, bulging pouches form in the gastrointestinal tract), Crohn's disease (an inflammatory bowel disease), and ischemic colitis (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two illnesses characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract).

• Avoid colon hydrotherapy if one has previously undergone colon surgery.

• Avoid colon hydrotherapy if one has kidney disease.

• Avoid colon hydrotherapy if one has heart disease.

Is a Colon Cleansing the Same Thing as an Enema?

Colon cleansing and enema are different from one another. An enema is a procedure that uses fluids to clear out the rectum and the bottom part of the colon. An enema is intended to assist in stimulating the gastrointestinal tract to induce bowel movements. The entire colon is intended to be cleansed during colonic hydrotherapy.

Do Bowel Prep and Colon Cleansing Mean the Same Thing?

Bowel prep, meant to clear the colon before a colonoscopy or surgery, is not identical to a colon cleanse. In bowel prep, the medication will be taken by mouth which triggers diarrhea. It cleanses the entire colon.

How Can One Determine if a Colon Cleansing Is Necessary?

Not everyone needs a colonic hydrotherapy. There is no evidence that state colonic hydrotherapy offers any health advantages or that a healthy individual needs his colon to be cleaned at a regular interval.

Conclusion:

Colon cleansing is typically performed before medical procedures such as a colonoscopy. Some alternative medicine practitioners, however, recommend colon cleansing for other reasons, such as detoxification. They believe colon purification improves health by removing toxins, increasing energy, and strengthening the immune system. However, there is no proof that colon purification has all these effects or is beneficial.