Colon Irrigation Treatment

Colon irrigation treatment is a good health practice that is employed to rid the body of toxins and other waste materials. Inflammation of the colon, or colitis, can sometimes be caused by residual irritants in the colon or other parts of the digestive tract. Colonic irrigation is also called colon hydrotherapy or just colonics. Colonic hydrotherapy is also commonly used by patients with severe constipation for effective evacuation.

Difference Between an Enema and Colon Irrigation

Colonic hydrotherapy is a treatment procedure that is carried out rectally. But, colonic hydro therapy is quite different from enemas in that colonics are designed to reach the entire length of the colon as opposed to enemas that only reach a part of the rectum. Also, colon irrigation treatment uses a system of temperature controlled filtered water and not chemical preparation like most enemas.

The Irrigation Procedure

The whole procedure comprises of administration of the filtered water; this is followed by a specific massaging technique that is employed by the hydrotherapist to make sure that the water reaches all parts of the colon and finally, the water, along with waste matter comprising of feces, mucous and toxins are pumped out of the colon. This entire process involved in a typical colon irrigation treatment session can take between forty five minutes to an hour. The procedure is by and large not considered painful. Though the risk of contracting an infectious disease from colon irrigation treatment is slim, you must make sure that you go an experienced colon hydrotherapist.

Home colon cleanse programs are also available that may be more economical alternatives to hospital colon irrigation. It is recommended that you not eat anything for at least two hours prior to the commencement of the treatment. It would be considered wise to discuss a doctor before undergoing colon irrigation treatment, especially if you are already suffering from colon inflammation. Usually, patients having Crohn’s disease are advised to avoid colon hydrotherapy. Colon irrigation treatment can be scheduled in accordance with your needs. Common treatment schedules include daily, weekly or even monthly therapy sessions.

Because of the cleansing and rejuvenating effect that they have on the body, colon irrigation must be considered a good health practice and it is recommended that it be done in regular intervals. The first session of every patient is likely to take a little more than the usual forty five minutes as at the beginning of this session the hydrotherapist records a detailed medical history of the patient. Make sure you inform the hydrotherapist of any gastrointestinal problems that you may be suffering from.

Possible Adverse Effects

Colon irrigation treatment sessions are usually not followed by any adverse effects and patients are encouraged to go to work on the same day, immediately following colon irrigation. Rarely, the patient may experience slight nausea after therapy but it is transient and self limiting. Women need not refrain from undergoing colon irrigation during their menstrual cycle and it is not known to hinder the success of the treatment. Regular colon cleansing sessions help accumulation of toxins and waste in the intestines and thereby play a role in preventing colon inflammation.