Colon Hydrotherapy has been growing in popularity in the recent years. Colon cleansing is based on the theory of helping the body in autointoxication, a practice that has been observed by the ancient Egyptians and advanced by the father of Western medicine: Hippocrates. Autointoxication states that toxins and other harmful undigested material can produce a buildup in the body’s colon and over time, these toxic substances may be absorbed by the body, resulting in a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, depression and weight gain. Colon hydrotherapy aims to flush out these harmful substances in order to achieve optimum health.

The Colon Hydrotherapy Method

Therapists promoting colon cleansing provide numerous ways to clean the colon including fasting, herbal and dietary supplements and juicing, all of which can be done orally. Additionally, there is a manual option to clean the colon from the toxic buildup of substances: colon hydrotherapy. Colon hydrotherapy utilizes “all-natural” products, the most common of which include water, coffee, and herbs.

In colon hydrotherapy, a tube is inserted in the rectum to pump water into the colon in order to remove all toxic substances. The colon therapist conducting the treatment is in charge of controlling the water pressure received by the colon. Sometimes, a massage and some herbs are added to this process to help the body flush out and remove the accumulated toxic substances. In other instances, the colon therapist may ask the patient to go into a private bathroom to release after the process.

Colon hydrotherapy has gained quite the reputation among health experts because of its claim to be “all-natural”, using natural ingredients like herbs and water instead of medications in the detoxification process. It is also claimed that the treatment is safe, as long as a qualified therapist conducts the process.

Claims on Colon Cleansing and Colon Hydrotherapy

Institutes and colon therapists who promote colon cleansing and hydrotherapy claim that the buildup of toxic matter causes fatigue, headaches, depression and weight-gain. Several clinics and institutes now offer colon hydrotherapy, although usually at a very high price. They also require clients to undergo colon hydrotherapy in several sessions, usually depending on what the colon therapists may consider necessary for the client. Colon hydrotherapy claims to provide the following benefits:

• Provide clients with high energy post-therapy
• Improve mental clarity and concentration
• Promote weight loss
• Prevent the onset and development of colon cancer
• Improve circulation of the blood
• Strengthen the body’s immunity against diseases
• Improved blood circulation
• Aid clients in achieving optimum health

Advocates also suggest that the process may also help people to treat arthritis, alcohol addiction, allergies, asthma and other cardiovascular diseases. This is purportedly due to the procedure’s cleansing effect, allowing other organs to deliver their full functions without the distraction of toxic substances. However, no studies or researches have proven these claims to be true in terms of safety or efficacy. According to colon therapists, after the hydrotherapy procedure, clients may experience lightness and internal cleanliness and may feel energized. Bowel movements may also be delayed, the delay sometimes lasting for several days.

In contrast to the purported benefits listed above, there have actually been more reports of adverse effects rather than relief. Taking oral supplements and herbs as a laxative can cause abdominal pain, cramping and vomiting. In hydrotherapy, more severe effects may be observed, including renal failure, pelvic abscesses, rectal perforation and even kidney failure. Additionally, the FDA has not pre-approved any kind of equipment or device in the hydrotherapy procedure, and if these devices and equipment are not properly cleaned and sterilized, they may pass infections from one patient to another.

Other Scientifically-Backed Ways to Maintain a Healthy Colon

Unknown to most people, the normal function of colon is already sufficient as it is in preventing toxic buildup; the lining in our colons prevents the absorption of any unwanted substances. If the substances are not absorbed by the colon or by any other organs, they are naturally eliminated from the body through feces. As for toxins, the primary organ that flushes them and that is responsible for the healthy detoxification of the body is actually the liver, not the colon.

The best method to keep your colon healthy and fully functioning, according to observational studies, is maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet that contains high levels of fiber and that is low in red meat. Regular physical activities and exercise may also protect the colon from cancer. A reduced consumption of alcohol and tobacco use is also linked to a healthier liver and colon. To prevent colon cancer development, make sure to schedule colonoscopies with your health care provider to check if there are any dangerous polyps in your colon.

See Also: The Real Truth Behind Detoxification Myths

Conclusion

Different trends in the health industry have caused health enthusiasts to be excited about new procedures in hopes that they may give promising results, although they may have no evidences of the safety and effectiveness of these health trends. It takes years and years of studies and research to prove the safety and effectiveness of new procedures, especially if it involves altering or cleansing of internal organs.