Colon Hydrotherapy

Colonic hydrotherapy is widely used and many of its practitioners are medically qualified. Nonetheless, the basis of many of their practices requires physiological scrutiny. Method: The claims of colonic hydrotherapy are examined against known physiological facts. Results: Hydrotherapy is not entirely physiological. Conclusion: Colonic hydrotherapy may increase the dissemination and absorption of toxins and bacteria into the body. 

Colon hydrotherapy is the gentle rinsing of the colon with warm water, to remove encrusted fecal matter, gas and mucus. This allows vital nutrients to be absorbed more easily and leaves you feeling rejuvenated and healthier. Colonics can also help re-tone & reshape the colon. Colon hydrotherapy involves the safe, gentle infusion of water into the colon via the rectum. No chemicals or drugs are involved. 

A healthy well-functioning bowel is essential for the maintenance of optimal health. This vital organ remains the most neglected in the human body. When the blood stream is overloaded with toxic waste, the body will function at a lower level. Colon hydrotherapy is the most comprehensive way in which to remove toxins and waste build-up from the colon. The colonic irrigation helps restore the brain-gut connection. Colonics relieves bowel spasms. Colonics also assist in emotional clear-outs, as well as helping to re-educate the owner about how their body functions. 

Colonic are used as a health promotional tool rather than a disease management tool. The contraindication list is used to indicate when a colonic hydrotherapy is applicable to the individual or not.

Contra-indications to colonic hydrotherapy as a health promotional tool:

• Hydration of the large intestine
• Relieving stagnation by removing wastes from the colon
• Helping to decrease gut permeability
• Improving bowel motility
• Encouraging peristaltic movement
• Improving nutrient absorption
• Re-balancing gut bacteria
• Contributing to liver, kidney and blood cleansing
• Management of IBS, bloating and alternating of constipation and diarrhea
• Increasing energy levels, encouraging weight loss and long term weight management
• Helping managing food, alcohol and nicotene cravings
• Helping the release of emotional waste stored in the large colon
• Helping to clear the skin and removal of dark circles under the eyes.
• Helping to manage intolerances such as gluten, processed foods etc.
• As a kick start to healthy living
• As a visual reinforcement of the need to eat healthily and hydrate the body
• As a contribution to knowledge about the body and establishing connections between ones physical, intellectual and emotional being.

The term enema refers to a liquid that is administered rectally for medicinal/therapeutic, hedonistic, or ritual/psychoactive purposes. Enemas often consist of nothing more than lukewarm water, but for medicinal purposes, a decoction or infusion of certain plants may be used, e.g., as a laxative. The fluids may also take the form of alcoholic beverages (beer,417wine, chicha, balche’, pulque [cf. Agave spp.]). Many medicines that can cause discomfort to the stomach are often administered in enema form (e.g., opium; cf. Papaver somniferum). Cleansing enemas often play a role during ritual preparation for entheogenic rituals.

It has often been asserted that the ancient Egyptians invented enemas after observing the behavior of the ibis. This bird supposedly uses its long, curved, tubelike beak to administer enemas to itself. Because the ibis is the symbolic animal or even the embodiment of the shamanic god Thoth, Thoth became known as the god of enemas (Degenhard 1985, 13). In fact, enema devices have been found in various places around the world (Hallowell 1935; Heizer 1944; Lieberman 1944). Of particular significance are the caoutchouc (rubber) balls that were used to administer enemas that have been found in South America. South American shamans also made enema devices from jaguar bladders and bird bones (Nordenskiöld 1930, 188). Such tools are sometimes also used to ingest dry snuffs through the nose.

In Europe, special enema syringes were once popular. Devices known as blowing tubes and also specially designed machines were used to blow smoke, especially from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), into the rectum (Schäffer 1772; Degenhard 1985, 22 ff.). Enemas of tobacco smoke were administered not only to humans but also to horses (Degenhard 1985, 171).