| 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 large amounts of
water, sometimes infused with minerals or other materials, into
the colon using a tube and syringe inserted into the rectum.
The fluid is removed 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.In some cases, colon bypass or a colectomy was done.
Current practitioners recommend it for a variety of ills stemming
from accumulation of fecal matter in the large intestine, a
process referred to as autointoxication. 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 back these claims and the theory of autointoxication
is not recognized by the medical establishment.
In the early 1980s, there were a 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 diarrhoea.
Colonics are inappropriate for people with serious bowel pathology
such as ulcerative colitis or other types of colitis, where
there is a risk of bowel perforation if the pathology.
The practice is currently only regulated in some states of
the United States so there is no system in that country to
track adverse events from the practice. Some practitioners
go through a voluntary certification process, and may be members
of one of the colon hydrotherapy associations worldwide.
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 is about $65 to $80 in the
US. In comparison, a 30 ml (1 ounce) dose of Oral Phospho-soda
or a bottle of Magnesium Citrate will give effective laxative
effects at a cost of approximately $2. All saline laxatives
should be used with care as complications of electrolyte levels
can develop with use, especially if dosage recommendations
are exceeded or if underlying medical problems exist. The safety
of Colon hydrotherapy in the conditions that increase the risk
of complications with oral laxatives has not been established.
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