Colon Hydrotherapy
Colon hydrotherapists near you
How can colon hydrotherapy nourish you?
The health of the gut is inextricably linked to the overall health of the body[1]. As such, disturbances in the gut can increase the propensity for disease and ill health.
Colon hydrotherapy is also known as colon irrigation, colon cleansing, colonics or colonic lavage[2]. This type of therapy uses filtered, temperature-regulated warm water to cleanse the entire colon[3] and remove the built up waste from the body.
Various colon cleansing practices have been used since ancient times. Developed on the premise that accumulated waste breaks down and becomes toxic, irrigating the colon aims to restore the natural, healthy function of the colon.
Colon hydrotherapy differs from an enema[4], which involves evacuating just the lower colon with one infusion of water and may be performed at home. By contrast, colon hydrotherapy uses specialised equipment to cleanse a larger portion of the bowel multiple times and must be administered by a colon hydrotherapist with sufficient experience, appropriate certification or additional qualifications such as medical, naturopathy or other anatomy and physiology based courses of study.
Colon hydrotherapy does not come without risks. It is crucial to choose an experienced colon hydrotherapist who is affiliated with a professional organisation and has suitable qualifications, such as the intermediate or advanced training with the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy[5], have completed an apprenticeship with a reputable colon hydrotherapist or worked alongside suitably qualified practitioners. Finding a practitioner who upholds best practices and maintains high safety standards is vital.
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Practitioner offering Colon Hydrotherapy
Benefits of colon hydrotherapy
Although there is a need for more research, it is suggested that colon hydrotherapy may assist the body’s natural detoxification processes, as well as improve symptoms that arise from poor bowel function.
One study has reported improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea, after colonic irrigation in patients.
In a prospective study it has also been demonstrated that colonic irrigation may be effective in managing symptoms of chronic constipation and faecal incontinence[6] (inability to control bowel movements) in patients with functional bowel disorders.
Colon hydrotherapy may assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from a colon hydrotherapy session
A typical session of colon hydrotherapy will last between 45 and 60 minutes. Your colon hydrotherapist will provide you with the necessary instructions to follow during each step of your treatment.
You will likely lie on your side or back, on the table and the colon hydrotherapist will use a special device to fill the colon with purified, warm water. This will cause the lining of the colon to expel waste through a tube. The therapist will massage your abdomen to help loosen the muscles. This will be repeated multiple times.
Preparation for your colon hydrotherapy session is recommended. You should refrain from eating at least two hours before your treatment and drink plenty of water at least four hours before the session, so you are well hydrated before you start your treatment.. Your colon hydrotherapist may also provide you with dietary suggestions to follow after your treatment[7].
There are important contraindications for colonic hydrotherapy such as pregnancy and prior surgery and these should be considered prior to making a booking. For details, please see The Colonic Institute’s list[8].
Keep in mind that it is always advisable to consult a qualified health professional before commencing any wellness journey. If you have an injury or an underlying health issue, speak to your colonic hydrotherapist. This therapy is contraindicated for anyone with inflammatory conditions (such as diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or haemorrhoids), chronic illness or those who may be immunocompromised.
References
1. Quigley EM. Gut bacteria in health and disease. Gastroenterol Hepatol; 2013.
2. Health guidelines for personal care and body art industries-Colonic irrigation. The Victorian Government;
3. Colonic lavage businesses. NSW Health; 2024.
4. Difference Between a High Colonic and Enema. VeryWellHealth; 2024.
5. Home. International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy;
6. Rectal irrigation: a useful tool in the armamentarium for functional bowel disorders. Colorectal Disease; 2024.
7. Before and After Colonic Irrigation. Colon Care Clinic; 2024.
8. Contraindications for Colonic Hydrotherapy. Colonic Institute and Wholistic Health Centre; 2024.