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Colon hydrotherapy, also known as colonic irrigation,
is an alternative medical procedure, sometimes associated with naturopathy.
Similar to an enema, it involves the introduction of discrete amounts
of purified water, sometimes infused with minerals or other materials,
such as organic coffee, into the colon using medically approved class
II colon hydrotherapy devices with sanitary, disposable speculums or gravity-fed
enema-like systems inserted into the rectum. The fluid is released after
a short period, and the process will be repeated multiple times during
the course of a treatment. A colema is a type of colon hydrotherapy performed
by oneself using a bucket with an attached hose, while lying on a board
positioned over a toilet, into which the contents of enema are released.
Though colon hydrotherapy, colemas and enemas all have features in common,
there are some significant differences between the modalities in terms
of depth of colon cleansing, amount of water used, and the necessity for
a practitioner to be present.
The practice has been known since ancient times for treating constipation
which was believed to have been the root of many diseases and illnesses.
The first recorded reference to colon cleansing date back more than 3000
years to the Ebers papyrus, an Egyptian medical document. This document
outlines bowel and colon cleansing procedures using various herbal concoctions
and water, and has been carbon dated to between 1500 and 1700 B.C.
Current alternative medicine practitioners recommend it for a variety
of ills stemming from accumulation of fecal matter in the large intestine,
a process referred to as autointoxication (a theory no longer accepted
in mainstream medicine. Some alternative medicine practitioners
believe that autointoxication results from increased absorption of bacterial
/ fungal toxins as a result of an increased toxic load in the colon.
While some hydrotherapists believe colonics lead to better overall wellness,
others claim it helps specific diseases, including chronic fatigue, arthritis,
and sinusitis. It is also claimed to improve muscle tone in the colon,
leading to stronger peristaltic contractions. There is limited scientific
research to support these claims.
In the early 1980s, there were a limited number of cases of amebiasis
spread by a colon therapist in Colorado who failed to maintain sanitary
conditions. It is believed to be the sole documented case of colon hydrotherapy
having caused a fatality. There have been reports of electrolyte imbalances
in children brought on by colonics using softened water. Such imbalances
can also be caused by laxative use or diarrhea.
Colonic irrigation should not be used in people with diverticulitis, ulcerative
colitis, Crohn's disease, severe or internal hemorrhoids or tumors in
the rectum or colon. It also should not be used soon after bowel surgery
(unless directed by your health care provider). Regular treatments should
be avoided by people with heart disease or kidney disease (renal insufficiency).
Colonics are inappropriate for people with bowel, rectal or anal pathologies
where the pathology contributes to the risk of bowel perforation.
The practice is currently only regulated in some states of the United
States. Some practitioners go through a voluntary certification process,
and may be members of one of the colon hydrotherapy associations worldwide,
such as the International Association of Colon HydroTherapy (I-ACT). Be
sure that the equipment used is sterile and that the practitioner is experienced.
The American College of Gastroenterology takes the position that in the
unusual case of fecal impaction complicating chronic constipation, a 5
to 10 ounce tap water enema may be of benefit, but does not otherwise
recommend its use. The orthodox medical establishment perceives colon
hydrotherapy to be little more than a bowel rinse, or expensive laxative.
The typical cost for a colonic treatment is about $65 to $80 in the US.
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