Colon Hydrotherapy

by Healthy Colon on August 5, 2008

For many individuals, colon hydrotherapy is an effective means of cleansing the colon and ridding this vital organ of toxins, waste, and even parasites.  What is it exactly? Colon hydrotherapy, also referred to as a “colonic” or “colonic irrigation,” is the use of filtered, warm water administered via the rectum for the purpose of cleansing the large intestine.

Colon hydrotherapy is used as a treatment for constipation, fecal impaction, as well as Candida overgrowth and parasites.  In addition, some alternative health providers utilize colon hydrotherapy as a means of treating colon cancer and other diseases of the colon.  Those who suffer from other serious illnesses, such as AIDS and other forms of cancer, may also benefit from colon hydrotherapy treatment.

Is colon hydrotherapy the same as an enema?  Not exactly.  Colon hydrotherapy is different than an enema in that colon hydrotherapy is usually overseen by a trained hydrotherapist, who employs the use of special equipment to flush the warm water through the colon.  During the typical hydrotherapy session, approximately 5-6 gallons of water travels through the large intestine, while the average enema administered at home only uses a fraction of this amount.  Because of the amount of water and the specialized equipment used, colon hydrotherapy is thought to cleanse and detoxify far more of the colon than the average enema.

There are two types of colon hydrotherapy systems: open and closed.  When using an open system, the treatment is administered and regulated by the client, at his or her own pace.  After inserting a small hose into the rectum and beginning the colonic flush, the client will eliminate waste into an open basin, similar to a toilet.  A closed system, on the other hand, requires that the client lie on a specialized hydrotherapy table, while the colon hydrotherapist administers the treatment.  During the process, the elimination occurs within the confines of tubes and hoses.

The closed system requires that the colon hydrotherapist be at the client’s side at all times in order to regulate the flow and temperature of the water.  The open system, however, requires only that the client be checked on from time to time to ensure that the client is comfortable and has no questions or concerns.  Those who are new to colon hydrotherapy might benefit from the comfort and guidance that comes with using an open system and an understanding hydrotherapist.  However, if privacy is a concern, the closed system offers maximum privacy, since the client can administer the procedure without the need for constant oversight.

In general, one hydrotherapy session will not cleanse the entire colon; for that reason, most practitioners recommend several treatments in order to fully restore the colon to optimum health.  The typical hydrotherapy session can last 30-45 minutes.  Regarding cost, depending on your geographic location and the type of system you prefer (open or closed), colon hydrotherapy sessions can cost from $60-100, but most facilities offer discounts when clients purchase a package of multiple sessions.

Many individuals who utilize colon hydrotherapy to maintain proper colon function claim the following benefits: increased energy/decreased fatigue, a decrease in gas, bloating, and indigestion, as well as relief from constipation and diarrhea.  In addition, colon hydrotherapy can aid in the establishment of proper PH levels in the colon, thereby encouraging the growth of friendly bacteria, while discouraging the growth of harmful bacteria.

Overall, clients often say that they feel cleaner, lighter, and more energized after a colon hydrotherapy session.  When used in conjunction with a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, proper exercise and stress management, colon hydrotherapy can provide individuals with marked improvement in their health and vitality.

If you decide that colon hydrotherapy is right for you, be certain to visit a certified colon hydrotherapy facility which utilizes only FDA-registered systems and sterilization procedures.  A properly-administered hydrotherapy session should be a relaxing, pain-free, and positive experience, so be discerning by choosing a knowledgeable and certified practitioner.