Hydrotherapy of the colon, also known as colonic cleansing or irrigation, involves using water to flush waste out of the large intestine. The colon is the large intestine, and it absorbs water and salts from waste material that has traveled through the body.
Bacteria in the colon break down the remaining material, which then exits the body through the rectum and anus. Some people believe that hydrotherapy can cleanse the colon, and the Association of Registered Colon Hydro therapists (ARCH) refer to the procedure as simple, safe, and convenient.
Uses and supposed benefits
Practitioners of alternative medicine may tout the benefits of colonic irrigation, but no research-based evidence supports their claims.
A person may hear that hydrotherapy of the colon helps with:
- Weight loss
- Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
- Detoxification
- Cleansing before surgery
Balancing Bacterial Flora
A balanced bacterial flora can lead to a healthy immune response and a healthy digestion. The balance of the intestinal flora depends on many factors and with chronically ill patients this balance is usually disturbed, and the immunity is compromised. Other factors contributing to a so-called gut dysbiosis and hypersensitive reactions of the gut are diet (especially denatured and processed food), exercise and environmental influences. Also long-term antibiotic treatment may have lead to a disruption of the intestinal bacteria dysbiosis. Additional factors that may have influenced the development of our intestinal bacterial colonization are the type of birth we underwent, whether we had a natural birth or a c-section, and whether we were breast fed or not. It is speculated that people suffering from constipation and carrying fecal residues in the intestine may have a decreased function of this immune system. Studies suggest that colon irrigation might induce lymphocyte transmigration from gut-associated lymphatic tissues into the circulation, which may improve colon and immune system function.
Colon Hydrotherapy May Also Indirectly Contribute to a Healthy Alkaline-Acid Balance
A healthy pH balance is fundamentally important for our body and its regulation. Without a healthy acid-alkaline balance, bodily processes such as blood circulation, breathing, hormone balance, excretion and above all the function of the intestinal tract are impaired significantly.
If not properly cleansed, fecal encrustation may lead to an increase in unhealthy bacteria and can potentially upset the normal acid-alkaline balance in the colon, making it difficult to provide proper digestion and for healthy gut bacteria to colonize in the colon.
Acidic foods (unhealthy fats, meat, sugars, etc.), stress, stimulants and sugary foods, and lack of exercise can cause the tissue to become too acidic, which is one of the fundamental problems of current prevalent diseases.
This may cause mild symptoms like feeling bloated, flatulence, constipation, etc., up to more serious digestive disorders (inflammations of the bowel such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.), but also to other diseases outside of the digestive tract, such as skin diseases (allergies, eczema, dermatoses, psoriasis, etc.), lung problems (asthma bronchiale), joint problems (arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, etc.), psychological stress with long-term effects like heart attack, stroke, dementia and cancer.
How is Colon Hydrotherapy Performed?
During a colon hydrotherapy session, a rectal enema is used with temperature-controlled water (occasionally with various additives as well) to flush the large intestine.
The patient is positioned comfortably on his back on a treatment table in a private room with a therapist present at all times.
Fresh, filtered water is introduced into the colon through a plastic tube.
Inside the colon, this water detaches dried deposits (together with fecaliths and fungal colonies), which often form in the colon over the years and can have a negative impact on its natural function.
During the complete treatment, about 30 to 40 liters of water are passed through the colon. This is done during several cycles within one sitting.
During the therapy, the therapist can direct the water to problem areas by gently massaging the abdominal region.
The process of the treatment is based on the natural reflex of the intestinal tract, peristaltic evacuation, and it takes place automatically.
We use an ultra-modern closed system to guarantee a safe, clean, and odor-free treatment.
Risks and complications
- Mild unwanted effects may include:
- stomach pain and cramping
- fullness and bloating
- diarrhea
- dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
- anal irritation and soreness
links for more information :
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hydrotherapy-of-the-colon#risks