What Is Colonic Irrigation?
Colonic irrigation, also known as colon hydrotherapy, is a type of complementary therapy that focuses on removing toxins from the colon and intestinal tract by flushing out the accumulated feces on the walls of the large intestine. This practice is based on the healing traditions of ancient Egypt, Greece and India, where it is believed that the toxins built up in the bowel may be responsible for several health issues. Colonic irrigation uses a gentle infusion of filtered, temperature-controlled water into the colon for inner cleansing and detoxification.
How Does Colonic Irrigation Work?
Only a trained and certified colonic hygienist is allowed to perform colonic irrigation. They follow strict hygienic procedures to ensure that the treatment is carried out safely and successfully.
During the treatment session, 60 litres of filtered water is pumped through a smooth, flexible disposable tube into the large intestine of the client to flush out built up waste. The tube is lubricated before it is inserted into the anus and three inches into the colon to carry waste out of the body. The water used in the treatment should be warm but not exceed 40ºC.
Colonic irrigation may be beneficial in helping the body detoxify itself as well as in addressing health conditions that arise from poor bowel movement such as bloating and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it is not recommended for people with inflammatory problems like diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and haemorrhoids.
What Are the Benefits of Colonic Irrigation?
Aside from flushing out toxic waste from the body, colonic irrigation offers many other physical, mental and emotional benefits. The list includes the following:
- Natural weight loss
- Improves bowel movement
- Relief from bloating
- Flatter stomach
- Improved digestion
- Increased energy levels
- Loosening of mucus
- Better posture
- Clearer thinking
- Improved concentration
- Improved range of movement
- Allows the body to absorb nutrients efficiently
- Reduces risk of bowel cancer
- Relieves gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS
What Can You Expect From Colonic Irrigation?
A session for colonic irrigation usually lasts between 30 to 50 minutes. Prior to the session, the patient is advised to eat light meals for a specified period of time.
Before the treatment begins, the patient is required to change into a hospital gown and may be asked to take an enema. Then, the patient lies on the treatment table and the therapist uses a special device to fill the colon with warm purified water. Enzymes or herbs may also be added to the water.
The water causes the lining of the colon wall to contract and expand forcing out the accumulated fecal matter through an evacuation tube into the machine. The therapist may also massage the patient's abdomen to help loosen the muscles. The treatment may be repeated several times and should be pain-free.
You will probably notice not having a bowel movement for a couple of days following the treatment. Once your normal bowel movements resume, passage of stool will be much easier.
