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Colon Irrigation
Since ancient times, buildup in the colon has been associated with death and decay. For example, the Egyptians took care to remove the intestines during the embalming process, fearing that the inclusion of the colon in mummification would make the body impure.
While modern health theories bear no such extremity in their views towards the colon, colon irrigation is nonetheless considered to be a potentially beneficial practice in maintaining overall health in the digestive system.
What is Colon Irrigation?
Colon irrigation is performed under the supervision of a colon therapist, who administers up to 20 gallons of water into the rectum, bit by bit, and then flushes it out, with the aid of a pump or machine. This can then be repeated several times if necessary. Occasionally herbs or other substances such as caffeine are mixed in with the water or substituted.
Colon irrigation may go by other names, depending on subtle differences in the therapy or on the country in which it is administered.
- Colon hydrotherapy – The same as colon irrigation
- High colonic – Uses pressurized water (achieved with gravity or mechanically) for a stronger cleansing effect
- Enema – These are generally self-administered, involving a smaller amount of water
How Does Colon Irrigation Work?
The liquid flows through the colon at a high pressure, removing stubborn waste material that can be stuck inside of the parts of the colon, supposedly up to years’ worth of buildup. Colon irrigation works mainly as a cleansing detoxification of the colon, improving the overall function of the digestive system.
What are the Benefits of Colon Irrigation?
The theory behind colon irrigation is that when undigested food or waste material sits inside of the colon for too long without being expelled, the digested material rots and can unleash toxins into the rest of the body via the intestinal wall. This is known as “autointoxication.”
Proponents of colon irrigation believe that by flushing this excess waste and toxins out of the body, there are a number of benefits that can be attained.
Symptoms of Autointoxication
- Headaches
- Sluggishness/Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
By administering therapy such as colon irrigation, it is believed that these symptoms of autointoxication can be battled, leading to an overall lighter sense of being, an increase in energy and mental clarity, and improvement in mood.
What are the Risks of Colon Irrigation?
Detractors to colon irrigation believe that the colon is a self-cleansing organism and doesn’t need to be cleaned from outside. By flushing out the colon in this way, it’s possible to upset the delicate bacterial balance within the intestines.
Some herbs may interact badly with prescription medications. Other rare but serious side effects, mostly due to overuse, can include:
- Bacterial infection
- Dehydration
- Anemia
- Malnutrition
- Heart attacks (In cases where coffee is used)
Though these risks are by no means common, they highlight the fact that colon irrigation should not be used on a very frequent basis, and usually only under the supervision of a professional.
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