The Pros and Cons of Colonics

As more people are turning to alternative medicine seeking non-drug remedies for medical problems, the procedure called "colonics" is gaining attention. But is it really an effective and safe way to eliminate body toxins? Before you decide to have one, you should understand the pros and cons of colonics.

How colonics works

Colonics also goes by other names like colonic hydrotherapy, colonic irrigation, or colon irrigation. A certified colon therapist performs this procedure in a facility that has colon hydrotherapy units.

After changing into a hospital gown, the client lays face-up on the unit table. Attention is given to cleanliness (plastic glove use and disinfecting of units after each use) and patient modesty. The therapist or clients themselves, if that is their preference, insert a disposable speculum into the anus. The speculum is then connected to a long plastic hose on the hydrotherapy unit.

Warm, filtered water is slowly released into the colon through the speculum. As the colon receives the water, its muscles contract through a process called peristalsis. Feces are pushed out through the large plastic tube into a closed waste system. The plastic viewing tube is visible to the client who is able to see all the fecal matter being removed. There is no odor, and some therapists will comment about the color and consistency of the fecal matter passing through the plastic tube.

Sometimes the client feels some abdominal discomfort as the colon contracts to remove old fecal matter. Many therapists use abdominal massage to ease the process along. An average colonic takes about 45 minutes. After the process is complete, the client is asked to sit on the toilet to release any residual water and fecal matter before getting dressed again.

The pros of colonics

Some doctors prescribe colon cleansing as a preparation before medical procedures like a colonoscopy or to aid people who suffer from chronic constipation. Proponents of colonics believe that toxins from your gastrointestinal tract can cause an assortment of health problems, including arthritis, allergies, and asthma. The theory is that by removing body toxins through colonics, this encourages healthy intestinal bacteria to repopulate the colon, thus boosting energy levels and your immunity system.

Many people use colonics without the recommendation of their physician for the following reasons:

To aid a full body detox program that includes herbal supplements and detox diets.

To remove accumulated waste from the colon that can prevent absorption of water and nutrients.

To remove harmful colon bacteria and overgrowth of candida yeast or other parasites.

To prevent stagnant toxins from being absorbed into the bloodstream through the colon wall (autointoxication).

The cons of colonics

Many conventional health professionals are divided over the use of colonics. Most do not support its use for body detoxing, nor do they feel that the process improves overall health. They feel that the digestive and intestinal systems work just fine without any help from colonic hydrotherapy.

Their main concerns with colonics include the following:

Risk of dehydration

Possible perforation of the bowel

Risk of infection

Possible dangerous rise in electrolyte levels in people with kidney or heart disease

Lack of uniform regulations and enforced standards for colon therapists.

Be sure to consult with your physician before making a colonics appointment. Your doctor will be concerned if you have a medical condition and are taking certain medications. Colon irrigation is also not recommended for pregnant women. Some people can also experience side effects including nausea or fatigue after a treatment. Be well informed about the pros and cons of colonics before you make a decision.